The clients originally came to Deep River Partners looking to have a custom home built on their property that takes on panoramic views of the Milwaukee River. Being nature enthusiasts, they were looking for a modern / contemporary home that used natural materials on the residence to help disappear into the landscape. Another goal was to make this home able to age in place, meaning roll-in showers, flush entrances to the home, elevator for all level access, large doorway openings, and a first-floor main bedroom. The final goal was to understand that this was a family legacy home that was ultimately being built for their son and his future family.

The floor plan layout was designed to be linear along the river so the public spaces could directly have views to the river. The entry side supports a private office and an extra bedroom that shares a first-floor bath / powder room. The Great Room / Dining Room was arranged as a 2 story space anchored by a fireplace. Natural wood beams and the wood floor help the spaces respond to the landscape directly outside. The Kitchen is anchored by the large island with seating centered on the range with tile backsplash. The kitchen is outfitted with a beverage center that supports the client’s wine passion. The Main Bedroom was separated from the public rooms to give privacy, which gave the opportunity to create an intimate corner window setup for a spectacular view down the river. The Main Bath has a roll-in shower that is flanked with a soaking tub centered on windows for outdoor views.

The Stair to the Loft and Lower Level became an element to connect the 3 floors together. The same rail detail from the exterior was applied to the interior to tie the inside and outside together. The loft doubles as an executive office with inspirational views while conducting work.

The stair to the Lower-Level leads to a Lower Living Room for more casual experience. The Lower Living has its own kitchenette, so guests are able to feel like they have their own residence on this level. Off the Living Room is 2 bedrooms. Both bedrooms have direct access to the outdoors. One bedroom has an on-suite spa like bath with a large shower and sauna as a bonus feature. The other bedroom shares a Jack and Jill access to the other bath, which also serves as the Lower-Level public bath.

For the exterior, Deep River developed a simple material palette using exposed concrete, natural wood siding / columns, decorative metal rail / accents, and painted panels / trim to be applied to a residence that has a horizontal / expansive layout that responds to the property. Natural siding was highlighted by creating blocks of windows or panels that subtly enforced contrast of the materials. The entrances have punched openings for windows and doors where the river side has expansive window and door layouts to take on views of the river. A large, screened porch and deck runs along the whole first floor for viewing of the river where a Loft with Roof Terrace was developed to take a bird eye’s view of the entire bend of the river. The decks and open porches have tension due to a cantilever column layout below to help make these features feel like they are floating into the landscape. Finally, flat roofs with large overhangs were used to reduce the height of the home and let the home become a feature that blends and extends out into its’ surroundings.