Skywater

One of the Close Associates' first built projects, Skywater continues to symbolize the firm's concern for the site. Completely invisible from above, this earth sheltered cabin along the St. Croix River celebrates its glorious perch by remaining almost invisible. Original furniture was built of plywood and clothesline. The refrigerator is a trash can embedded in a back wall. Earth sheltered for weather tempering (warmer/cooler) and site sensitivity, Skywater was the first of many successful earthseltered projects by Close Associates. Others include the Roberts Boundary Waters Cabin with its sod roof to extinguish potential forest fire sparks and the Seward Earthsheltered Townhomes.

Additional information about homes designed by Win and Lisl Close is available at www.closehomes.org.