PRIVATE RETREAT
CAMP MADRON
BUCHANAN, MICHIGAN 2001
Located atop a knoll in Camp Madron, this low-lying house was conceived as a series of solid walls fronting a glass room in the middle of the woods. A series of glue-laminated wood beams spans above the walls, supporting a flat roof that hovers above the 2,100sf floor. The central wall separates the support spaces (bedrooms, baths) in the front from the formal spaces at the rear that enjoy the panoramic view.
Photos by William Kildow; General Contractor was C&S Hemminger Construction.
Facade
The front wall is clad with solid-stained cement board and is interrupted only by the front door. Transom windows span between the glue-laminated beams that support the overhand.
Oblique View, Rear
In opposition to the opaque front, the rear window walls open to the views beyond. The central wall slides out from under the roof to the right, providing exterior storage.
Oblique View, Front
Another view of the front facade as approached from the walking path which leads through the woods from an open carport.
Oblique View, Side
A closeup view of the side of the main space showing the access stair at the side entry.
Entry Foyer
A view from the foyer looking out through an opened front door.
Threshold
As one passes from the front spaces through the cedar clad central wall, a woodstove anchors the view.
Hearth
The window wall opens to the panorama beyond. White ash flooring is interrupted at the slate hearth for the woodstove.
Kitchen
The kitchen island, which parallels the central wall, enjoys a commanding view of the open room. Concealed cove lighting emanates from atop the wall.
Kitchen Dining
A view from the other direction overlooking the dining table.
Bedroom
Situated between the front wall and the central wall, bedrooms open onto a paved patio.
Bedwall
A view of the bedwall in the master bedroom.
Bunks
A view of the twin bunk beds in the other bedroom. Note the transom at the exterior wall.
Section
A section drawing reveals the parti - the thick central wall separating the glassy formal rooms to the left from the private support spaces to the right.
