Lakeside Modern by PKA Architecture

Positioned discreetly from the road yet seamlessly open to the water, the home serves a family seeking a residence for both summer and year-round vacations. It features unique architectural elements designed to give the property a fresh perspective.

PKA Architecture was commissioned to completely redesign a home that the family was downsizing from a larger one nearby. From the onset, the design needed to encompass the location’s prime views of the water, which faced west in line with the impressive sunsets of Northern Minnesota.

As access from the road was a primary concern, the property holds a protective barrier at the front for privacy. Immediately beyond the home is the lake, making it easy for the residents to enjoy stunning waterside activities like boating and fishing with friends and family.

The team created multiple outdoor spaces for dining and entertaining, with the main covered terrace configured to take full advantage of the sweeping views. The services, including a kitchen and outdoor dining table, are positioned near the property edge. 

Additionally, vertical channel glass was integrated into the front façade. The chosen glass minimizes sightlines and provides day privacy whilst also glowing from the outside at night when illuminated.

The largest feature to design around was a large painting of 10’x10′ (3×3 meters) located in the dining room. Given its size, the team needed to figure out an appropriate location early on in the design process. This consideration resulted in a double-height dining space with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for natural light while optimally showcasing the piece.

The interior design firm Martha Dayton Design offered assistance on the details and layout of the entire home. Sensitivity was key, as the clients were moving out from the house where they raised their children, who are now grown with children of their own.

The clients’ most important request was that each child contributed to elements that would make this new house a home — and they took this task to heart throughout the entire process. 

This design was as much for the children and grandchildren as it was for the clients. It showcases a pharmacy of sentimental family pieces filled with memories, all reinterpreted and brought to life in the new space.

Throughout Lakeside Modern, artwork by the clients’ children is displayed, while the living room holds a fireplace designed by the husband with the family crest etched into it. There’s also a ceramic piece made by one of the children decorating the tabletop.

Space was created for entertaining with a bar area and a billiards room featuring a large structural overhang. At the rear of the home is a family-friendly game lawn with a sunken fire pit and putting green to enjoy time spent outdoors. 

This home is also designed to make the most of the lake view, which is indeed spectacular. Unencumbered by sightlines, the terrace allows guests to revel in the sun when the weather permits while offering breezy privacy.

According to the team, the most rewarding part was being able to make the house livable, comfortable, and fun while remaining true to the environmental constraints and the client’s requests.

PKA Architecture’s other projects include Waterfront House Tucked Behind Protective Hills And Lawns and Light-Filled Dumpling In Seattle Amid Restrictive Zoning. Over in Chicago, Studio Dwell recently transformed a century-old brick coach house into a multi-functional home for modern living.