Minimalist cabin in Minnesota functions as a urban haven for artistic recluses, offering a rural escape from city life.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Shagawa, close to the Canadian border, lies a sleek and contemporary cabin and studio designed by Snow Kreilich Architects. The project, named "Tour this modern cabin in Minnesota," was overseen by team members Christina Stark, Kathryn VanNelson, and partner Matt Kreilich. The clients of the project are artists Todd Norsten and Leslie Cohan Norsten.
Key Design Features
The cabin and its adjoining studio are long and low structures with clean, linear geometry, blending naturally into the woods and lakeside setting near Ely, Minnesota. Both buildings are clad in dark grey corrugated metal on the exterior, paired with exposed timber cladding on walls and ceilings, inside and out, which evokes the traditional lake cabin aesthetic but with a modern interpretation.
The structures sit on a shallow plinth, elevating them slightly to preserve an unbroken view across the waterfront and manage the site's slope toward Lake Shagawa. Large windows and a covered deck that runs the length of the lake-facing façade frame and integrate views of surrounding white pines, large boulders, and the lake, making the forest a "living artwork" visible from inside. The entrance is deliberately more private and subdued, approached via a semi-circular driveway and partially shielded by mature trees for seclusion.
Sustainability and Practical Elements
The design thoughtfully addresses the brutal Minnesota winters, selecting materials and construction methods that withstand harsh weather and age gracefully without heavy maintenance. Structural engineering by Buro Happold and MBJ tackled the complex foundation challenges presented by the rocky, forested lakeside site, balancing durability while maintaining a low profile that respects the landscape.
The combined home and artist studio layout ensures a flow between living and creative spaces, fostering a lifestyle where art and everyday life coexist without segmented, wasted spaces.
A Quiet, Focused Space
The studio stands alone a short distance from the main house, serving as a quiet, simple, and monastic space, perfect for focus and concentration. Energy efficiency has been maximized in the project with triple-glazed windows and plenty of insulation, ensuring a comfortable environment even in the coldest of winters.
The main cabin has a long, narrow plan with a central living area flanked by two bedrooms, offering tantalizing glimpses of quiet woodland. The bedrooms provide a peaceful retreat, while the living space contains a kitchen, dining, and seating area. One glazed wall in the living space looks out to the water, bringing the beauty of the lake indoors.
Daylight penetrates right into the heart of the house, spreading warmth and a spirit of quiet creativity throughout. The cabin and studio are designed to be a personal retreat and artist studio, described as modest and quietly elegant. The design draws inspiration from Minnesota's traditional lake cabins, while elevating the typology with a distinctly modern feel.
In summary, the Snow Kreilich Architects modern cabin in Minnesota is a harmonious blend of nature and contemporary design, emphasizing a sleek, contemporary style while harmonizing with the natural environment, alongside sustainability elements suited to the challenging local climate.
The modern cabin, designed by Snow Kreilich Architects, fosters a lifestyle combining art and daily living, with the studio serving as a quiet, peaceful retreat for focus and concentration. Embracing outdoor-living and sustainable practices, the home-and-garden design melds seamlessly into the lakeside setting, offering a unique blend of home and artist studio that encourages a sustainable-living approach, well-suited for Minnesota's challenging climate.
