Credits
From Pioneer Millworks
Rob and Melissa have fond feelings for their alma mater Cornell University and nearby Cayuga Lake. Building their retreat home near the lake and the University was a natural choice. This dream home would offer respite from their growing family’s busy city life. They joined Ty Allen, AIA, and manager of our sister company, New Energy Works, design group, to assess the options for a parcel on Cayuga Lake.
Their constrained build site has fantastic lake frontage. It also has a very small building envelope due to setbacks, the road, the woods, a gorge, and the steep descent to the lake. Despite those challenges, it offers panoramic lake views and faces Cornell University across the water.
Focal points are captured through dynamic views from multiple spaces in the house. The great room is aligned to frame Sibley Hall’s dome, one of the icons of the Cornell campus and an important landmark to the homeowners. The sawtooth shape of the cliff around the home allowed for a variety of terraces and outdoor gathering spaces, pockets for privacy, and shelter from the road behind the home. A master suite, guest suite, kid's bunk room, two auxiliary bedrooms, and 4.5 baths comfortably accommodate Rob and Melissa’s family as well as visitors by balancing open public spaces with intimate quiet spaces. At the shore, two docks stretch out into the water, one for boats, the second for swimming, sunning, picnicking, and play.
Reclaimed American Gothic Walnut flooring flows throughout the home, unifying the main level and upper bedroom level. In the lower level recreation and additional living room space, Reclaimed Teak, Bright in wide planks brings durability and honeyed tones. (Pioneer Millworks reclaimed teak is ethically and sustainably sourced-see our website for details.) The warm of the reclaimed wood, the timber frame and the efficiency of the enclosure and mechanical systems, the fine woodworking and reclaimed materials all combine for comfortable lakeside living.
“This project is a family home, a place where we hope to spend lots of quality time. To see all the hard work brought together in such a fashion is amazing!" - Rob and Melissa
Custom woodworking including built-ins, cabinetry, entry door, vanities, and bunk beds were crafted by NEWwoodworks. The design, timber frame, general contracting by New Energy Works. Windows and glass doors are from the Marvin Ultimate line.