« Back home

Crane Island Cabin

Resident Less Than 3500 Square Feet

Meyer Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd

Thomas Meyer, Allison Salzman


1 2 3 4 5
Located on an island in Lake Minnetonka, this new summer home respects the character of the neighboring historic cottages.
Photo credit: Alyssa Lee
The wrap-around screen porch provides a transition between inside and out and spectacular views of the lake.
Photo credit: Alyssa Lee
The design breaks down the scale of the house by creating two linked gabled structures to better match the scale of the other island homes.
Photo credit: Alyssa Lee
Custom millwork and cabinetry throughout offers plenty of storage for the family and their guests.
Photo credit: Alyssa Lee
Interior gatherings center around the large stone fireplace.
Photo credit: Alyssa Lee

Video: Meet the Architects

Thomas Meyer, Allison Salzman

The Team
Thomas Meyer, FAIA, Principal in Charge
Allison Salzman, AIA, LEED AP

Project Architect
Sam Edelstein, LEED
Dan Vercruysse, AIA, LEED AP

General Contractor
Pete Welch and Don Forsman, Welch Forsman Associates, Inc.

Structural Engineer
Meye, Borgman, and Johnson, Inc.

Design Intent/Solution
Surrounded by 14 early-20th century summer cottages, the clients were respecting the existing architectural style of historic Crane Island. Their home celebrates Midwest summer living with a main house composed of two linked gabled structures, an existing water tower, and a guesthouse created from a small historic shed on the property.

Judges’ Comments
Creating a home on beloved and historic Crane Island is not an easy task. The designers were thoughtful to respect the surroundings and really blend this cottage-like home into the landscape. Light materials and a stunning wraparound porch magnify this indoor-outdoor connection.
Meyer Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd
710 South 2nd Street, 7th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-375-0336

« Back home