![Family Retreat / Salmela Architect - Windows, Facade, Garden, Forest](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/54f7/9ab9/e58e/ce08/b400/01d2/large_jpg/portada_140714_SAL_VLI_143.jpg?1425513135)
-
Architects: Salmela Architect
- Area: 1280 ft²
-
Photographs:Paul Crosby
![Family Retreat / Salmela Architect - Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/54f7/9997/e58e/ce08/b400/01ca/large_jpg/140714_SAL_VLI_086.jpg?1425512840)
Text description provided by the architects. This secluded retreat is on a West facing shore of Lake Superior. At the end of a short forested driveway a storage building and woodshed structure form a gateway which marks entry to the site. Proceeding to the cabin a long South facing deck supplemented with fireplace provides a warm sunny space for the often cool days on the coldest of Great Lakes. A cantilevered screen porch above creates a shaded area for the relatively few hot days and acts as a rain/snow cover for the main entrance.
![Family Retreat / Salmela Architect - Table, Countertop, Windows, Chair, Beam](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/54f7/9a5b/e58e/cee8/4d00/01cd/large_jpg/140714_SAL_VLI_418.jpg?1425513038)
The 16x40 foot cabin interior is paneled in clear basswood and directs views toward the lake and surrounding forest. To the North an additional outdoor breakfast deck overlooks a field of the native grasses and wild flowers. The upper floor consists of two bunk rooms, one guest room, a master suite and screen porch for summer sleeping. The V-shaped roof of the cabin directs rain water away from the side decks as well as away from the building ends.
![Family Retreat / Salmela Architect - Sofa, Chair, Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/54f7/9a4e/e58e/ce08/b400/01d0/large_jpg/140714_SAL_VLI_407.jpg?1425513027)
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/54f7/9add/e58e/ce08/b400/01d4/large_jpg/floor.jpg?1425513171)
![Family Retreat / Salmela Architect - Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/54f7/9a9d/e58e/cee8/4d00/01cf/large_jpg/140714_SAL_VLI_462.jpg?1425513107)
Hidden in the woods off the pathway to the lakeshore is a sauna which repeats the function of the V-shaped roof. The use of black paper-resin composite siding along with aging cedar elements on all buildings provide a nearly maintenance-free exterior allowing more care-free days at the retreat. The land which had previously been used as the family campsite now a series of structures that provides every opportunity to bask in the outdoors.
![Family Retreat / Salmela Architect - Garden, Forest](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/54f7/99e6/e58e/ce86/bb00/0035/large_jpg/140714_SAL_VLI_210.jpg?1425512923)