More Thoughts on Taking Your Exteriors To the Next Level

This Pelican Lake home boasts an impressive series of catwalks to and from the property.

In the April/May issue of Lake and Home Magazine, we did an article on custom railings - both interior and exterior. For me, one of the most fascinating exterior photos we saw was of a series of catwalks built by Lands End Development on a Pelican Lake property that allowed the homeowners to "level out" a clearly undulating landscape and add significant architectural detail to their entire property.  

Unsure about the specifics in building this particular home, when I saw the photos for the article it got me thinking about how many other similarly situated lots may have benefited from a similar and equally interesting solution.  Frankly, my reaction to the photo was "that's awesome".  I've always been a fan of homes, especially lake homes - more like compounds - that seem like they've been built up over time with multiple buildings connected by walkways, breezeways, bridges etc.   Maybe its because they feel like "summer camp" to me.

Build-able lots here in "lakes country" can come at a premium and using a bit of imagination can help a seemingly difficult lot realize its full potential to become something architecturally interesting.  So I set out, as I often do, on a web search to find a few inspiring examples to share.

Traditional Exterior by Kerrville Architect Paddle Creek Design

Contemporary Exterior by Palo Alto Architect Stoecker and Northway Architects, Inc.

Traditional Exterior by Seattle Architect Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

Modern Entry by Spokane Architect Uptic Studios

Contemporary Exterior by Seattle Architect Clinkston Architects

Contemporary Entry by Falls Church Architect Coupard Architects and Builders

There are as many solutions as there are lots.  From contemporary to modern to traditional architecture - whether your lot is on the lake and no matter where you call home, a challenging lot presents great opportunity for you to design a unique solution and take your home to the next level.  

We hope our pages continue to bring you inspiration. Please share your inspiration with us on our Facebook page or visit us on Pinterest to see even more ideas.


Jan Ellis
Editor
Lake and Home Magazine
Email me directly at janeteellis@live.com

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