RUGGED KNOLL LODGE

Located in the pristine Laurel Highlands in Pennsylvania, this dearly loved yet unused hunting cabin was slowly returning to the earth on 10 beautiful wooded acres. It was clear that in addition to the cabin, the trees, rocks, and plants around the homesite were full of heart-felt memories.

 

The issue: The 24’x26’ structure was built in 1955 as a hunting lodge by the owner’s father but had not been lived in for decades.

 

Client’s request: I don’t want to get rid of it, there’s too many memories… help us figure out what to do. 

 

Our solution: It was obvious from the start that this was no ordinary vacation home. This home honors the memory of the client’s parents while also building a legacy that can be passed down to their grandchildren. Because of the sentimental nature of this project, care was taken to save and repurpose any existing stone and cedar. The four existing cinderblock exterior walls were preserved, while the interior was completely renovated.

 

As you step into the open living area, you’re met with a clean white and stained cedar interior. Your gaze is drawn up the two-story hearth created with the reclaimed stone of the original chimney set behind a wood-burning stove. A bridge spans the two-story space of the original structure connecting an open sleeping loft with a new dressing room.  The ceiling is stained white pine, which was originally planted by the client’s mother on the property and timbered prior to the renovation. To the right of the entrance is a modern galley kitchen with custom cabinets adjacent to an open dining area and sunny family room. To the left is the bathroom with soaking tub and custom vanity next to a cozy sitting area in front of the fire. The large windows in the master bedroom upstairs invite natural light from the east, south, and west showcasing sunrise and sunset views through the trees in the winter months. Walking around the exterior, the building is clad with modern details such as shiplap cedar and painted board-and-batten siding.  The corrugated metal roofing ties the design back to the agrarian structures that populate the surrounding landscape.