Rounded Rocks Cabin

SISTER BAY, WISCONSIN
2007
BUILT
5500 SQ. FT.

Composed of three building types: Main Residence, Sun Porch and Guest House stretch along the shore of Lake Michigan finding expression in an interplay between the natural and man-made.

Linear planning of house maximizes lake views and is organized along a retaining wall of locally quarried stone. The stone wall extends through the house and beyond to define interior and exterior spaces while supporting a folding metal roof and a linear clerestory. Clerestory brings natural light to the core of house while metal roof extends beyond building envelope to provide summer shade. Cedar posts, beams and a textural composition of cedar siding, glass and stone blur the definition of interior and exterior bringing the outside in and taking the inside out. Multi-shaded fiber cement panels (inspired by cedar tree trunks on site) with aluminium reveals and a patchwork of cedar lapped siding create a modern composition blended with the organic canvas of the site.

Subtracted space from the linear planning creates exterior courts and patios, folding interior spaces with nature and opens corners to a wider vista of the lake. Lake stones used as pavers lead guests along Entry Court to Lakeside patio beyond texturally and figuratively connecting bluff and lake. Sun porch centrally located between Main House and Guesthouse is simultaneously a meeting hub for house guests and residents and a buffer providing both with privacy if wanted.