A dark and cramped 1960s ranch house is transformed into an airy, light-filled retreat inspired by its woodsy setting with lake views. In this top-to-bottom renovation for a couple downsizing from a traditional suburban home, SMA opened up the house to Sheldrake Lake, heightened the presence and functionality of the main entrance, and improved the interior's vertical and horizontal circulation. The result is an elegant yet playful design inspired by the natural surroundings.

The design interventions include a natural wood cantilevered canopy that projects out from the new south entrance on the lower level, where the house is approached from the driveway; reconfiguration of the existing double-height stair hall and lower-level entry hall, and the creation of two new stair cases; a large living space on the main level, with cantilevered deck and lake views to the east; a primary bedroom on the upper level, oriented toward the lake, with cathedral ceiling, private deck, and bathroom with water views. The new exterior cladding uses a two-toned palette (dark-stained and natural wood) to highlight the house's key architectural elements, such as the new south entrance.