SubscribeSign In
m
Collection by Mason Riddle

Superior Logic

Prefab construction simplified the building process of this northern Wisconsin summer home, where all materials required ferrying across Lake Superior.

When architect Charlie Lazor was commissioned to design an affordable, durable summer retreat on Lake Superior’s historic Madeline Island, he was aware of the location’s challenges. Because of its relative isolation, site-building results in a 20 percent up-charge for ferrying materials and equipment, such as a weighty concrete mixer, to the wooded site. The clients envisioned a modern cabin that evoked a rustic simplicity; Lazor, creator of the panelized FlatPak house, developed a new modular 1,600-square-foot open-plan Week’nder sporting a screened porch, traditional porcelain fixtures, and shed door latches. Mounted on tubular steel posts to minimize its ecological footprint (and the number of ferry crossings), the home stands out amongst the trees as a testament to both prefab’s tenacity against the elements and its environmental ethos.

View 7 Photos
Architect Charlie Lazor opted for a wash of black on the prefab cabin he designed on Madeline Island, Wisconsin.
Architect Charlie Lazor opted for a wash of black on the prefab cabin he designed on Madeline Island, Wisconsin.
The wood-and-metal exterior is all about the interplay of angles and planes. White Kynar-coated cladding tops rough-sawn pine planks stained a rich brown shade.
The wood-and-metal exterior is all about the interplay of angles and planes. White Kynar-coated cladding tops rough-sawn pine planks stained a rich brown shade.
A corrugated metal roofing, pine walls stained a warm blonde hue, and an abundance of glass make this modern prefab feel much roomier than its 1,600-square-feet size.
A corrugated metal roofing, pine walls stained a warm blonde hue, and an abundance of glass make this modern prefab feel much roomier than its 1,600-square-feet size.
In the naturally lit central living space, stained plywood is used for the walls and flooring. The interior boasts high ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, and a dining table by Robert Ewert Designs.
In the naturally lit central living space, stained plywood is used for the walls and flooring. The interior boasts high ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, and a dining table by Robert Ewert Designs.
A Rais wood-burning fireplace heats the central space and the architectural element surrounding it was designed and installed by Charlie Lazor. The sleek, minimalist kitchen is outfitted with zinc countertops and the counter stools are by Blu Dot.
A Rais wood-burning fireplace heats the central space and the architectural element surrounding it was designed and installed by Charlie Lazor. The sleek, minimalist kitchen is outfitted with zinc countertops and the counter stools are by Blu Dot.
This northern Wisconsin summer home includes a seven-foot-tall entry screen made from raw heirloom cedar.
This northern Wisconsin summer home includes a seven-foot-tall entry screen made from raw heirloom cedar.