SALA Architects has completely renovated this lakeside cabin to reconnect the owner with her childhood dream house in her hometown of northern Minnesota. The owner thought this home was particularly memorable because of its distinct bowed roof.

The interior of this 1963 cabin was a time capsule, featuring a spiral staircase, and a copious amount of wall paneling, along with brass and mirrored details. What this dwelling lacked in updates, it exceeded in retro inspiration. Continue below to see the rest of this lakeside cabin…

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT SALA Architects CONSTRUCTION Tom Sagedahl IRONWORK Bold Metal Work LANDSCAPE DESIGN Travis Van Liere Studio CABINETRY Hurley Custom Cabinets

The goal of this project was to preserve as much of the original character as possible. However, this two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath walkout required additional space for large, casual gatherings and to accommodate overnight guests. 

A flat-roof addition with stacked bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms helped to double the accommodations while providing a large gathering space accentuated by luxe materials that include white oak millwork, wide plank flooring, three-dimensional tiles, and reclaimed brass screens.

The bowed roof, which was a memorable feature to the new homeowner, presented the biggest challenge to the architects. It was formed of hand-built trusses, where the elegant outer shape concealed a compact and dingy interior that had a flat ceiling height of just seven feet.

The roof structure had to be replaced in order to enhance the interior height, yet it was imperative to the owner to preserve the original shape of the roof. The solution to enhancing the interior volume without raising the walls was to invert the bow shape into an arch.

This resulted in a gracefully arched ceiling that extends to nine feet at the center of the room, where a newly constructed fireplace chimney helps to visually anchor the middle of the gathering space.

What We Love: This cabin went from dilapidated to bright and airy with modernized details throughout while paying homage to the original architecture of the home. The cabin’s bowed roof and spiral staircase, elements that the homeowner fell in love with, were uniquely preserved yet with a modern twist. Overall, the cabin exudes a quiet and peaceful atmosphere that allows the owner to relax and feel connected to the place of her childhood.

Tell Us: What are your favorite details in the overhaul of this lakeside cabin? Let us know in the Comments, we enjoy reading your feedback!

Note: Take a look at a couple of other fantastic home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of Minnesota: A lovely Scandinavian cottage in Minnesota makes the most of lake views and A dreamy cottage on a Minnesota lake has a sophisticated modern vibe.

Additional unique details throughout this home were achieved from the original design elements. The radius of the existing spiral staircase defined a new curved landing to accommodate a graceful, more accessible, stair. The diameter of the spiral stair was matched in a new feature window in the main bedroom suite. This created a standout feature in the bedroom — a human-sized aperture from which to view the lake that drew her home.

BEFORE THE RENOVATION

PHOTOGRAPHER Troy Thies