The Lake Sunapee House

A warm retreat in Dialogue with Nature

The Lake Sunapee House is situated on a sloping site overlooking the water in New Hampshire. The design seeks a balance between traditional familiarity and modern simplicity, creating a cozy retreat that is both rooted in its place and open to the landscape beyond. Wood siding forms the primary exterior material, allowing the house to settle quietly into its wooded surroundings.

All primary living spaces are gathered on the ground floor, opening fully toward the lake view and offering everyday convenience for the aging client. The slope of the land is embraced to partially embed the lower level into the ground, bringing the home closer to the water while minimizing its presence on the site. The garage is tucked behind the main volume and connected through a transitional entry, providing a sheltered threshold between arrival and daily life.

Throughout the design process, WAKE worked closely with the client, exploring a range of layouts and roofline studies. These iterations informed a form that both respects the terrain and environment and meets the client’s needs in the most efficient way. A lofted space hovers at the 1.5 level, oriented toward the lake and designed to accommodate guests. The house is imagined as warm, compact, and efficient—shaped by the land, defined by natural light, and anchored by materials that echo the surrounding landscape.

LAKE SUNAPEE HOUSE

Typology: New Build - Single Family Residence

Location: Newbury, New Hampshire

Year: Current

Status: In-Progress

Size: 3,500 SF

Client: Private

WAKE’s Role: Architect & Project Manager

Design Team: Nathan E. Minett RA, Mercedes Cuvi, Xiaoxuan Hu, Kevin Atkinson, Myat Kline, Neslie Albeza, Fil Henri Hechanova