Ferris Family Lake Cabin

The Ferris family has enjoyed this spectacular stretch of western Lake Coeur d’Alene shoreline for over a century. In the 1950s, the client’s parents built an iconic mid-century modern cabin perched above the family beach. As the family grew over two generations, the cozy cabin could no longer accommodate their needs, prompting EHDD design lead Christopher Patano to design a new cabin adjacent to the mid-century classic.

Working closely with the clients, the design features two interlocking forms—transparent family gathering spaces and opaque sleeping quarters. The gathering space showcases a large window wall protected by substantial roof overhangs, with kitchen, dining room, family room, and loft sharing an open plan with expansive lake views. Glulam beams support the roof structure and define the open interior.

Careful detailing ensured the entire project could be framed with locally available wood. Tongue-and-groove cedar siding is stained black on the gathering form and left natural on the sleeping form, creating visual distinction between public and private zones. A large deck sheltered by the overhang above allows the family to enjoy Idaho summers outdoors while maintaining connection to the lake and the family’s long history on this shoreline.