The 'Lawless Cottage' by Searl Lamaster Howe
Designed by Greg Howe & Pam Lamaster (Searl Lamaster Howe, @searllamasterhowe).
Located in Jones, Michigan, USA.
Photos by Tony Soluri (@soluriphoto).
Description by Searl Lamaster Howe.
Year: 2018.
Area: 213 m² (2300 ft²).
Located in Jones, Michigan, USA.
Photos by Tony Soluri (@soluriphoto).
Description by Searl Lamaster Howe.
Year: 2018.
Area: 213 m² (2300 ft²).
WHO
Searl Lamaster Howe served as architect of record. The builder was Estkowski Construction. The client was a couple from Chicago who commissioned us for a private residence.
Searl Lamaster Howe served as architect of record. The builder was Estkowski Construction. The client was a couple from Chicago who commissioned us for a private residence.
WHY
The home was built as a weekend getaway for a Chicago couple. They sought a serene second home that had a direct connection with nature.
The home was built as a weekend getaway for a Chicago couple. They sought a serene second home that had a direct connection with nature.
WHEN
Construction was completed in 2018. The design of the house took almost a full year.
Construction was completed in 2018. The design of the house took almost a full year.
WHERE
The house is located just outside of Jones, Michigan which is located about 2.5 hours from Chicago. The site, which sits at the crest of a wooded valley and abuts a state park was selected for its views and privacy.
The house is located just outside of Jones, Michigan which is located about 2.5 hours from Chicago. The site, which sits at the crest of a wooded valley and abuts a state park was selected for its views and privacy.
WHAT
The initial builder had to be replaced mid construction because he lacked the attention to detail that the project demanded. Fortunately his replacement finished the project in the way it was intended.
The initial builder had to be replaced mid construction because he lacked the attention to detail that the project demanded. Fortunately his replacement finished the project in the way it was intended.
HOW
Two glu lam beams span the length of the house, supporting the roofs and second floor. A high SRI roof was used and the house is serviced by a geothermal system. Exterior cladding includes Shou Sugi Ban charred cedar.
Two glu lam beams span the length of the house, supporting the roofs and second floor. A high SRI roof was used and the house is serviced by a geothermal system. Exterior cladding includes Shou Sugi Ban charred cedar.
Summary
The house was conceived as a modern age interpretation of the classic cabin in the woods. While stridently contemporary in form, the mix of materials used infuses the house with texture and warmth. A keen sense of craftsmanship is apparent in details big and small.
The house was conceived as a modern age interpretation of the classic cabin in the woods. While stridently contemporary in form, the mix of materials used infuses the house with texture and warmth. A keen sense of craftsmanship is apparent in details big and small.
"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." — Lao Tzu.