Yingst Retreat / Salmela Architect

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Text description provided by the architects. The retreat rests on a quiet 16 acre site amongst a tall, dense beech forest that descends to lakeshore. The orientation of the building magnifies this slope and places equal value on views to the trees and the water.

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Entering the site you are met by four separate black-clad structures which separates the prosaic functions of a garage. Beyond stands the house with white masonry bookend facades and sidewalls of exposed wood columns mirroring the forest parallel.

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The repetition of the glulam columns entices you along a colonnade to the front entry. Contrary to the predominately black exterior, you enter at a midlevel to a lighter wood-lined hall. Morning and evening light fill the space and the rhythmic wood structure provides an open plan with telescoping spaces flowing into and overlooking each other.

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Given the clients are avid chefs the bright red kitchen is the central communal area. Dividing the kitchen from the above living area is a white-painted masonry fireplace which makes a connection to the outdoor chimney standing sentinel on the West patio, further diminishing the line between inside and outside.

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The sleeping area recedes past the living room with additional rooms located in the above mezzanine.  In the distance there is a stand-alone masonry sauna with sod roof and a black sculpture marking the bocce court.  Despite its openness, the retreat retains an intimate feel, a mystery, stimulating the imagination in both intellectual and emotional ways.

Originally published on May 10, 2013

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