Sailing around the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore led Jerry Johnson to an important discovery-he wanted to live there. He began looking for property and in 1999 purchased 26 acres high on a cliff along the Lake Superior shore. "Being on the cliff is perfect for us," Johnson says. "We enjoy the sweeping year-round views being up here so high. Plus, we have easy access to our sailboat at Pikes' Bay Marina." He says that an old railroad grade makes a perfect walking path to the marina and to Bayfield; both are less than a mile away via the railroad bed.

When you visit the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore it doesn't take long to see what a national treasure it is. With its 23 islands, sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife it is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors. It also boasts one of the largest concentrations of lighthouses in the region. Nine historic lighthouses dot the area, all built more than 100 years ago.

Selecting an Architect

The Johnsons wanted their home to reflect the history and character of the area and make use of local materials and craftsmanship. To translate this vision into a workable plan, the Johnsons chose TEA2 Architects, based on a recommendation from a building contractor. "TEA2 was fantastic to work with," says Jerry Johnson. "They were able to take our ideas and turn them into a unique yet practical design."

The first thing you'll see when approaching the house is the lighthouse tower, with its look-out windows. Situated high on a cliff and angled to take advantage of existing views of Lake Superior, the approach nicely frames the view for visitors entering the site.

A circular driveway passes beneath the house offering drop-off and parking space on one side and a two-car garage and boat "barn" on the other. The home's large-scale gables and recessed, arched windows balance the lighthouse tower while creating dramatic views of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

Designing the "Lighthouse" Tower

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is home to dozens of lighthouses. Working with the Johnson's vision and an understanding of the area, TEA2 designed the house with its own lighthouse tower. Not just an icon but an integral and multifunctional part of the house, the lighthouse includes the main entryway, stairway, and an observation room with sweeping views of Lake Superior. Built-in seating and cabinetry for books and media make the lighthouse a scenic retreat for relaxing and entertaining friends. "It's a wonderful place to sit and watch the boats go by," Jerry Johnson says. Super-sized windows create framed views and panoramas of the lake, woods and sky. The living room suite is open to kitchen and dining areas. To create intimacy and warmth, TEA2 wrapped the entire room in seven-foot-high wood paneling.

There were challenges and advantages to designing the lighthouse tower. It had to be appropriately scaled; if it were too tall it would dwarf the house and if it were too small it would appear diminutive. TEA2 situated the tower high enough to maximize the view and low enough to be easily accessible to the house through the spiral stairway. To maximize the sense of height TEA2 selected narrow 3" lap-siding. Using the tower for the stairway takes best advantage of its unique vertical space. The stairway is supported solely by brackets mounted to the sloping tower walls. The railing was designed to accommodate the twisting angles of the stair.

Combining Style with Practicality

The first floor, which houses the garage, mudroom, drive-thru and entrance, was kept subdued with smaller windows and a dark stone foundation to minimize its height. The home's primary living quarters are on the second floor, which is cantilevered to provide added space and emphasis. From the exterior, you'll see gabled roofs with large arched windows that balance the scale of the tower. From the interior, you get a sense of comfort, relaxation, and expansiveness. TEA2 accomplished this by designing one large space for cooking, dining, relaxation, and entertainment. They then carved out smaller spaces within it to make it feel more livable and intimate. The family room features a fireplace, built-in Douglas Fir bookshelves and cabinetry, and access to the deck overlooking Lake Superior. A built-in banquette, used as an eating or study area is recessed into an arched niche. The banquette table was designed to continue the nautical theme and has fold out leaves. In the kitchen a wrap-around counter, wood columns and "flying" soffit provide casual dining and bar space. Three large, arched windows and two massive "porthole" windows create spectacular views of lake and sky. These dominating views on three sides give the living space its own sense of height, complementary to the large-scale "look-out" room of the tower.

Choosing Local Craftsmanship and Historic Materials

The Johnsons house showcases unique historic materials and the work of local craftspeople. Millwork, cabinetry and paneling were crafted from Douglas Fir timbers salvaged from the old Roosevelt High School stadium in Minneapolis. Historic Douglas Fir is highly valued for its strength and richly variegated grain-the result of being harvested from mature trees rather than the young trees we harvest today.

Above the kitchen sink you will find a stained glass map crafted by a Bayfield artisan. Cool blues and vibrant greens depict the Apostle Islands and Lake Superior, echoing the colors you see looking out at the lake. "It's fun to look at the map and find the islands you've been to and think about where you want to go next," Jerry Johnson says.

Nautical pieces from around the world are displayed throughout the house. A porthole window from a sunken Chinese junk was installed on the lighthouse door. A pair of old ship's lanterns grace the mantel. The TEA2 architects found them all without having to look far; they were readily available on eBay.

The Johnson home is a perfect example of the value a top- notch architectural firm can add to a project. The original TEA Architects was founded in 1979 by Tom Ellison. Dan Nepp joined the firm in 1986, and when he became partner in 1996, the firm became TEA2. TEA2 specializes in residential work, but also does about 15% commercial work. The firm has received many awards, including a QUE award for the renovation of Minneapolis Fire Station 28, which is used for TEA2's offices and for the first D'Amico & Sons Restaurant. TEA2 is currently working on its fourth project for the nationally syndicated public television show, Hometime.

The 23 Apostle Islands

Basswood Island
Bear Island
Cat Island
Devils Island
Eagle Island
Gull Island
Hermit Island
Ironwood Island
Little Manitou Island
Long Island
Madeline Island
Manitou Island
Michigan Island
North Twin Island
Oak Island
Otter Island
Outer Island
Raspberry Island
Rocky Island
Sand Island
South Twin Islands
Stockton Island
York Island

Quick Clicks:
Bayfield Tourist Information
www.bayfield.org

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
nps.gov/apis

TEA2 Architects
Ellison & Nepp
2724 W. 43rd St.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
Phone: 612-929-2800

By Joni Danzl