Hawk Ridge House
The Hawk Ridge residence offers creative solutions that set a new standard for simple living. This unique site is located within Duluth city limits, yet abuts undevelopable wooded land giving the feel of a larger lot. The location and feel of the wooded site were important for the owners who grew up in rural Wisconsin but desired City living. Setting the tone of the design was how to position the house and garage on the narrow site while keeping a natural wooded feel with a memorable entrance sequence.
Another creative design solution opportunity was the owners desire to have a small home that feels larger than its 1,200 SF footprint. To achieve this, the design incorporated a utility wall that inconspicuously houses all secondary functions and turns them into a prominent design feature. The “swiss army knife” wall - as it has been coined - is clad in off-the-shelf birch plywood with exposed fasteners and tight reveals. It gracefully hides utility functions while drawing you from the entrance, past the sleeping rooms, into the main living spaces.
The owner’s Scandinavia heritage radiates throughout the house with an open floor plan and use of simple, warm, natural materials. Starting from the moment you see the house, the warmth of natural Western Red Cedar against the dark lap siding draws you forward and welcomes you in. As you enter, the main living area provides modern living with an island-based kitchen which integrates with both living and dining. Large awning windows draw your attention to the woods and immerse inhabitants into the site while the sliding patio door provides easy access to the yard. Anchoring the living area is a freestanding wood stove providing that much needed warmth in the coldest of Northern Minnesota winter nights.
Open kitchen and living space with views to wooded lot
Rearview of home.
Project Details
Location Duluth, MN
Size 1,200 SF
Collaborators Soumis Construction
Photo Credit Andrea Rugg Photography
*project designed by Jack #1 while at CF Design LTD