River House
De Pere, WI
6,000 sf, 5 bed, 5.5 bath
Overlooking the Fox River, this home quietly attracts attention while blending into its surroundings. The clients wanted a contemporary design that promotes family togetherness and active outdoor living in this sportsman’s paradise. The project brief included a library, lap pool, mud room accessible from the second floor by a fireman’s pole, and a zip line from the main house to the boat house.
The design is driven by the site. Each room has expansive views of the landscape. Two intersecting rectangular volumes house primary living spaces. These stacked horizontal forms are flanked by a double-height vertical entry space that anchors the house. In the great room, the kitchen is separated from the library by a two-sided fireplace and custom pivot doors fabricated from steel and smoked glass.
Facing the river, a glass wall system integrates interior and exterior spaces. A terrace on the second floor runs the length of the house, offering outdoor access from each bedroom. The boat house, recessed into the hill, is visible only from the shore, minimizing its impact on the land. It has a guest suite and storage for kayaks and paddleboards.
The front elevation is composed of layered planes of cedar, porcelain, and concrete. Charcoal metal cladding quietly contrasts with the natural elements and defines the second-floor volume. Regional plantings add texture and maintain privacy.
The interior incorporates adventurous furnishings curated by PROjECT Interiors. White oak flooring and a steel fireplace add warmth while maintaining a modern aesthetic. The walk-out lower-level flex space serves as a family room or in-law suite
Set on a wooded lot above the banks of the Fox River, this contemporary home quietly attracts attention while blending into its surroundings. The owners, a couple with three children, wanted a home that promotes family interaction and active living in this sportsman’s paradise.... read more
