Lake Cabin
South Salem, New York, US
Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, this lake cabin is designed as the epitome of minimalism. There is nothing superfluous in this residence, only the necessary, to allow unhindered contact with the lake, but also providing the fertile ground for exploring the surrounding wilderness. As Thoreau writes, “we need the tonic of wildness...At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature”.
A young couple and their family envisioned this house as a haven for themselves and their frequent guests. After years of living in bustling New York City, the couple decided to move to South Salem and raise their family there. As their new basis, the family chose this undoubtedly privileged location overlooking the lake, with unobstructed view to the forest and the surrounding area.
The cabin pre-existed, but had suffered significant damage over the years, so it was decided to completely rebuild it in order to incorporate a series of updates to embrace a contemporary, grounded lifestyle. Its total demolition allowed the creation of new foundations made of reinforced concrete. On the ground floor, there are the living areas and a small office. On the first floor, there are 2 bedrooms and a play area. The attic, echoing Gaston Bachelard’s writings, becomes a space of memories.
Natural materials were sourced and local craftsmen were involved in all construction phases, using traditional building techniques and creating custom-made woodwork.
The fundamental design principle of the cabin was to merge internal and external spaces and to minimise the impact on the surrounding landscape. To that end, a number of visual frames were created and all the house’s communal areas spill over into open-air patios. During the winter, the lake freezes over, creating a white veil that forms the backdrop to the living room and kitchen windows. In the summer, nature comes alive, and the lake becomes a place for play, swimming, and exploration.
Architectural Design & Interior Design: KP Office
Project Location: South Salem, New York, US
Status: Completed
Completion Year: 2022
Gross Built Area: 200 m2
Commissioned by: Private client