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Free Soil, Michigan20191,300 square feet

Hamlin Lake Cabin

Hamlin Lake exterior

Hamlin Lake Cabin

Free Soil, Michigan20191,300 square feet

Hidden in dense woods, an original self-built cabin was sited on a tranquil plain cut into a dramatic hillside.

Hamlin Lake living area
Overview

The shade of the forest expands to the long westward openness of Hamlin Lake. The desire to preserve all of the original framing of the cabin became an exercise to recondition the dwelling to capture even more of the site’s natural richness. All openings in the home were reconsidered to provide both specific and atmospheric exposure to the outdoors. Walls were strategically removed to maintain structural integrity and invite natural light deeply and playfully into the interior. Willing to reconsider conventional standards for patterns of daily living, the owners welcomed new ideas about use and adjacency. A small kitchen that can morph for singular or social function, and a sleeping area that doubles as a conversation perch - these spaces respond to the pattern of day, in all seasons, as they blur a notion of part and whole. The development of exterior space was a logical extension of the renovation’s thesis: observe the existing boundary and economically redefine it by ennobling what lies beyond it. A covered outdoor living room with a grand fireplace, a lake-facing deck, and an outdoor shower off the master bedroom, all invite the habitants to enjoy outwards.

Photographer

Bill Lindhout

Builder

Inspired Home Builders

Hamlin Lake exterior
Hamlin Lake covered outdoor living room with a grand fireplace
Hamlin Lake living area
Hamlin Lake living area
Hamlin Lake interior
Hamlin Lake kitchen and dining area
Hamlin Lake master bedroom and outdoor shower
Hamlin Lake bedroom
Hamlin Lake exterior
Process
Hamlin Lake floorplan sketch
Hamlin Lake rendering
Hamlin Lake original self-built cabin
Recognition
Michigan Blue Magazine

"Total Transformation", 2021