Charles R Stinson Architects modern new home on lakefront in stone and wood

A beautiful wooded site on a lakefront is a magical setting that provides a rare, probably once-in-a-lifetime design opportunity.

But the magnificent plot featured on these pages has seen two houses built in the past century, with the most recent home designed by Charles R Stinson Architecture + Design and built by Hage Homes.

It wasn't planned this way at the start, however. Architect Charles R Stinson says the owners originally approached him to remodel the existing house. But after looking at all the options, the architect said the best way to maximize the site would be to start over.

"The lakefront setting had so much more potential," he says. "I envisaged a home with long, horizontal lines and large platforms reaching out to the water, much like a ship floating on the lake. This was a whole new concept for the owners. But they already had an affinity with the natural prairie style of our architecture, and liked the idea of a new abstraction."

Stinson designed the home so it gradually reveals itself, and the spectacular views.

"The approach winds through the woods to the front of the home, which screens the view of the lake. The view opens up once you step through the front door and catch a glimpse of what lies beyond."

The home has several signature features that define much of the firm's architecture, including the strong composition created by intersecting horizontal and vertical elements.

"The horizontal roof forms and the fully glazed exterior reinforce the idea of a floating structure," Stinson says.

Natural materials, both inside and out, are also characteristic of the firm's style. The house is clad in Midwestern limestone, sourced locally. The limestone extends through to the interior, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors.

"We also created a huge stone fireplace that soars over two-and-a-half stories. This is one of the first things you see on entering the home. The fireplace and the limestone columns help to anchor the home visually, balancing the lightness of all the glass."

Wood features extensively on the interior, which is by CRS Interiors. There are fir doors and windows, and cedar ceilings in most rooms. An acoustic fabric was specified for the ceiling in the great room, to avoid echoes.

"With indigenous maple trees on site, it was a natural response to choose maple for the kitchen cabinets," Stinson says. "Maple reappears on cabinetry throughout the house the material palette is consistent."

The architect also provided a mix of public and more intimate spaces, so the owners could experience the home in different ways. There is a quiet nook beside the kitchen, and the master suite has its own private porch, complete with outdoor fireplace.

Changes in the floor level enhance a sense of anticipation and journey the living room is a step below the entry, and the master suite a step higher. Floating stairs and glass railings lead to the lower level for lake access and guest accommodation.

For more details, contact Charles R Stinson Architecture + Design, 18304 Minnetonka Blvd, Deephaven, MN 55391, phone (952) 473 9503. Email: info@charlesrstinson.com. Or visit the website: www.charlesrstinson.com

Story by: Trendsideas