North Woods Lake House

Often, designers and architects’ initial thought is how to make a project stand out. Sometimes that’s through complex details, rare materials, or the use of bold techniques to impress. For this family-centric cabin in Wisconsin’s North Woods, however, we went in a different direction.

The team was encouraged not to overdesign, but to practice restraint in every element. Completely hand-made, the cabin features no drywall. Instead, hand-milled wood, hand-cut iron nail heads, and birch panels set the tone. Subtly luxurious fabrics—wool, alpaca, mohair, and leather—are used in a fashion that doesn’t overpower; creating a come-in-and-put-your-feet-up feeling. The palette is organic and tactile. Overall, the cabin is made to feel as if it has been put together over years by local craftsmen and artists with the resources they’d have at hand.

Well-considered details are plentiful in this project. The cutting board in the kitchen is a 400-pound white oak stump on a hand-forged iron base; custom nail heads grace the main stair runner; small niches in the fireplace are built to allow candle wax to run down the masonry. One of Ponterio’s favorite details—a nod back to some of the original cabins on the property— is the use of birch panels in the entry, bar and a guest suite that add interest and texture to the spaces.

Used by three generations and built as a gathering place for friends and family for years to come, this is a well-loved and elevated take on lake living.

Architecture: Wade Weissman; Wade Weissman Architects