Cedar Cove

Cedar Cove is a 2,975-square-foot modern family retreat by Neumann Monson Architects, completed in 2023 on a recreational lake in Delhi, Iowa. The new home replaces a deteriorated 1960s cabin, reusing the original footprint and retaining walls while maintaining the site’s alignment with the summer solstice and protecting neighboring views. The design provides space for empty nesters and their five adult children to gather year-round, supporting both large family get-togethers and quiet reflection. An eight-foot cantilever extends the main-level living area toward the lake, increasing usable space within the original footprint. Entry is via a bridge from the street that links a single-story garage to the main entrance, creating a transition to the lakeside setting. The two-story structure organizes communal spaces around views of the lake, with full-height windows, balconies, and overhangs connecting the interiors to the landscape. Simple materials include black corrugated metal referencing local agrarian buildings and natural stone that integrates with the terrain. Interiors feature white oak flooring, plaster walls, and polished concrete, with slatted wood ceilings concealing acoustic treatments, and a 23% window-to-wall ratio optimizing light and views.