#RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS
desai chia unites three offset structures to form charred timber lake house in michigan
new york-based architecture firm desai chia has completed a house overlooking lake michigan, which comprises three offset structures.
new york-based architecture firm desai chia has completed a house overlooking lake michigan, which comprises three offset structures. the first volume contains the dwelling’s primary living accommodation, along with a kitchen and a covered seating terrace, while the two further buildings house the master bedroom suite and three children’s bedrooms respectively. connecting all three structures, a roofed passageway serves as an area for outdoor dining.
developed in collaboration with environment architects, the roofscape of desai chia’s ‘michigan lake house’ follows the site’s undulating landscape, while simultaneously referencing the architecture of the region’s fishing villages. ‘the resulting rhythm of exposed wood beams provides layers of asymmetrical vaults throughout the interiors,’ explain the architects. the dwelling offers unobstructed views of lake michigan from a sheltered terrace situated beneath a dramatic 20 foot cantilever.
externally the structure is clad with shou sugi ban, or yakisugi, a traditional japanese method of charring wood so that it becomes resistant to rot and insects. ‘we reclaimed dying ash trees from the site and milled them down to be used as interior cabinetry, flooring, ceiling panels, trim work, and custom furniture throughout the house,’ says desai chia architecture. ‘the interiors of the house embody the indigenous landscape that once thrived with old growth ash.’ meanwhile, locally-sourced stone has been used to create areas of outdoor seating, as well as pathways and steps.