With fragile land and a spectacular Lake Superior view, designing for this site required a gentle touch. A cluster of moderately sized spaces, each slightly askew from the other, takes advantage of the site while not overpowering it.
The approach from the road offers a gradual introduction to human-made elements--a bridge over wetlands leads to a private sleeping cabin perched on the granite outcropping. Views of outbuildings and wings provide a sense of enclosure against big lake's force.
Exposure versus protection get played out in a variety of ways, from the enclosed pergola for avid storm-watchers to the wooded meadowlands behind. An article on this project was published in Architecture Minnesota, May/June 1999).