Glen Lake Tower by Balance Associates, Architects

Visually striking as a figure among the trees of the Michigan landscape, Glen Lake Tower reflects the deep browns rich gold, yellow, and green hues of the surrounding foliage. The tower, designed as a retreat by Balance Associates, Architects, emphasizes the ascent to the heavens and the open sky over the four floors. Its silhouette is striking, with two intersecting volumes as if a darker skin were shed by the brighter, wooden form. Interior and exterior circulation continues the theme of the metal accents on the natural material, and the slab roof and cantilevered balconies crescendo to deliver a gorgeous view. Despite the heavy structural elements, the path of ascension introduces openness, culminating in a glass-encased fourth floor that appears to float in the sky.

via – photos © Steve Keating