Cool Spaces: Inside a Polynesian retreat overlooking Lake Guntersville
By Lou Gathany for AL.com
Lake Guntersville, AL
The over-arching concept behind this Polynesian style home on Lake Guntersville was a desire to create a place to share life with kids, grandkids, friends and extended family.
The question for Bob and Phylis Baron was how to achieve that goal on their lakeside property. While Bob wanted something with a lot of glass, Phylis wanted something with a lot of wood. Phylis studied Florida home magazines and suggested one to Bob. He liked it so much that he called the architects responsible for that design to see if they would like to do a lake home in north Alabama.
Debra deLeon and Robert John Graboskiso of Village Architects in Key Biscayne, Florida took on the challenge of working with Bob and Phylis to combine their wishes into a comfortable yet casual family retreat overlooking the calm, quiet waters of Lake Guntersville.
With the use of concrete and steel an open, rectangular two -story building clad in glass, wood and stone seems to float above the water . The design gives Bob the walls of glass he desired and integrated a great deal of wood into the ceilings, floors and furnishings which Phylis had requested.
After purchasing this property in December of 2010, the tornado of April 2011 had an unexpected affect on the building process. Since 90% of the trees on the property were felled by the winds, a portable sawmill was set up on the property so that the downed trees could be harvested and incorporated into the design process.
A beech tree was milled and some of the slabs became a dining table top. Other woods were milled for flooring and ceiling applications. Enormous wood-clad sliding glass doors were procured from Canada; multiple skilled local artisans and local suppliers contributed talents, creativity and products to the very custom retreat.
The first structure actually built on the property was a stand-alone garage building with a guest apartment above. As construction progressed over several years the Barons were able to enjoy the apartment and the outdoor kitchen that was completed long before the home construction gave them an indoor kitchen.
The entry is reached by crossing a "floating" walkway leading to a dramatic, unique, custom glass and wood entrance door. Visually, the sight line at the entrance passes through the house to the infinity pool and the lake beyond creating the effect of not having any "permanent" exterior walls, inspired by thatched roof dwellings of Polynesia.
Even so, steel reinforced concrete walls went up early on to create the home's theater which is also a safe room. The remainder of the first level consists of flowing, connecting public spaces with a "tea room"for quiet meditation at one end and a "loge" at the opposite end with a kitchen and entertainment areas in the center. With so much wall to ceiling glass, remote -controlled hidden roller shades can be lowered for privacy.
The second level provides three bedrooms, all of which have lake views, plus a large bunkroom that sleeps six for grandkids and cousins. Both an elevator and a stairway provide access to the sleeping level. Lots of textiles such as grass cloth wallpaper and fabric furnishings add interest and help with the acoustics.
The lakeside exterior can be enjoyed rain or shine as there is a covered porch extending across the expanse of the homes first level decking and the sleeping level also has a roof across the back balcony. Open up all of the huge sliding plate glass doors and the lake breezes will fill the air. The resulting inside/outside open living experience increases the home's living square footage.
Even now the Barons consider this home to be a work in progress. There are details to finish, accessorizing to complete and the exterior landscaping plan is on-going. But, for the most part, this five-year process is nearing completion. Even though it was not completed at time, the Barons entertained one hundred twenty guests for a Fourth of July celebration.
With a lot of collaboration among multiple trades, professions and talented contractors the Baron's goal of creating a lakeside retreat to share with family and friends has been realized in a soothing, comfortable, casual space.
This Polynesian style home works very well in its north Alabama setting on the edge of beautiful Lake Guntersville. It is a very cool space indeed.