In the A&L Lake House, organic forms, finishes and materials nestle within natural surroundings.
Architects, designers and common folk have kicked A-Frame designs around for centuries. Everyone loves a well-done A-Frame.
A-Frame and Roofs
A classic mountain A-Frame combines with flowing and folded roof planes. The A-Frame House, with its ‘all roof and no walls’ architectural style, has been used worldwide from the Japanese farmhouse of Shirakawa-go to the ski chalets of Switzerland.
The A-Frame structure was born out of practicality and symbolism, allowing heavy snowfalls to slide off pitched roofs, and in some cases representing the culture of tribal ancestors. In this Lake house, the unique architectural style blends tradition with cutting-edge design sensibilities of today.
Embracing Site
Engaging with site and exterior spaces, a large terraced outdoor living room with a sunken lounge opens to the water view.
This outdoor room is a natural sanctuary within a forested, green landscape and is bordered with edges of deconstructed concrete planks that dissolve into the green surrounding.
Deck dissipates into the earth and the tree edge overlaps with the deck.
A pool offers rest and relaxation embracing connection to the landscape. Water flows from an infinity pool edge to the horizons of water and shoreline, reflecting boundaries between natural and man- made environments.
Interiors & Views
Open interiors embrace remarkable views of the lake shore and surrounding forests.
Nested among natural rock outcroppings, evergreens and lake edges, the house enclosure minimizes the boundaries of interior and exterior through large planes of glass. The main floor and second floor master bedroom suite are the core spaces where key views converge and capture the context.
Main Floor & Upper Floor: Public & Private Zones
As the public floor, the lake side of the main floor includes the living room, kitchen and dining functions, whereas the forest side accommodates workspaces and media areas.
The main living room is at the forefront and pivotal lake edge of the site. A version of the outdoor room, this space opens on three sides to the lake view beyond. From this space, stairs framed by rock outcroppings flow to the water below.
2nd Floor
On the second and upper floor, the master bedroom suite features a continuous skylight running the length of the house, inviting views upwards to embrace daylight and starry nights. Generous spaces and windows open to beautiful views all around.
The dominant roof planes break at the stairwell to upper and lower floors. In a zone of glass, vertical and lateral movement turns and reveals through framed views of the site.
Lower Level: Guest Bedrooms & Services
The lower level contains house services and garages, two guest bedrooms, and another access to the outdoor decks. Constructed of concrete, this level connects to earth and provides a base and weight upon which the framed house rests. In a bid for cost efficiency, large precast concrete culverts, now repurposed, house the two guest bedrooms and a studio behind the house. These prefabricated structures provide efficient shelter, space, and separation. Like container homes, the precast units are trucked in and dropped onto prepared foundations.
Sustainable Design
The lake house integrates sustainable design at several levels (see sustainable design board insert below):
Radiant Heating and Cooling System | Home Hydroelectric Power | Triple Pane Glazing | Thermostat Operated Vents in Skylights | Occupancy and Sensor Controls | Water Reclamation System and Tanks | Low-Flo Plumbing Fixtures | Natural Lighting | Extended Eaves and Roof Edges for Sun Shading | Local Reclaimed Wood | Native Plants & Landscaping
