Situated on a steep lakeside bluff in Sawyer, Michigan, the Sawyer Retreat is a vacation house that provides a respite from busy city life. Wheeler Kearns Architects navigated the limited buildable area by keeping the lower-level footprint compact and using sheet piling, thus leaving the root systems of nearby trees undisturbed. A thin wood and steel pedestrian bridge spans the sloping ground to reach the front door.
The structure’s upper floor cantilevers outward, maximizing usable space and immersing inhabitants in the surrounding treetops. From the lakeside, the façade opens up with large glass openings that take advantage of the panoramic surrounding views while remaining nestled in the dense dunescape.
The interior is oriented to prioritize exterior views: The entryway presents a glimpse of the lake, while, on the south end of the home the open living, dining, and family space opens onto an exterior deck overlooking the ravine and lake. The space between the living room and primary suite on the upper floor features a skylight above the staircase.
Sawyer Retreat minimizes its carbon footprint using rooftop solar panels, an on-site battery backup for emergency power, an electric vehicle car charging system, energy-efficient triple-pane glazing, and passive ventilation strategies. The landscape design removes invasive plant species and instead focuses on the use of native and indigenous plantings that require no irrigation system.
The project’s palette of earthy and low-maintenance materials are intended to weather over time, including charred Kebony wood siding, polished concrete floors, Douglas Fir ceilings, and oak millwork.
Project Details
Award: Merit
Category: Custom Home: 5,000 Square Feet or Less
Architect: Wheeler Kearns Architects
Builder: Scott Christopher Homes
Location: Sawyer, Michigan
Size: 3,150 square feet
