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One of the main sustainable features of the home is its small size. “It’s a very small house with good insulation and natural ventilation,” says architect Line Solgaard. “Keeping the building small is one of the most important considerations for sustainability.”

Full-height windows flood the interior with sunlight and create a feeling of spaciousness. "Rooms that feel bright and fresh are mood elevators mood,

The owners built the house as a place to gather with their three adult children on Loon Lake, where they had vacationed at the husband’s family home for years. The modern Adirondack chairs are by Loll Designs.

A couple’s 269-square-foot getaway features a crimson exterior and an unfinished pine plywood interior.

Now, a walk-in shower and soaking tub are tucked under the roof line.

Master

The upstairs showers are particularly ingenious: Operable skylights loom above, and perforated, galvanized-steel platforms open up to spacious, sunken bathtubs.

A double-size shower, clad floor-to-ceiling in tiny earth-toned tiles, was built after relocating the water heater and claiming its space. A chic yet discreet toilet is wall-hung and the tank concealed, greatly ameliorating the somewhat claustrophobic feel of the original bathroom.

Selective D.I.YNix and Novak-Zemplinski made the narrow concrete sinks with tilted basins in the bathrooms. “We couldn’t find any sinks we liked,” says Nix. “So we decided to make our own. But those are the most expensive sinks ever, at least in terms of man-hours.” Novak-Zemplinski concurs—while they are happy with the way the sinks turned out, “one of the lessons we learned is that some things are not worth doing yourself.”

A shallow built-in bathroom shelf.

Outdoor shower

The angled tile floor-pad designates the entrance to the bathtub area.

Master Bathroom

Finishes such as exposed concrete and playful tile accents denote the more laid-back, intimate atmosphere.

curb-less shower, frame-less glass, textured tile, corner drain

In another bathroom, white penny rounds cover the walls. The original window and casework give off historic gravitas and provide a thoughtful counterpoint to the modern tile treatment.

Walk-in shower

A look at the simple, modern bathroom with a monolithic sink.