October 2020 (Columbus, IN): Modern Lakeside Retreat construction is underway at Grandview Lake!For sure, we are excited to see the construction of this new modern lakehouse taking-shape. Our design solution is a simple response to the challenges of the site. Basically, the primary challenges focused on drainage (from site and roofs), working amongst the existing mature trees, and durability from insects/woodpeckers. Drainage and wildlife-resistance were each issues with the pre-existing structure, and thus points of emphasis. As a matter of fact, water and drainage issues created enough concerns with the prior structure to motivate the rebuild.
Working with the existing trees was very important. Most certainly, our client was very passionate about keeping the existing trees. They provide excellent shade for the house, and soften the site considerably. We totally agree with this, as the trees really are amazing. They create a beautiful layered experience on the lakefront. They provide an excellent balance of tall canopy shade with ample openings for views to the lake. Since we are maximizing the glass on lakeside, we anticipate that the trees will shade the house and portions of the dock. It’s important that we design-in flexible, adaptable systems to work for various seasons, times of day, and uses.
We are happy to be working on our second project with this client.
Be sure to check-back, as we’ll be sharing more about the design and construction process in the coming weeks and months!
Modern Lakeside Retreat
Project Info:
Architecture/Interior Design/Renderings: HAUS | Architecture with Client
Photography: HAUS | Architecture (except where noted otherwise)
Construction Management: Nichter Construction
Design Process – Modern Lakeside Retreat
Side Exterior Elevation – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – metal siding, wood siding, composite siding, exposed concrete, screened porch, rainchains, garage, carport, entry bridge, site drainage, dock, firepit
Side Exterior Elevation – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – metal siding, wood siding, composite siding, exposed concrete, screened porch, rainchains, garage, carport, entry bridge, site drainage, dock, firepit
Stay tuned, as we’ll be adding more detail about the design process.
Construction Progress – Modern Lakeside Retreat
Pre-Existing House
Grandview Drive Access to Site – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect – Nichter Construction, Columbus Builder – (spring 2020)
Original House from Street – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – looking down the hill – (spring 2020)
Pre-demolition view of existing tree we want to save and integrate into the new construction – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (spring 2020)
Working with the Trees
We have designed around this particular tree (see above) and its wonderful canopy. In the new design, our new balcony will cantilever out so people can elevate with the trees and stay clear of the tree root bed. the other trees to the right are also beautiful, and will provide a layered affect from waterline to the new house while sheltering the house and dock from the summer sun.
Lakefront, Decks and Dock (PreConstruction) – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (spring 2020)
Demolition Begins
Existing House Demolition Begins – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (late summer 2020) photo by Nichter ConstructionExisting House Demolition in full swing (garage stays to serve as a temporary office – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (late summer 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Mass Excavation
Mass Excavation Base Completed and ready for footing excavation – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Lakeside Retaining Wall Progress
Lakefront Retaining Wall Installation (corrugated steel) – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
New Lakeside Retaining Wall Progress (corrugated steel) – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
New Lakefront Retaining Wall Progress – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Footings Underway
Stepped Footings Placed (rebar) – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Concrete Wall Forms Progress
Basement wall formwork and rebar reinforcing work begins – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter ConstructionaBasement Retaining Wall Foundations Underway (Formwork) – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Entry Basement Retaining Wall Formwork Progress – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Side Storage Porch Foundation Wall Progress – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Basement Wall Forms (brick pattern only in unexposed areas) – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Smooth Concrete Walls
Lakeside exposed basement walls complete (forms pulled) – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Roger Nichter did a nice job finding a concrete contractor with smooth, undamaged concrete forms. We think the concrete came-out great, with little to no need for any patching or parge coatings. Let the beauty of well-executed concrete be – that’s our intent! These slots are to provide air movement for covered storage area for lake toys and furniture. This south elevations facing the neighboring property is one of our favorite facades even though it isn’t primary and most people may not even notice it (see the renderings).
South smooth concrete wall with vertical slots – formwork removed – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Smooth Concrete Wall with vertical slot (chamfered edges) – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Basement Concrete Walls Complete – brick pattern exists in concealed areas only – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Here on inside surfaces of foundation walls, we see the brick pattern imprinted. Apparently the brick imprinted forms or more common in these parts. Finding the smooth forms was important for the design, so thanks, Roger, for finding smooth forms liners for the exterior surfaces. We had another project in Ohio that used the brick pattern forms when we called for smooth.
Lakeside exposed basement walls complete (forms pulled) – this view is from interior through Bunk Room openings to lakeside view – Modern Lakeside Retreat – Grandview Lake – Columbus, Indiana – (fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Foundation Waterproofing
Rubberwall Installation (Lifetime Warranty) (late fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Unique Steel Details
Custom Steel Eave Details (late fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Custom Steel Eave Details Framing Tune-ups (late fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Setting Steel
Steel Balcony Cantilever Framing Installation (late fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Balcony Steel Framing Installation – Crane Maneuvering (late fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Setting Living Room Steel for Curtainwall Cantilever (late fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Steel Installation Underway at Curtainwall Cantilever (late fall 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Wood Framing Progress
Main Level Deck Installation (looking north toward neighbor) (Nov 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Main Level Deck sheathing installation overlooking lakefront (Nov 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
The trees that we are saving have nice canopies that will shelter the house from summer sunlight in mornings, yet they still allow great views out to the lake. The trees also provide excellent shading for the docks later in the summer days.
Side Storage Porch Foundation Walls Competed (smooth concrete) (Jan 2021)
Framing Progress – Lakefront View (Dec 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
We love how the house nestles into the trees. It’s not really a surprise, as the trees were a primary driver of the design concepts and layout.
View to Lake from Future Screened Porch (Dec 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Balcony and Roof Cantilever Framing Progress (Dec 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
View of framing progress from dock (Dec 2020) photo by Nichter Construction
Street Views looking down toward lakefront (framing progress – large shed roof) (Jan 2021) photo by Nichter Construction
Main Living Space Framing Progress – Exposed Beams (Jan 2021)
Lakeside Elevation Framing Progress (Jan 2021)
Lakeside elevation after curtainwall installed and soffit cladding almost underway (Feb 2021)
View from south looking from lakeside reveals weatherproof enclosure with Zip Wall + curtainwall and most windows installed (Feb 2021)
View from southwest while detached garage under construction (Feb 2021)
Interior view looking through open living space through curtainwall (April 2021)
View from site to Grandview Lake at sunrise (June 2021)
Trees provide a marvelous canopy around the almost-finished construction (June 2021)
View from dock through the trees (June 2021)
Project Circumstances Change:
July 2021: There are some updates to report about the project. Unfortunately, our clients ended-up needing to sell the property as we got closer to the end of the construction phase. Fortunately, the builder was helpful in finding a new buyer relatively quickly. Builder and new buyer appear to be collaborating on finishing touches for project completion. We will provide updates as we have them, as we (HAUS) have not met the new owners and have not been involved in the builder/owner collaboration for finishing the details. For certain, we are hoping that the architectural design integrity will weather the transition.
View from covered screened porch south (Aug 2021)
View from Kitchen door south through screened porch (Aug 2021)
Custom aluminum barn door closes covered open air storage enclosure (Oct 2021)
View from side yard path looking toward lake (October 2021)
South view of bridge entry between house and detached garage (October 2021)
Lakeside elevation is nearly complete. Unexpectedly, new resident decided to clear the trees from the site 100%. They had concern about debris falling on roofs + tree proximity to house. New resident also added a reflective window film to lakeside glazing to cut-down on morning solar gain. They said solar gain may have been an issue even with leaving the pre-existing tree canopies. (October 2021)
Please come back to see more about Modern Lakeside Retreat.
