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The green roof, wood cladding, and low profile help to integrate the home with its lush, natural surroundings.

The screened-in porch presents spectacular views of both the green mountains and starry skies.

5. "What are the top 10 most important things I must have in a home?" "If there are two people buying the home, write your answers down separately, starting with your absolute must-haves," Hoffman explains. “Putting together a list separately can give both parties and the realtor a clear picture of what the perfect home will have for both of you."

The open-plan lower level flows into a covered patio through bifold doors by Loewen. The shingles, made of Alaskan yellow cedar, were pre-stained off-site in seven earthy hues. For maintenance, they will require a new UV topcoat every two-to-three years. The Condesa chairs are by Innit Designs.

The marble herringbone floor tile is from Lowe’s, and the walls are covered in waterproof concrete plaster, a finish that took up less room than tile would have. “The walls were really un-level and it's not a particularly big bathroom, so I didn't want to reduce the size of it,” says Segulja.

Local materials and a restrained, natural palette allow the surroundings to sing at this family getaway.

Photo courtesy of Rehkamp Larson Architects provided by Marvin Windows and Doors

“Friends can use the screened porch for the day, like a cabana,” the wife says. The couple are also planning for teachers from High Meadow Farm to hold practices here. “People will be able to use the porch and have access to the lake while our family is also using the house,” the husband adds.

The detached screened porch sits out in the landscape, not unlike a Japanese teahouse.

The concrete wall behind the porch provides a backdrop for the wood stove and privacy from the road.

The landscaping was intended to be as low-maintenance as possible for professionally touring musicians. (Though during the pandemic, obviously, there is plenty of time for yard work.) The little covered veranda could act as a mini stage for backyard acoustic shows in the future.

The Monokuro House blends minimalist, Japanese-inspired architecture with indoor/outdoor California living.

Long Cabin south deck and fire pit with existing stone retaining wall.

Looking West towards Lake Michigan

The house is clad in Siberian larch and has a standing-seam Galvalume roof. Landscape architect Karin Ursula used native plantings to help the land recover from construction. The gravel put down in lieu of new soil will gradually fill in with plants as leaves decompose and produce a layer of soil.