Tusen Takk

Project Details

Project Description

Tusen Takk is slipped into a rolling terrain of coastal sand dunes amongst a dense forest of red pines, cedars, and mixed hardwood that stretch along the northeastern shore of Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula. Parallel to the shoreline the structures thread through the forest; a main house and separate guest house are perched on two adjoining dunes. Buildings foundations were permitted only within two irregular footprints of the 2.5 acre environmentally sensitive site. A sheltered elevated boardwalk floats above the dune, spanning a narrow gully to connect the two buildings. The main entry is marked by a tall glazed volume, a lantern in the evening forest. Exterior materials were selected that could withstand the severe winter conditions. Western red cedar siding is treated with a traditional Scandinavian finish of pigmented pine tar. The black stained wood walls veil all initial views of the lake, while inside the buildings a taut, faceted, aluminum framed glass skin blurs the boundary of inside and outside as the lake is glimpsed through breaks in the forest that edge the beach. Round painted steel columns provide the primary framing system; their loose arrangement akin to the tall red pine trees scattered across the property. The year-round residence is designed to respond to broad range of environmental factors. Operable windows in all rooms utilize the near-constant summer breezes to provide natural ventilation, eliminating the need for mechanical cooling. Bleached interior wood finishes glow with a soft northern light, minimizing the need for artificial lighting. Bright translucent stained colored stairs and cabinets tie the buildings together and also lift one’s spirits during the long winter months spent indoors. Long wood decks project across the edge of the dunes, providing both opportunities for outdoor activities as well as spectacular westerly views of sunsets over Lake Michigan. A center for family gathering, while also providing places for contemplation and retreat, it is a place of nuance and a place for discovery.