Mod Cott
Photography by Jacob Termansen & Mell Lawrence.
Office Project Team: Mell Lawrence, Scott Smith, François Levy, Krista Whitson, & Mark Winford
Contractor: Classic Constructors
Structural Engineer: Smith Structural Engineers
Landscaping: Brenda Barger Landscape Design
A simple metal volume perched on a bluff offers targeted views of the lake below. The guesthouse and weekend retreat complements a nearby stone residence and although it is "on the grid," its 14 solar panels collect enough energy to power its intermittent use. Rainwater is collected from the roof for household use and the xeriscaping requires no irrigation. The house is oriented to the south, its galvanized metal exterior punctuated by windows that frame vignettes to the east and west. A partition wall separates the elongated rectangular interior and supports the lofts structure, which appears to float above the glazed joist spaces. Fir decking creates both ceiling and loft floor, and is repeated in the supersized wainscoting and stair screen wall. Thirteen-foot doors further expand the modest volume, opening to the south to capture the view, prevailing breezes, and sounds of nature.