Lake Flato Architects' Blue Lake Retreat celebrates the nostalgic memories of the client’s childhood summers spent on the lake. Responding initially to the site’s steeply rising topography, a vertically structured house quickly became the obvious design direction. The long, narrow 3-story residence dramatically culminates at the top floor, set just above the tree line - providing a nearly 180-degree view of the lake beyond. The third-floor north-facing glazed wall offers unobstructed views of the lake, while smaller punched openings in the south-facing wall give deliberate glimpses of the rugged beauty of the hillside behind, showcasing the counterpointed landscapes. Further emphasizing the site’s two uniquely juxtaposed landforms, the third floor’s cantilevered deck reaches out toward the water while a bridge on the opposite side of the home anchors into the hillside behind.