The residence is positioned along a small lake enveloped by a deciduous forest near the Saint Croix River along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. The northern region of the Midwest is best defined by its extreme weather, with summer temperatures pushing past the hundred-degree mark, while winter months may witness temperatures falling well into the negatives. Early design questions explored how integrating the construction of a dwelling with the patterns of life would enhance the site characteristics rather than isolate them. Design strategies aim to couple the varied thermal conditions with the program, allowing the house to breathe through the seasons with the embedded characteristics of the site.

The project leverages the dynamic range of thermal characteristics offered by the site by dispersing the program to address seasonal swings. Interior protective spaces provide a comfortable existence during the harsh winter months and extend the transitional season by connecting interior and exterior conditions. Exterior garden spaces, platforms along the woodline nestled into the hill, and exposed areas by the lakeside allow the family to move around the site in search of coolth through spring, summer, and early fall. The interior of the residence offers a range of spaces, from intimate moments that impress with a feeling of warmth to larger, exposed areas connecting to the surrounding site.

Work completed while at SALA Architects.