BIG SAND LAKE RETREAT

PARK RAPIDS, MINNESOTA

This lakeside cabin complex located in Northern Minnesota was designed for two families who had spent summers on this lake for generations. Their shared respect for the tradition of modest fishing retreats on this lake formed the basis of the design challenge: how to build something new that did not stand out amongst the small-scale original retreats on the lake. The program was divided into three small scaled, dark colored buildings, meant to blend into the environment as inconspicuously as possible.

PROJECT TYPE:

New Construction, Retreat Home, Outbuilding, Kitchen, Bathroom, Living Room

PROJECT TEAM:

Christine L. Albertsson, AIA, CID, NCARB, Partner Tammy Angaran, AIA LEED GA Abigail Merlis, Assoc.

AIA PHOTOGRAPHY:

Corey Gaffer

INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANT:

Lynne Boyer

The main house was designed to be as spatially efficient as possible with maximum functionality and direct connection to the outdoors. All interior materials were selected to be sustainable and renewable, with an emphasis placed on indoor air quality. The garage/recreation cabin is intended to be used primarily as a bar and hang out space. The small guest cottage has a living space, two bedrooms, bathroom and an outdoor shower.

OFF NOTE

Very few trees were removed and no changes were made to the existing shoreline.
A combination of burned wood and painted fiber cement was used for the siding.
The roofs are slate and metal while the windows are clad with a custom green color to blend with the pine branches.

BEHIND THE ARCHITECTURE

THE VISION

This lakeside cabin complex located in Northern Minnesota was designed for two families who had spent
summers on this lake for generations. Their shared respect for the tradition of modest fishing retreats on this lake formed the basis of the design challenge: how to build something new that did not stand out amongst
the small-scale original retreats on the lake.

THE CHALLENGES

The vacated site of the original cabin became an open beach and yard around which the three buildings were arranged. The composition unfolds as one approaches along the drive, presenting each building in a three-quarter view.

THE SOLUTION

The program was divided into three small
scaled, dark colored buildings, meant to blend into the environment as inconspicuously as possible. Very few trees were removed and no changes were made to the existing shoreline. The black color of the exteriors of all three buildings was chosen to allow them to blend into the wooded surrounding in
both summer and winter.