Modern guest house with stone facade and autumn trees.

A modern lakefront guest house with a stone facade, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage.

Story

A modern sanctuary on Lac du Flambeau, merging nature and design. Set amidst the oak and white pine forests of Wisconsin, this guest house by Vetter Architects is a testament to the harmonious blend of rugged materials and panoramic vistas. Perched on a bluff, the home offers an immersive experience of the lake's pristine beauty, a cherished part of the family's heritage. The architecture is a dialogue with the landscape, where rough-cut fieldstone and expansive glass panels create a dynamic facade. The southern facade's fieldstone continues indoors, forming a dramatic two-story fireplace, while the lake-facing side is a canvas of glass, inviting natural light and framing serene water views. The entry sequence begins with a covered approach, leading to a custom pivoting wood door that opens into a welcoming foyer. The living room, with its full wall of windows, seamlessly connects to an outdoor patio and kitchen, encouraging fluid movement between interior and exterior spaces. Above, a loft provides a vantage point over the living area, enhancing the spatial experience. The dining area, positioned strategically between the living room and kitchen, features a custom wood table and a sculptural chandelier, offering a visual connection to the textured stone fireplace. The kitchen's design continues the theme with rift-sawn white oak cabinetry, a stone backsplash, and a striking black metal hood. A staircase with metal railings and white oak treads links the main floor to the loft and lower level, maintaining a cohesive material palette. The lower level transforms into an entertainment hub, complete with a bowling alley, bar, arcade, and sauna, while outdoor amenities include a bocce court and a boathouse with a rooftop deck and dock.

## Design Highlights

Material Palette: Rough-cut fieldstone, expansive glass, rift-sawn white oak, and black metal. Spatial Flow: Seamless indoor-outdoor transition with a full wall of windows and glass doors. Entertainment Spaces: Lower level with bowling alley, bar, arcade, sauna, and outdoor bocce court. Waterfront Connection: Steps leading to a boathouse with a rooftop deck and dock.

## Key Facts

Aspect Detail
Location Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin
Architect Vetter Architects
Interior Design Amy Carman Design
Construction Ruvin Brothers
Custom Work ADK Design

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Exterior: Rough-cut fieldstone set in thick mortar on the southern facade.
  • Interior: Hand-applied masonry and fieldstone for the fireplace.
  • Interior: Rift-sawn white oak cabinetry in the kitchen.

Materials

  • Fieldstone — Exterior facade and interior fireplace.
  • Glass — Large windows and doors for natural light and views.
  • Wood — Interior cabinetry and flooring.
  • Metal — Kitchen hood and staircase railings.

Construction / Systems

  • Facade system: Combination of fieldstone and glass.
  • Structural system: Not explicitly detailed in the text.

Products

  • Furniture — Custom wood table — by Michael Dreeben (Dining area)
  • Lighting — Sculptural chandelier — by David Weeks (Dining area)

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Gray, Natural wood tones
  • Lighting: Natural light through large windows, supplemented by recessed lighting.

Projects by the architect

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