Lake House

Lakeville, Connecticut
Unbuilt

The lake house is sited on the shoreline of Connecticut’s deepest lake and is fully encompassed by wetland. The house pays homage to the local vernacular and conforms to the footprint and envelope of an existing cottage on the site. Within these bounds, dictated by local zoning and conservation requirements, the house is reimagined. The entire layout is organized around the mass of a fireplace; the surrounding spaces invite reading, napping, and creative work.

Locally reclaimed stone and wood ground the cottage to its place and tradition. The lake house embraces its surrounding ecologies—the wetland is restored through the planting of native species and the removal of lawns. The lake, a fire pit, and an exterior dining area are connected to the cottage via elevated wood walkways.

The lake house is intended to create days of purpose for a family of four.