David O’Brien Wagner

A small lake in the north woods of Wisconsin was the summer tromping grounds for the owners in their youth. Now older, with their own children and grandchildren, they selected a nearby site with an existing dilapidated cabin on which to build a new retreat. They were interested in a low-slung design to fit with the contours of the site, while invoking a modern, yet camp-like arrangement to accommodate a large and growing family. They hired SALA to design the first phase of the retreat a few years ago. The design established a plan that unfolds along a single circulation spine, visibly open from one end to the other, connecting a string of wood-clad living and sleeping boxes. The heart of the camp is a central gathering box with tall ceilings, a commanding fireplace, and expansive windows facing the lake. Sleeping spaces are located to the north and south, reached either through a screened breezeway or glassy connector.

The owners of a historic 1889 rowhouse sought to resolve a cramped and awkward back entry while improving the entertainment spaces in their yard. The new streamlined, modern entry and mudroom elegantly weave together historic limestone blocks, modern steel, warm wood, and glass. The new addition sits discretely under a previous 1970s sunroom addition, and offers ample room for a bench seat, coat hanging, and shelves. A new steel bridge stretches to a renovated garage, which now includes a new rooftop entertainment deck.⁠
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The new mudroom entry offers a warm and welcoming transition space for the family, while creating streamlined paths for guests, and new spaces for hosting friends.⁠

The renovation of this brick building transforms its run-down and weather-damaged exterior, keeping the main structural elements and upper floor window layout, while bringing back a reimagined, glassy, street-level storefront. The interiors have been cleaned up and revamped with large storefront windows that engage the street life.

Overlooking Lake of the Isles, this home is designed to take advantage of its park-like setting in an urban neighborhood. The property’s wedge shape, along with the owner’s requirements, suggested a very unique design strategy to best take advantage of the opportunity for light and view.

Originally designed by Ralph Rapson, FAIA (1914 – 2008), the owners required additional living space and book storage for their 1960’s era home. They requested a thoughtful integration of interior space with the surrounding Japanese garden and a sensitive approach to the original architecture.

Built as a resting place between cabin and shore, this standalone screen shelter provides refuge from the sun, passing rain showers, and bugs. The shelter also acts as a platform to view the small island where loons nest each summer.

The owner’s 1920’s era log cabin is situated high on the hillside above. From there, a shady, wooded path runs down through tall pines, past Loon’s Nest, and to the lake’s edge. Modest materials, and a simple roofline harmonize with the forest edge and help the structure nestle unassumingly into its shoreline setting.

Set within a stand of pine trees, Pine/Cone is a simple wooden vessel beckoning visitors to explore. As one approaches Pine/Cone, defined pathways are absent. Instead, a uniform carpet of pine needles allows each visitor to define his or her own course through and among the trees toward the mysterious floating box. Drawing closer, one sees entries appear on opposite sides of the box, leading to the discovery of a surprising yet contemplative space hidden within.