Readers’ Choice Finalist: Sturgeon Bay
An entry in the 2017 Fine Homebuilding HOUSES Awards.
Architect: KEE Architecture, Inc.
Builder: Portside Builders, Inc.
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
After becoming familiar with Wisconsin’s scenic Door Peninsula, the homeowners selected a dramatic lakefront site for their new seasonal home. Set back from the beach and oriented toward the eastern sunrise, the house’s views of the Lake Michigan shoreline are magnificent. Visitors arrive along a densely wooded drive and see the lake unfold as they approach the house. Living spaces are arranged along the wooded edge, each with a unique view of the water. The structure is simple in form, with heavy wood columns organizing interior and exterior spaces. Materials are expressive and authentic, with an emphasis on natural wood throughout the interior and exterior. Native stone is used for the massive hearth, which features a traditional wood-burning fireplace. Filtered sunlight reaches the house throughout the year. Louvered sunshades provide sheltered deck spaces in the front and back. Good architecture is inherently sustainable because it involves building to last. In this residence, this is a matter of quality materials, detailing, and construction, and also includes planning for longevity. Numerous sustainable and energy-efficient features have been incorporated in the design, including low-impact site work, native landscaping, passive-solar elements, high-efficiency glazing and HVAC systems, and use of local stone.
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