As avid mountain bikers, Craig Turnbull and Jennifer Madvin were initially drawn to Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula for its rugged landscape and abundant trails. They decided the remote area on the shore of Lake Superior would be the perfect location for their dream home and approached Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects to create a modern, streamlined retreat to unwind, entertain, and explore.

Positioned for views of Lake Superior, Copper Harbor by Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects is clad in pre-rusted Cor-Ten steel that gives it a lived-in feel." layout="" credit="Kes Efstathiou" photoUserId=""/>

Led by principal architect Tom Lenchek, the team at Prentiss Balance Wickline worked closely with Craig and Jennifer to design a home that fits harmoniously within the landscape, protected by a sturdy exterior built to withstand the area’s harsh climate. As Lenchek notes, “Winter weather is incredibly rough... the building needed to be able to withstand winter storms on the Lake Superior shoreline.”

Constructing a home in such a rugged, remote location proved challenging for a number of reasons, from sourcing materials and labor to the site-specific hurdle of building on pure rock, which made it impossible to install spread footings. Instead, the team anchored an elevated concrete foundation directly to the rock—a solution that allows for optimal views and also helps the structure handle large amounts of winter snowfall and springtime melt.

Rather than building one central structure, Lenchek designed the home as a series of volumes nestled elegantly into the rocky landscape: a public living area connects to a private one for sleeping, and a third detached garage is used as a mountain bike workshop. The metal-clad structures appear to lean toward the water with angled facades, and each features a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass that allows for ample natural light and lake views.

Cantilevered decks extending toward the water make the perfect spot for enjoying lake views and the northern lights.
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To weatherproof the cabins, Lenchek covered them in pre-rusted Cor-Ten steel, which, he explains is very sturdy in harsh environments, “but also serves as a reference to the area’s mining and industrial past. The area is home to a number of shipwrecks, and the Cor-Ten feels like a visual reference to a rusty ship.”

When designing the cabin’s interiors, Lenchek wanted to “blur the lines between interior and exterior,” opting for simple forms and materials that direct attention outward, toward the natural surroundings, he says. This meant using a palette of concrete, plywood, and glass. For Lenchek, the use of patterned plywood paneling throughout was a critical step in achieving a crisp yet warm aesthetic. The team also relied heavily on custom built-ins and casework to keep the interior open and clutter-free, with additional clean-lined furnishings incorporated to fit the homeowners’ minimalist sensibilities.

Clever space-saving solutions were used to maintain a streamlined flow between rooms, such as incorporating vertical shelving to create an uncluttered entertainment center that holds extra items fireplace tools. Black steel framing is used to help delineate spaces." layout="bleed" credit="Kes Efstathiou" photoUserId=""/>All of the door and cabinet hardware, lighting, appliances, plumbing, and accessories are black to create depth and definition throughout the interior." layout="" credit="Kes Efstathiou" photoUserId=""/>

To match the kitchen to the rest of the home, the team added wood veneers that match the wall paneling, steel shelving, and laminate countertops with exposed plywood edges. The living room and bedrooms have expansive lake views, offering tranquil spaces to relax and watch approaching squalls, freighters, or the northern lights.

Built as a private sanctuary and hub for gathering with family, friends, and fellow mountain bikers, Craig and Jennifer are thrilled with their modern cabin in the woods. Copper Harbor’s clean-lined design and ample use of natural materials offer welcoming spaces that are simple but not plain—a sturdy home that feels cozy yet airy and allows Craig and Jennifer to stay fully connected to their surrounding landscape in all seasons.

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Project Credits:

Architecture Firm: Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects / @pbwarchitects

Principal Architect: Tom Lenchek

Project Architect: James Efstathiou

Architect: Taylor Proctor

General Contractor: Hyaline Builders

Structural Engineer: Quantum Consulting Engineers / @quantumconsultingengineers

Photography: Kes Efstathiou / @kes_efs