Designed by Bryan Anderson
with Jessica Wilder and Matt Wingard
The owner was looking for a lake cabin in her northern Minnesota hometown when she discovered one she fondly recalled from her childhood, particularly memorable because of its uniquely bowed roof. The inside of this 1963 cabin was a time capsule complete with spiral stair, abundant paneling, and brass and mirrored details. What it lacked in updates, it exceeded in retro inspiration!
A desire to retain as much of the original character as possible was a defining goal, but the two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath walkout needed more room for large, casual gatherings and overnight guests. A flat-roofed addition with stacked en suites doubled accommodations and created an expansive gathering space defined by luxurious materials, including white oak millwork and wide-plank floors, three-dimensional tile and reclaimed brass screens.
The bowed roof, so memorable to the new owner, created the greatest challenge. Formed of hand-built trusses, the elegant outer shape concealed a compressed and dark interior with a flat ceiling height at seven feet. The roof structure needed replacement to increase the interior height, but it was important to the owner that the original roof shape remain. Inverting the bow shape to an arch became the solution to increasing the interior volume without raising the walls. The result is a gently arched ceiling reaching a height of nine feet along the middle of the room, where a new fireplace chimney visually anchors the center of the gathering space.
Other unique details were derived from original elements. The radius of the existing spiral stair defines a new curved landing accommodating a gentler, more accessible, stair. And lest it be forgotten, the diameter of the spiral stair was matched in a new feature window in the primary suite, creating a human-sized aperture from which to view the lake that drew her home.
Construction by Tom Sagedahl
Ironwork by Bo Jacobsson, Bold Metal Work
Landscape Design by Travis Van Liere Studio
Cabinetry by Hurley Custom Cabinets
Photography by Troy Thies
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