Ferris Cabin | Patano Studio Architects

The Ferris family has enjoyed this spectacular section of shoreline on the western side of Lake Coeur d’Alene for over 100 years. In the 1950’s our client’s parents built an iconic mid-century modern lake cabin perched up over the family beach. As the family grew over the next two generations the cozy cabin could not handle the new demands. Patano Studio was hired to design a new cabin adjacent to the mid-century classic so the entire family could enjoy summertime on the lake.

Working closely with the clients we developed a design that features two interlocking forms - the transparent family gathering spaces and the opaque sleeping spaces. The family gathering space features a large window wall protected by substantial roof overhangs. The kitchen, dining room, family room and a loft all have expansive views out to the lake and share the large open space. Glu-lam beams support the roof and create the open plan. Careful detailing ensured that the entire project could be framed out of locally available wood. The siding is tongue and groove cedar that is stained black on the family gathering form and left clear on the family sleeping form.  A large deck is protected by the overhang above and allows the family to sit outside and enjoy the Idaho summer.