Compact Contemporary

Culver, IN

An Indianapolis family sought a modern, serene lake home for family gatherings, set by a pristine Northern Indiana lake. They acquired a 1930s cottage, but its 1,280 square feet and outdated design didn't meet their contemporary vision. The architects' challenge was to transform this small bungalow—originally with three bedrooms, one bath, and disconnected spaces—into a sleek, contemporary lake retreat with three bedrooms and three and a half baths, all without expanding the footprint.

The solution involved reimagining the existing structure with a modern touch. The updated design features an open, free-flowing main living area with large windows for natural light and ventilation. A unique central Kitchen Island includes a hidden pull-out dining table that extends seamlessly. This disappearing surface is mounted to a telescoping pick-up truck cargo slide system on a steel frame concealed in the island. A 16-foot multi-slide glass door connects to a new deck, enhancing outdoor living. The compact, efficient bedrooms and baths fit under the original roofline, maximizing space. This transformation created a contemporary, inviting retreat, harmoniously blending with its lakefront setting and natural surroundings.

Awards

2024 - American Institute of Architects - Indiana Citation Award - Interior Architecture

Exterior of a house with a black cutout sign displaying the numbers 9, 1, 0, with a door and windows on a waterfront property.
A multi-level backyard with a deck, outdoor seating, and landscaped lawn. The house has a large deck with seating, an upstairs porch, and large windows, set against a backdrop of trees and neighboring houses.
Modern kitchen with white island, wooden flooring, black cabinets, dark blue tile backsplash, stainless steel fixtures, and a floating staircase with wooden steps and black railing leading to an upper floor.
Modern kitchen with a kitchen island, white cabinets, a table emerging from the island, and a staircase with wooden steps and black metal railing in the background.
Modern open-concept kitchen with white island, large wood table coming out from the island, and blue brick backsplash, featuring a staircase with wooden steps and metal railing leading to an upper level, next to large windows.
Modern kitchen with blue tile backsplash, gloss gray cabinets, and a white island, with a reflected view of the outside through a window.
Floor plans of a house showing the previous first floor and a new first floor layout, with room labels and a scale. The right side includes two photographs of interior spaces: the top photo depicts a living room with large windows, a sliding door to a balcony with a view, and furniture; the bottom photo shows a kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and window.
Interior view of a entryway with a wooden cabinet and coat hooks on a wooden panel, hardwood floor, white walls, a door, and a glass door leading outside.
A bedroom with a large window showing green trees outside, a sloped ceiling, a partial view of a bed with dark bedding, and part of a bathroom door.
Cross-sectional illustration of a small two-story house with a person standing on the upper floor.
A lake house with an illuminated interior, a glass terrace, and steps leading to a dock over the water, surrounded by neighboring houses and lush greenery at dusk.

Photography

Daniel Toner