Site Considerations
Oblique aerial view south from site location
(click to enlarge)
This lakefront site was known to the owner from childhood as "the best location on the lake", for its combination of views of the open lake waters, and the proximity of the adjacent protected water channel. The property adjoins and provides vistas of the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, with its abundant wildlife and diverse array of marshes, tributary river deltas, backwaters, and open lake habitats. Design goals for the site include:
Maximize winter passive solar input from waterfront view windows
Provide views in buffered outdoor living space:
- screens for summer insects
- progressively add-able storm windows for cool season
- radiant-heat fireplace (Rumford) - firepit concept moved indoors, works in drafts
Respect and honor local (Brice Prairie) traditions
- Metal buildings reflect Brice Prairie's strong agricultural heritage (agricultural traditions are known back to at least Oneota cultures of AD 1200)
- Small concrete block structures were once abundant on Brice Prairie (and still are a hidden part of the inside core of many Brice Prairie homes)
- LANDSCAPE: maximize native species
- Provide screening from neighbors and road
- Very low (or no) nutrient/herbicide/pesticide use (site adjoins National Wildlife Refuge waters)
- Waterfront bank erosion control using low-growing native shrubs and forbs, preserving view
- Upper level internal drainage through rain gardens/stormwater ponds: minimize over-bank discharge