Bear Lake Scandinavian Cabin
Type
New Construction
Location
Bear Lake, Michigan
Year
2024
Team
Motif Architects
Wieland Structural Engineering
Features
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Insulated CMU Block Construction (Omni-Block)
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Inspired by Scandinavian Design
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Compact Design
Services
For this valued repeat client, we delivered comprehensive site planning and full architectural design for a Scandinavian-inspired residence that embraces clean lines, natural materials, and thoughtful simplicity. The project was tailored from the ground up, integrating programming and space planning that prioritized functionality and comfort while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Our interior design team crafted a serene and refined atmosphere, seamlessly coordinating finishes and materials throughout the home—including the layout of custom cabinetry designed to maximize usability and elevate the overall visual harmony.
Beyond the primary residence, we extended our scope to include the design of a spacious exterior deck and a detached garage, both developed to complement the home’s style and site conditions. We also managed collaboration with a local structural engineer to ensure the design met all performance and safety standards.
Additionally, we partnered with Omni Block, an insulated block manufacturer, to detail the wall systems, ensuring energy efficiency and structural integrity were baked into the final design. The result is a modern retreat that blends architectural precision with regional expertise.
Design Concept
This vacation home draws inspiration from a classic A-frame structure, featuring 45-degree sloped roofs engineered to deflect snow and provide long-term durability. The steep geometry not only serves a functional purpose but also supports dramatic vaulted ceilings on the upper level, infusing the interior with a sense of volume and architectural character. Designed to meet the client’s desire for a low-maintenance getaway, the project embraces a minimalist approach grounded in practicality and restraint.
To achieve affordability without sacrificing design integrity, the owner selected Omni-Block—an insulated modular block system known for energy efficiency and streamlined construction. Complemented by a standing seam metal roof and standard-sized windows and sliding glass doors, the home remains visually refined while keeping custom detailing to a minimum. The result is an elegant, cost-conscious retreat that proves simplicity can still make a striking statement.
Scandinavian Inspired Design
ooted in Scandinavian design principles, this home embraces understated elegance through clean lines, natural textures, and purposeful simplicity. The sharply angled 45-degree rooflines not only evoke the classic silhouette of Nordic cabins but also serve a functional role—shedding snow and echoing the minimalist geometry inherent to the region’s architecture. Vaulted ceilings beneath these peaks invite light and air, while large windows strategically frame outdoor views, dissolving the boundary between inside and nature.
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Material choices reinforce the home’s commitment to honesty and restraint: warm wood finishes, crisp white surfaces, and exposed textures pair with sleek black outlines to highlight structural forms without excess ornamentation. Black-trimmed windows and door frames provide a modern contrast against soft, neutral palettes, drawing attention to the home’s composition and clarity.
The overall effect is a space that feels calm, refined, and deliberately unembellished—celebrating the beauty of simplicity and the precision of thoughtful design.
​Insulated CMU System
Omni Block is an insulated concrete block system that excels in thermal performance, structural durability, and construction speed—making it a smart solution for northern climates. By integrating insulation directly into each block, the system minimizes thermal bridging and provides a high R-value, helping homes stay warm and efficient during harsh winters. Its interlocking modular design allows for faster on-site assembly compared to traditional construction methods, reducing labor time and accelerating build schedules without compromising quality.
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From an architectural standpoint, Omni Block contributes to a modern, expressive aesthetic with clean lines and rhythmic block patterns that blend seamlessly with minimalist design. When paired with natural materials and strategic lighting, the textured surfaces offer visual depth and a grounded character. Its ability to harmonize form and function makes it ideal for projects that prioritize both energy-conscious living and distinctive architectural identity—especially when speed and efficiency are part of the equation.
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