Traverse City, Michigan
Site Size: 2.5 acres
Project Size: 1,400 square feet
Program: The clients initially asked the architects to design a relatively small, one-story cabin, but later became curious about the view above the treetops. They rented a bucket lift, rode to the top, and made a video capturing the panoramic views from the forest canopy, which they sent to the architects.
Location: On a hilltop and surrounded by deciduous forest, the site has views of Glen Lake and Lake Michigan beyond.
Solution: The four-story hybrid steel and wood frame structure is clad with metal panels and plywood. From the open-air ground floor, outdoor steel stairs lead to the entry on the second floor. With the office/guestroom on the second floor and master bedroom on the third, the architects placed the main living area on the amply glazed top floor, which opens out to a cantilevered terrace.
Construction methods: The house has a hydronic radiant floor heating system in addition to a ground-source heat pump.
Architect:
Balance Associates Architects
80 Vine Street, Suite 201
Seattle, WA 98121
T 206.322.7737
F 206.322.0465
People
Architect:
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Products
Structural system
Exterior cladding
Doors
Interior finishes
Special interior finishes unique to this project:
Lighting
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Exterior:
Plumbing
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