Every once in a while, a project comes along that perfectly blends craftsmanship, creativity, and setting. This custom lakeside build is one of those projects.

Our client owned two lake homes and saw an opportunity to transform the space between them into something truly special. The goal was to create a shared gathering area that felt intentional, seamless, and worthy of the lakefront setting—while also addressing aging structures on both homes.

A One-of-a-Kind Lakeside Pavilion

At the heart of this project is a custom-connected pavilion designed to serve as a central hub for entertaining and relaxing. Built with Douglas fir timbers, the pavilion adds warmth, character, and timeless appeal. The exposed timber framing creates an open, inviting structure that feels both substantial and elegant.

A custom stone fireplace anchors the space, making it usable across seasons and providing a natural focal point for gatherings. Below, a dedicated hot tub level enhances the pavilion’s function, turning it into a true lakeside retreat designed for both relaxation and socializing. The custom masonry bird seen in the fireplace image below is an homage to the Thunderbird namesake of the community.

Rebuilding & Reconnecting The Homes

Beyond the pavilion itself, the project included improvements to both lake homes:

• Rebuilt deteriorated decks to improve safety, longevity, and visual appeal
• Constructed a timber-framed entrance to visually and structurally tie one home into the new pavilion
• Installed new roofs on both homes
• Completed fresh exterior paint, giving the entire property a cohesive, updated look

These upgrades not only improved the functionality of the homes but also unified the entire property into a single, thoughtfully designed lakeside compound.