Red Cedar Lake home
Description: The Red Cedar Lake House project unfolds as a captivating tale of a family’s quest for a lakeside haven that seamlessly connects with nature while fostering intimate togetherness.
Having cherished their summers spent by Red Cedar Lake for years, the family decided to pursue a new vision when an expansive property became available on the lake’s north end. Their desire was clear: to create a modern, open cabin that harmonized with its natural surroundings, offering both visual and physical connections with the environment.
The site, originally overgrown and untamed, held vast potential, boasting opportunities for panoramic views of the expansive lake as well as tranquil inlets and bays. Early on, a strategic decision was made to delineate two distinct realms. The area immediately surrounding the house would be thoughtfully landscaped with modern elements, featuring a prominent Corten steel edge. Beyond this intentional intervention, the remainder of the site would be left in its pristine, natural state.
Approaching the house is an orchestrated experience, beginning with the concealment of the home behind a high point on the site, shielding it from the road. As one progresses, a captivating trap rock courtyard slowly reveals itself. A welcoming wooden portal serves as the threshold, compressing space before unveiling a breathtaking view of the lake. For those not entering the home, alternative pathways beckon, guiding guests over a series of concrete lily pads, around the water’s edge, or through an eastern portal leading to the private domain and a direct path to the water.
The architectural design is marked by its simplicity, anchored by an east-west circulation spine. To the north, a low masonry wall provides privacy within the courtyard while supporting a shed roof that elegantly ascends on glulam beams, framing sweeping lake vistas. A north-south charred wood structure effectively divides private and public spaces. Inside, blackened steel and wood stairs ascend to a guest loft adorned with Douglas Fir bunks, natural cork floors, and Birchbark wallcoverings.
The heart of the cabin lies to the west, thoughtfully capitalizing on the natural terrain. This is where living spaces flow seamlessly onto a generous patio and a screened porch, both providing direct access to the lake. Anchoring one end is a striking fireplace with custom blackened steel components, while the dining and kitchen areas to the west open to the screened porch through large double swinging doors and a custom pass-through window to a porch bar.
The outdoor experience extends further, with a natural wild grass slope leading to the family beach in the east, complete with a screened gazebo to shield parents and grandparents from insects. Alternatively, a Corten-edged path beckons westward, guiding residents to the boathouse and a concealed water toy dock.
On the east side of the cabin, the primary bedroom offers a unique perspective, perched above ground level with a balcony perfect for sunrise breakfasts and wildlife observation. An accessible route facilitates a morning dip in the lake, followed by a sauna and an invigorating outdoor shower before breakfast. The main bath, accessed through a rustic barn door, boasts a large freestanding tub with nightly sunset views over the lake.
In summary, the Red Cedar Lake House is a testament to the successful realization of a vision for a modern lakeside cabin that embraces nature while providing intimate spaces for family gatherings. Though never intended as a permanent residence, it has undeniably captured the hearts of its owners, who are preparing to share its tranquil embrace with a new family as they transition to a new chapter in Saint Paul.
Project Team:
Architect: Rick Lundin AIA Lundin Architects LLC
Assistant: Mike Bader AIA Fuse 57 LLC
Structural Engineer: Daniel Kopchinski, PE A.M. Structural Engineering
Civil Engineering: Lance Elliott CE Elliott Design Build Inc
Contractor: Mark Larson Briarwood 2
Photographer: Farm Kid Studios
Photo Stylist: Jhna Lundin