Velero Azul New
Velero Azul: Modern Lakeside Living: Velero Azul is a thoughtfully designed, site-responsive home that balances privacy, lake views, and sustainable living. Situated on a narrow lot with a 22-foot grade drop from street to water and homes close to the property line, the design takes advantage of these constraints by using parallel white architectural planes, or “sails,” to frame views toward the lake while maintaining privacy from neighbors. Blue-toned volumes and open decks are interspersed between the sails, creating visual interest and a dynamic connection to the outdoors.
Entry and Exterior: Access to the home is via a breezeway that gently descends down the slope, offering partial views of the lake and creating a natural progression to the front door. A detached garage is connected to the house by a zen garden, which provides a peaceful moment before entering the main living spaces.
From the street, the home presents a striking yet restrained façade, with light-toned wood balconies softening the structure’s height and evoking the look of ship decks.
Main Floor Layout: The main living spaces are located on the first floor, organized around a central volume that contains a powder room, pantry, and laundry. This layout maintains openness while subtly defining the kitchen, dining area, living room, and office.
Large windows extend sightlines through the house and maximize views of the lake. The interiors feature white walls and light wood tones to enhance natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. A volcanic stone fireplace anchors the living room and ties the house visually to the landscape.
Balconies off the main floor provide outdoor living areas and extend the home’s connection to the water.
Private Upper Level: The upper floor houses the bedrooms, including the primary suite, and overlooks the foyer below. Vertical slot windows bring in natural light without compromising privacy.
The primary suite offers expansive lake views through a wall of glass and includes an integrated office with a custom steel screen separating it from the sleeping area. The open-concept closet and primary bathroom, featuring a blue-tiled accent wall, continue the home’s clean, modern aesthetic while allowing views through the front and back of the property.
Lake Level: Designed for summer living, the lake level is a multifunctional entertainment and guest space. It includes a pub room, a lake bath with lockers and benches for guests, and a bunk room to accommodate larger family gatherings. A dedicated lake storage area is built into the walk-out level, minimizing the need to carry equipment up to the garage or store gear outside.
Guest Suite and Roof Deck: A guest suite, located above the garage, provides visitors with privacy. From here, an open staircase leads to the roof deck, which offers 360-degree views of the lake and surrounding landscape, particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset.
Sustainable Design Features: Velero Azul incorporates sustainable design strategies that enhance its efficiency and minimize its environmental impact. The home’s orientation and deep roof overhangs optimize passive solar heating and cooling, while operable windows allow for natural ventilation. High-performance insulation and energy-efficient glazing reduce heat loss, and local, durable materials like volcanic stone and sustainably sourced wood contribute to the home’s longevity. The zen garden also acts as a permeable surface to aid in stormwater management.
A Practical, Modern Lakeside Home: Velero Azul combines thoughtful design, practical features, and sustainability to create a modern lakeside retreat. Its layout maximizes functionality and comfort while making full use of the site’s lakefront setting. By balancing openness and privacy, the home provides a seamless connection to the water, making it an ideal summer retreat for family gatherings and quiet getaways alike.
Project Team:
Architect: Rick Lundin AIA Lundin Architects LLC
Structural Engineer: Dave Wagner PE and Daniel Kopchinski, PE A.M. Structural Engineering
Contractor: Michael Paul Design Build
Photography: Farm Kid Studio
Photo Stylist: Jhna Lundin