We designed Horizon House for globetrotting clients who wanted a weekend sanctuary that evokes a sensuous St. Barths lifestyle on Lake Michigan, an hour from their primary residence in Chicago. Program requirements included open plan living for entertaining, expansive panes of glass, a home gym, a family lounge, and enough bedrooms for their two children and weekend guests.

 

The defining element is a glass rectangular volume on the first level. The architectural design lightens the impact on the land by making the second level appear to hover over the dune and offering unobstructed horizon views through the structure. The upper level is clad in Accoya, a sustainable wood that grays with age, so it will blend into the environment. The two horizontal volumes are connected by a narrow, vertical glass space that serves as the double-height entry and exposes a floating staircase.

 

Inside, a contemporary beach aesthetic unifies the home through a restrained palette of materials, including white oak millwork, large-format porcelain tile, and a range of warm whites on walls and fixtures. Interior tile extends out to the pool terrace, uniting the two spaces and amplifying the connection to the outdoors.

 

On the leeward side of the home, a courtyard landscaped with Ginkgo trees offers shade and refuge from prevailing lake breezes. It is defined by a low wall of textured concrete that offers an artful backdrop to the space while preserving privacy. Perimeter lighting draws one’s gaze outdoors, promoting a connection between interior and exterior spaces even at night.