Mann Lake Retreat

This handcrafted home marries rustic elegance with exotic finishes inspired during the homeowners' travel.

Housing the spirit of adventure.

The well-traveled owners wanted to showcase the fruits of their journeys. We took up the challenge of importing materials, seamlessly incorporated into the final design.

Coordinating the arrival of Viraro flooring from Spain required us to overcome a significant language barrier in what turned out to be a six-month ordering process. An antique door from Indonesia, received after construction had begun, was successfully retrofitted to the entrance of the wine cellar.

Home design that blends into its North Woods habitat.

The owners also wanted to wholly integrate their home into its environment. Accordingly, our design emphasized the use of natural materials. Wood and stone were used to construct the entrances, providing a seamless transition between inside and out – and plenty of sunlight as well. To provide generous views of the surrounding lake and woods, we built two turrets on the second floor.

Preserving the site’s natural heritage.

We applied green building principles by reusing the vintage pines originally found on the property. In addition, locally reclaimed Douglas fir, selected for its warmth and stability, became handcrafted structural trusses and handrails. We were extra-cautious to avoid any negative impact on the lake, so we set the foundations even further from the shoreline than zoning regulations required. This also delivered a greater sense of privacy for the owners.