Northwoods Cabin

Discover a cozy cabin on a lake in Northern Wisconsin.

The original brief focused on renovating the existing cabin to maintain its charm, while adding a main floor bedroom and bath, and updating various parts of the structure. However, the Northwoods Cabin project evolved into constructing a new cabin that meets the family’s needs.

lakefront home in Northern Wisconsin — The cabin’s placement respects the existing footprint due to lakeside setbacks, ensuring minimal disruption to the natural landscape.

side exterior view of Northwoods Cabin — The cabin is nestled in the Northern Wisconsin woods, surrounded by a picturesque pine forest and clear, sand-bottom lakes. The design takes full advantage of the surroundings, with a layout that features the lake vistas and sunlight.

covered deck on lakefront home — The outdoor screen room gives a cozy space for the family to be together and enjoy lake life.

These clients wanted to maximize lake views, create brighter living spaces, and ensure quiet, comfortable bedrooms for this 3 bedroom, 2 bath project. The design aimed for a Northwoods cabin feel—warm, inviting, and casual—with an open flow throughout the main living area. The lower level was reimagined to include larger bedrooms and a bunk room, providing flexible spaces for family growth and informal gatherings.

living room with view to lake in Northwoods Cabin — The design aimed for a Northwoods cabin feel—warm, inviting, and casual—with an open flow throughout the main living area.

living room with fireplace and clerestory windows in Northwoods Cabin — With a fire place in the living room, cozy nights can be inside or out.

open kitchen with a view in Northwoods Cabin — The kitchen creates a lively atmosphere for the family to gather with bright blue cabinets and tiling and pops of coral on the chairs.

organic edge dining table in Northwoods Cabin — The goal was to create dynamic, well-scaled living spaces that invite sunlight throughout the day.

The cabin is nestled in the Northern Wisconsin woods, surrounded by a picturesque pine forest and clear, sand-bottom lakes. The site is thin and steep, sloping towards the lake with southwestern sun exposure. The design takes full advantage of these conditions, with a layout that features the lake vistas and sunlight. The cabin’s placement respects the existing footprint due to lakeside setbacks, ensuring minimal disruption to the natural landscape. This thoughtful integration with the environment enhances the cabin’s connection to its surroundings, creating a harmonious retreat.

bunk bed room in lakefront Wisconsin home — This bedroom was created to maximize space when families came to visit with fun bunkbeds, providing flexible spaces for family growth and informal gatherings.

bedroom with lakeview and serene decor — The bay-style window in this guest bedrooms gives lake views even from bed.

bedroom with a view in Northwoods Cabin — With floor to ceiling windows, the master bedroom gets all the light with beautiful views of the lake.

The goal was to create dynamic, well-scaled living spaces that invite sunlight throughout the day, while offering flexible indoor and outdoor areas for entertaining and enjoying lake life. The design aimed to preserve the warm essence of the original cabin, honoring the cherished memories it holds. By incorporating modern elements and expanding the space, the project sought to provide a comfortable and inviting environment for family gatherings. The intention was to craft a legacy cabin that balances tradition with contemporary needs, ensuring it remains a beloved family retreat for future generations.

neutral bathroom with a view in Northwoods Cabin — The tall window in this narrow bathroom adds a ton of light.

neutral bathroom with butterfly painting — Fun printed wallpaper and bright art give this bathroom a sense of whimsy.

contemporary bench and abstract tree art in bedroom at Northwoods Cabin — The entryway makes every family member feel welcomed with a place to set their shoes and enjoy time with each other.

exterior view of Northwoods Cabin at night — This thoughtful integration with the environment enhances the cabin’s connection to its surroundings, creating a harmonious retreat.

Northwoods Cabin Quick Facts

PKA Architecture

Principal: Kristine Anderson

Project Manager: Bob Le Moine

Team Members: David Swan, Amanda Chial, Cynthia Burns

Builder: Lake Country Builders

Landscape Architect / Designer: TVL Studio (Travis Van Liere Studio)

Interior Designer: Renae Keller Interiors

Structural Engineer: A.M. Structural

Other Consultants and Collaborators: Pierce Pini & Associates , Kevin Gardner

Total finished square feet = 3,161 SF

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