Hemlock House

Hemlock House

Hemlock House is a remote vacation retreat sited atop a bluff at the edge of Northern Michigan’s Walloon Lake. The site is characterized by a mixed forest of eastern hemlock and deciduous trees.

The post-and-beam structural frame is clad in hemlock shingles milled from trees felled on-site and kiln-dried. The simple cladding echoes local architectural traditions, while the corten steel roof wraps down the sides of the structure, creating a durable and low-maintenance shell.

The home is designed for minimal impact on the site and minimal resource dependency. Hydronic radiant heat in the concrete slabs acts as a thermal battery. Shop-fabricated Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) create a high-performance building envelope that can be lifted into place, reducing construction times and waste. Gas-powered appliances and equipment are replaced with electric alternatives and air source heat pumps, which not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also improve indoor air quality by eliminating combustion within the home.