DECK HOUSE

Our clients approached us with a dream of creating a high-performance deck house, a tranquil lakeside retreat from their bustling city life. The result is a sustainable home that harmoniously blends with its environment, making the most of natural light and materials. Situated on a sloping terrain, it boasts stunning views of the lake and the enveloping woods.

True to its name, the house features extensive decking, including a prominent raised catwalk that connects the home to the street-level parking terrace. The exterior is clad in Shou Sugi Ban vertical siding, a technique that not only enhances durability but also allows the structure to seamlessly integrate with its natural setting. The use of cable railings ensures uninterrupted lake views.

For this design, we embraced a mid-century modern ethos, with a focus on simplicity, connection to nature, and living spaces that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Inside, the home exudes warmth and openness. Natural wood shiplap along with an exposed ridge beam traverse the expansive main living area. A sleek, German-made modular kitchen anchors one corner of this space, blending functionality with style. This level also includes a mudroom alcove, two bedrooms, and a well-appointed bathroom.

The lower level features a walkout office space oriented towards lake views. Built-in white oak bookcases add organization, while a cleverly concealed Murphy bed provides versatility for accommodating guests. This floor also houses another full bathroom, an exercise room with ample natural light despite its garden level location and a mechanical room.

Environmental sustainability is at the heart of this deck house. It operates entirely on electricity, integrating solar panels, a geothermal heating and cooling system, and a whole-house Tesla battery for energy efficiency and reliability. An electric vehicle (EV) charging station was also incorporated at the parking terrace along with a mid-century inspired mailbox element.