Having a lake home in Clear Lake, Manitoba, is a dream come true for those seeking a serene and picturesque setting. Clear Lake is located in Riding Mountain National Park, a protected area known for its natural beauty, crystal-clear lake, and abundant wildlife. The photo above of our Villa Valla project illustrates how constructing a home in this pristine wilderness offers a unique opportunity to blend modern living with the beauty of nature.
Building a sustainable home that blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings is a concept that has gained increasing recognition and importance in recent years and it is incredibly important to consider when building your home in Clear Lake. This concept involves designing and constructing homes in a manner that respects and integrates with the local environment, rather than imposing on it. Building homes that suit their natural surroundings requires careful consideration of the site’s topography, vegetation, climate, and other ecological factors, resulting in homes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable, energy-efficient, and ecologically responsible.
When it came time for the homeowner of this recent custom home in Clear Lake to return to his family estate and design his forever home it was very important to him that the design of the home blended in with its natural surroundings. Because of this, he spent over a decade refining the plan with models and design to ensure that the house perfectly suited the surroundings. 
One of the key principles of building homes that suit natural home surroundings is site analysis. Understanding the unique characteristics of the site is critical in designing a home that integrates seamlessly with the environment. Factors such as the slope of the land, the direction of prevailing winds, the position of the sun throughout the day, and the presence of existing vegetation are all important considerations. By analyzing these factors, we were able to work with Barry to determine the optimal location, orientation, and design of the home to minimize its impact on the natural surroundings and take advantage of passive design strategies.
An essential aspect of building homes that suit natural home surroundings is the use of sustainable and locally sourced materials. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and minimizes the depletion of natural resources. Using materials that are abundant and readily available in the local area not only supports the local economy but also helps create a home that blends harmoniously with the natural landscape.
From the road this home appears to blend right in, this was accomplished with grading and some very strategic landscaping with rocks and boulders to make it look more natural, vs. the traditional pavers and concrete retaining walls. From the front the walk out exits to a small patio and onto a natural wild grass meadow that will be maintained but in a way that still looks very natural. Minimal trees were cut so that the natural surroundings could blend into the home and a neutral brown color was chosen for the exterior to help blend the home into its surroundings. Paired with large timbers and beams and natural stone veneer it incorporates a lot of elements of nature. 
Another crucial aspect of building homes that suit natural home surroundings is energy efficiency. Sustainable homes are designed to minimize energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprint associated with the operation of the home. This can include incorporating passive solar design features, such as large windows and shading devices to capture or block sunlight depending on the season and utilizing natural ventilation to reduce the need for mechanical cooling or heating. Additionally, using energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and renewable energy sources such as solar panels or geothermal systems can further reduce the home’s environmental impact. The placement of this home on the lot was very strategic so that we could harness the sun for energy efficiency. 
By designing homes that are in harmony with the natural environment, we can create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also ecologically responsible and sustainable. This approach to home construction not only benefits the environment but also enhances the quality of life for both now and for future generations. Providing a healthy, comfortable, and sustainable life. 
Interested in learning more about building your own Clear Lake home? Contact our team to get started.