BOUNDARY WATERS RETREAT

ELY, MINNESOTA

The new cabin on Burntside Lake, located on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, is designed to prioritize views of the water and the sounds of the loons over large space. With just 2000 square feet, including the remodeled bunkhouse, the scale is modest. A screened-in porch provides shelter from mosquitoes, while the wood-burning fireplace serves as the focal point of the main living space. The dark exterior materials allow the cabin to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Additionally, the original outdoor sauna on the edge of the water was remodeled to create the final piece in a classic Iron Range North Woods experience.

A cozy lakeside cabin is nestled among tall pine and yellow autumn trees, with sunlight illuminating the scene. Inside, custom cabinetry and millwork showcase natural materials. The water gently laps against a rocky shoreline in the foreground.
A cozy lake home with dark siding, an open wooden front door, custom cabinetry and millwork, Adirondack chair on the porch, and a screened-in sitting area overlooking the lake and trees in the background.
A dark wood house with large windows sits in a green, sunlit forest clearing, surrounded by tall trees and lush grass. Custom home design and natural materials blend seamlessly with the serene setting.
A brown house with large windows and a smaller cabin sit among tall pine and leafy trees in an autumn forest, featuring natural materials. Green grass and fallen leaves cover the ground.
Modern kitchen with vaulted ceiling, exposed wood beams, white cabinets, large island with four wooden stools, pendant lights, and a vase of flowers; stacked firewood and a fireplace highlight natural materials in this custom home design.
A cozy dining and living area with large windows overlooking a lake, custom cabinetry and millwork, a wooden table with chairs, built-in bench seating, stone fireplace, armchair, and pendant lights. Sunlight fills the room.
A cozy bedroom featuring custom cabinetry and millwork, a neatly made bed with decorative pillows, a lamp, and large windows offering scenic lake views framed by trees. Warm natural light fills this timeless interior design.
A cozy screened porch with outdoor seating overlooks a picnic table and scenic lake. Inside, a bright living room displays wood beams and a fireplace through the doorway, reflecting natural materials often used in Minnesota architect custom home design. Flowers sit on a table nearby.
Cozy lake home cabin with wooden floors, dining area by large windows, compact kitchen with white cabinets, custom cabinetry and millwork, mini fridge, and a wood-burning stove. Lake and trees are visible outside the windows.
A cozy cabin interior with wood-paneled walls, a bed, a wood-burning stove, and a small dining table with chairs. Natural materials create warmth, while an open door lets in light and reveals greenery typical of a lake home. A mug sits on the table.
A cozy bedroom in a lake home with light wood walls features a bunk bed and single bed, all with black-and-white checkered bedding. Large windows fill the timeless interior design with natural light and views of the trees outside.
A wooden sauna room with benches along the walls, a bucket and ladle on a platform, and a small window letting in natural light. The light-colored wood showcases timeless interior design inspired by a classic Minnesota architect.
PROJECT TEAM

Christine L. Albertsson, AIA, CID, NCARB, Partner;
Mark E. Tambornino, AIA, CID, Partner;
Katie Loecken 

PHOTOGRAPHY

Corey Gaffer

BUILDER

Rod & Sons Carpentry

A cozy sunroom with timeless interior design and large windows overlooks a grassy yard, a small wooden cabin, and a lake surrounded by trees, all bathed in warm evening light.
OF NOTE
  • The dining bench allows for cozy meals for both large and small groups
  • The screened in porch expands the modest indoor space in the warmer months
  • Slab on grade construction with heated floors
  • Vaulted ceilings expand the feel of an efficient space.
  • Separate bunkhouse offers privacy and flexibility for extended family groups.