Immersed in a luminous natural setting, the architectural program of this residence is twofold: to establish a dialogue with the lakefront landscape while at the same time to enhance communication and collaboration within a multi-generational family. We realized that thoughtful program adjacencies, fluid circulation, and long axial sightlines would encourage family members to communicate and engage in shared activities like cooking, dining, and conversation. We intentionally blurred the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces to enhance one's experience of the surrounding landscape. Strategically placed openings in the glass facade channel prevailing winds through the house to eliminate the need for air-conditioning. The project actively celebrates environmental stewardship. Due to the infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle in Michigan, we reclaimed over one hundred infested ash trees from the site to be extensively used in the design of the new home. Storm water run-off over a century had exacerbated erosion of the site's 200' high bluff, so we integrated the new home's roof form as part of a storm water management strategy to capture and divert rain water away from the fragile precipice. The Michigan Lake House presents a unique opportunity to rethink how to maximize simple materials and their formal expression. We aspired to a minimalist, vernacular aesthetic imbued with nuanced and expressive textures, details, and light. Above all, the Michigan Lake House is a beautiful and inspiring environment – a place that encourages a multi-generational family to relax, recharge, and re-engage with each other.