Lake Michigan, IL
Cascade House minimizes the bulk and mitigates the impact of a large structure on a site overlooking Lake Michigan. As a result, a significant portion of the house is mined into the bluff and covered with green lawns and terraces, providing unobstructed views and open areas for recreation. The private areas are in a simple rectangular form floating above, spanning between the single-story garage and main bedroom wing. The void below is enclosed in glass, a large loft space containing the living room, dining room, and kitchen. The overall buried composition is energy efficient and remains sympathetic to the site and the surrounding neighborhood.
“a lakeside residence [that] makes a discreet impression. From its front drive, all one sees is a stack of two glass boxes: one transparent, one translucent. The rest of this home—true to its name—drops out of view, gently terracing down toward the waters of Lake Michigan.”
