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.

A cozy lake home with glowing windows sits surrounded by tall trees and deep snow at dusk, featuring custom cabinetry and millwork beneath a snowy roof in a tranquil winter landscape.
A cozy, rustic living room designed by a Minnesota architect features wood-paneled walls and ceiling, a stone fireplace, plaid sofas, custom cabinetry and millwork, and large windows framing snowy trees. Light wood floors and a dining table complete the space.
A cozy, modern kitchen and dining area designed by a Minnesota architect features rustic wood walls, checkered seating, mixed dining chairs, pendant lights, and a countertop with bottles and flowers. Snow-covered trees reflect the timeless interior design of this lake home.
A cozy, timeless interior design living room with large windows, a stone fireplace, blue plaid sofa, armchairs, wooden floors, colorful rug, and a dining area with a long wooden table and chairs. Snow is visible outside this lake home.
A kitchen featuring custom cabinetry and millwork, a large island with black countertop, two white chairs, stainless steel appliances, a green tiled backsplash, open shelves with colorful dishes, and large windows letting in natural light.
A cozy bedroom with wood-paneled walls and ceiling, custom cabinetry and millwork, a bed with white bedding, a wall lamp, a small vase of flowers, a window seat with cushions, large windows, and an open door leading to a bathroom.
Cozy wood-paneled bedroom with a bed, wall lamp, and flowers on the nightstand highlights timeless interior design. Next to it, a sunlit bathroom with a white sink and large window overlooks a snowy forest.
A house with custom cabinetry and millwork and a steep, snow-covered roof sits among tall, leafless trees in a wintry landscape at sunset, reflecting the touch of a Minnesota architect.
A black cabin designed by a Minnesota architect stands among tall trees in a snowy forest. Snow covers the roof, stairs, and ground, while another small cabin sits in the background under a clear blue sky.
Two dark blue wooden cabins with snow-covered roofs sit in a snowy landscape surrounded by tall trees. Designed by a Minnesota architect, the cozy lake home in the foreground shows its porch, while another cabin rests among the trees at sunset.
A cozy sunroom with large windows, wicker chairs, a colorful plaid rug, custom cabinetry and millwork, a glass coffee table, and a wood-burning stove. Snowy trees are visible outside as natural light fills the space.
Cozy bedroom with wood-paneled walls, built-in beds with striped bedding, storage drawers underneath, and two windows revealing a snowy forest. Soft natural light and natural materials create a warm, timeless interior design.
A dark wooden cabin with glowing windows is surrounded by snow and tall pine trees at dusk, creating a cozy lake home scene with hints of custom cabinetry and millwork for added charm.
A cabin with a stone chimney sits among tall pine trees in a snowy landscape by a lake, featuring natural materials and custom cabinetry and millwork, with the sun setting through the trees in the background.
A cozy, dark-colored cabin with large windows glows warmly amid deep snow and tall pine trees—a serene winter scene at dusk, crafted with timeless interior design by a Minnesota architect.
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.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Corey Gaffer

INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANT

Lynne Boyer

BUILDER

Howard Homes

A cozy, dark-colored lake home with glowing windows sits surrounded by snow and tall pine trees at dusk. Designed by a Minnesota architect, the house features natural materials and a thick layer of snow on the roof and ground.

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

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.