![Yingst Retreat / Salmela Architect - Facade, Windows, Forest](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/518c/2299/b3fc/4bd5/cd00/0008/newsletter/YINGST-UNDINE_PROHL_(3).jpg?1368138385)
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Architects: Salmela Architect
- Area: 4000 ft²
- Year: 2008
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Photographs:Undine Prohl, Paul Crosby, Peter Kerze
![Yingst Retreat / Salmela Architect - Windows, Facade, Concrete](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/518c/22eb/b3fc/4b91/6300/000f/newsletter/YINGST-PAUL_CROSBY_(5).jpg?1368138453)
Text description provided by the architects. The retreat rests on a quiet 16 acre site amongst a tall, dense beech forest that descends to lakeshore. The orientation of the building magnifies this slope and places equal value on views to the trees and the water.
![Yingst Retreat / Salmela Architect - Windows, Door, Facade, Garden](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/518c/2393/b3fc/4bd5/cd00/0015/newsletter/YINGST-PAUL_CROSBY_(9).jpg?1368138622)
Entering the site you are met by four separate black-clad structures which separates the prosaic functions of a garage. Beyond stands the house with white masonry bookend facades and sidewalls of exposed wood columns mirroring the forest parallel.
![Yingst Retreat / Salmela Architect - Handrail, Column, Beam](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/518c/2363/b3fc/4b91/6300/0012/newsletter/YINGST-PAUL_CROSBY_(8).jpg?1368138569)
The repetition of the glulam columns entices you along a colonnade to the front entry. Contrary to the predominately black exterior, you enter at a midlevel to a lighter wood-lined hall. Morning and evening light fill the space and the rhythmic wood structure provides an open plan with telescoping spaces flowing into and overlooking each other.
![Yingst Retreat / Salmela Architect - Windows, Wood, Beam](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/518c/22d9/b3fc/4bd5/cd00/000c/newsletter/YINGST-UNDINE_PROHL.jpg?1368138450)
Given the clients are avid chefs the bright red kitchen is the central communal area. Dividing the kitchen from the above living area is a white-painted masonry fireplace which makes a connection to the outdoor chimney standing sentinel on the West patio, further diminishing the line between inside and outside.
![Yingst Retreat / Salmela Architect - Brick, Beam, Column](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/518c/23d7/b3fc/4b91/6300/0014/newsletter/YINGST-PAUL_CROSBY_(12).jpg?1368138686)
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/518c/230c/b3fc/4bd5/cd00/0012/medium_jpg/floorplans.jpg?1492476028)
![Yingst Retreat / Salmela Architect - Stairs, Beam, Handrail, Column](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/518c/2289/b3fc/4b91/6300/0007/medium_jpg/YINGST-PETER_KERZE_(4).jpg?1368138373)
The sleeping area recedes past the living room with additional rooms located in the above mezzanine. In the distance there is a stand-alone masonry sauna with sod roof and a black sculpture marking the bocce court. Despite its openness, the retreat retains an intimate feel, a mystery, stimulating the imagination in both intellectual and emotional ways.
Originally published on May 10, 2013
![Yingst Retreat / Salmela Architect - Facade, Forest, Garden](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/518c/2404/b3fc/4bd5/cd00/0016/newsletter/YINGST-PAUL_CROSBY.jpg?1368138741)