Palmgren House

Set on the shore of a lake, this house takes the form of a simple box, with an enclosed courtyard at the back and a terrace at the front. Uncompromisingly contemporary, it is nonetheless a quiet presence in the landscape.

In winter, when the lake freezes and snow covers the site, the pale volume all but disappears. In summer, seen from across the water, its elevations are broken up by foliage.

Inside, the house is made as open as possible to views over the lake. Rooms are framed in simple surfaces and a pale tonal palette, with timber doors, tables and joinery set against white walls and stone floors.