American architecture firm William Kaven has designed a concrete, blackened timber and glass residence on the shore of Lake Michigan to withstand the area's extreme winter weather.

Camp Minoh is located near the town of Charlevoix, in northern Michigan, on a sandy waterfront site that experiences frequent storms and gales during the colder part of the year.
William Kaven, therefore, oriented the residence to brace against the elements, and create a sheltered area in front for those arriving.

"Camp Minoh is positioned to withstand the strong winter winds heading south across the lake from the Upper Peninsula and Canada," said Daniel Kaven, who co-founded the firm based in Portland, Oregon, with brother Trevor William Lewis.
Surrounded by pine and birch trees, the family retreat is also designed to maximise views of the lake from several vantage points.
It features large windows for enjoying the vistas from inside on chilly days, and a large concrete patio for spending time outdoors during warmer months.

"When we begin any project, the first thing I do is walk the site, film and take pictures," said Kaven. "During the design phase [of the house], I often reflected back on the moment of first facing the lake and its power."

The two-storey dwelling has facades of board-marked concrete around its lower level, while the upper portion is clad in timber treated using shou sugi ban ? a Japanese technique used to extend the life of wood, and ideal f...