Door County Lake Home

Nestled into a sloping, tree-filled lot overlooking Green Bay, this lake home is an intimate expression of both its clients and the land. Designed as a summer retreat, the house is carefully integrated into the natural contours of the site, creating a sense of discovery as it reveals itself through the three-acre wooded drive. The home’s low profile emerges subtly through the trees, its form gently embracing the slope and opening dramatically toward the water.

This home’s magic lies in its human scale and balanced design, offering intimate comfort for two while accommodating large gatherings with ease. Four pavilion-like structures: main living, private realm, guest wing, and accessory structure, organize the design, breaking down its scale while creating dynamic outdoor courtyards. These spaces blur the line between indoors and out, allowing natural light, air, and views of the lake to permeate every corner.

Materiality anchors the design. Stone salvaged during excavation forms the hearth, a central element around which the home was built. Warm mahogany softens the palette, creating a tactile, inviting experience.  A canopy over the kitchen and a raised ceiling in the dining area define individual spaces within the home while maintaining an open flow.

This home is deeply personal, reflecting the lives and values of its owners. Every detail, from the stone paired with the mahogany siding, to the functional layout, embodies the client/architect collaborative hands-on involvement in creating this home.

Designed to live harmoniously with the land, the house becomes an extension of its surroundings, seamlessly blending form, function, and environmental sensitivity.

At its heart, this home is about connection between people, nature, and architecture. It is a celebration of the journey, of moments revealed slowly and spaces crafted thoughtfully, culminating in a timeless, warm, and welcoming retreat.

Door County, Wisconsin
Scope: Architecture, Interior Architecture
Photography: Ryan Hainey
Video: Brodie Kerst