Edwards Moore Projects Pty Ltd

Two Bear Retreat

TWO BEAR RETREAT

Edward M. Doyle

Two Bear Retreat
© Don Wong

ARCHITECTS
Edward M. Doyle

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
Meyer Borgman Johnson, Mike Ramerth, Engineer of Record, Rollie Johnson

CONTRACTOR
Mast Construction Company Inc

PHOTOGRAPHS
Don Wong, Bill Baxley

YEAR
2012

LOCATION
Rusk, United States

CATEGORY
Houses

Two Bear Retreat
© Don Wong

Text description provided by architect.

SITE:

Located on Two Bear Lake in Wisconsin, a small, deep, spring-fed lake, formerly a Boy Scout camp, the entire property was developed in the 1980’s, and covenants protect the peacefulness and quality of the area through, among other restrictions, prohibiting gasoline-powered motors on the water.

The small cabin unfolds toward the lake and is sited to take advantage of the southern view across a small bay toward the open water beyond.

Two Bear Retreat
© Don Wong
Two Bear Retreat
© Don Wong
Two Bear Retreat
Courtesy of Edward M. Doyle

Tall Birch trees shelter the cabin from the southern sun, and enliven the façade with playful, shifting shadows.

DESIGN:

Built as a retreat from the city, where this couple with three children resides, this modern cabin is designed with nature in mind, and creating exterior spaces which enlarge the home and surround it with the outdoors.

The main level is oriented axially toward the lake, with the upper level positioned transversely to the lower level, creating sheltered exterior spaces off the main living areas.

Two Bear Retreat
Courtesy of Edward M. Doyle
Two Bear Retreat
© Don Wong

The western porch soaks up the afternoon sun in the shoulder seasons, while the screened eastern porch offers shelter from the heat of the summer.

The upper level deck offers wonderful views of the lake, and the owners have found it perfect for early morning reading, nature watching, and late afternoon cocktails and snacks.

Two Bear Retreat
© Don Wong
Two Bear Retreat
© Don Wong

Views are carefully framed throughout the space with windows placed to provide views to the rock gardens and the lake.

Native plantings throughout the rock gardens are chosen to provide additional habitat for butterflies, birds, and other fauna, and it is common to see hummingbirds sipping nectar from flowering shrubs planted just outside the main level glazing.

Two Bear Retreat
© Don Wong
Two Bear Retreat
© Don Wong

SUSTAINABILITY:

Throughout the cabin, sustainability is subtly incorporated, from solar orientation to the use of materials.

Exposed reclaimed Douglas Fir framing and sheathing provide wonderful warmth and character to the interior, and expansive coated glazing on the south provides lake views plus generous solar gain in winter, while being largely shaded by towering birches in summer.

The extremely efficient wood burning stove coupled with the sun keeps the entire cabin comfortable even in mid-winter.

Two Bear Retreat
Courtesy of Edward M. Doyle
Two Bear Retreat
© Bill Baxley


Two Bear Retreat
Detail
Two Bear Retreat
Detail


Two Bear Retreat
Floor Plan
Two Bear Retreat
Site Plan

Edwards Moore Projects Pty Ltd
T +61 3 80601840
Edwards Moore Projects Pty Ltd
90 Moor Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne 3065, Victoria, Australia