Thompson Lake House
LOCATION
Eagle, ID
RECOGNITION
AIA Idaho Award of Citation (2018)
Dwell
Landscape Architect and Specifier News
A private retreat of wood, glass, and concrete that glows like a jewelbox on the lake. The owners envisioned a family oasis that could be restful and serene yet open and welcoming, and capable of entertaining large gatherings. They envisioned an environment that blended interior and exterior, seamlessly integrated into its stunning surroundings.
This streamlined and elegant single-family residence features outdoor environments and a large living space that are perfect for entertaining. The envelope allows for dynamic customization: with user-friendly smart technology, the home can easily transition from an open beachfront hangout to a cozy, blacked out theater. The interior and exterior are connected by operable glass hangar doors which frame vistas of the lake, landscaping, beach, and distant architecture. The house’s east/west orientation and south-facing 12 ft. overhangs mitigate excess sun exposure and solar heat gain while maintaining expansive views. Finally, the materials link the landscape and building while creating a calm and comfortable home.
The home is designed to be flexible and customizable. The operable hangar doors can enclose the living space or expose it to become part of the outdoors. Discreet, smart-panel-operated roller shades can disappear into the ceiling to frame a symmetrical view of the world-class vista. All the while, fully-integrated systems function out of sight to maintain user comfort.
Thompson Lake House is a great example of landscape architects, architects, and a visionary client working closely together to create an urban oasis that celebrates a harmonious relationship between indoor and outdoor living. This was truly an integrated effort between design team, contractor, and owner. Multiple weekly onsite meetings, an unrelenting and rigorous eye for detail, ordering materials before the design was complete, and a constant focus on purity and simplicity guided the design and construction process.
