Ely Retreat Home

After years of vacationing in Ely Minnesota, our clients love of the area’s towering pines, large moss-covered boulders, and beauty of Lake Shagawa led them to purchase a lot on the lake shore to build their own retreat. Inspired by Ely’s traditional lake cabins, the main house and detached garage and studio are designed as modern versions of these modest structures, emphasizing a compact footprint and incorporating energy efficient and sustainable design principles. Triple pane glazing, high density foam insulation, building orientation and cabin dimensions contribute to the energy and construction efficiency of the home, while preserving the natural beauty of the landscape.

The long slender design is purposefully oriented parallel to the lake to maximize lake views in every room and take advantage of optimal solar orientation. The narrow width of the home allows daylight from the north (lake-facing facade) into the interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting throughout the day. The shorter sides to the east and west minimize solar heat gain and provide privacy for our clients, as well as their future neighbors. Working closely with the contractor, the 16’ main structural width and height maximizes construction efficiency by reducing construction waste, ultimately reducing the carbon footprint of the home. An extension of the roof and wingwalls to the north creates an outdoor room, providing a windbreak and privacy while enjoying an expansive lakeside deck.