A Chicago couple desired a comfortable and cool weekend house within walking distance of a beach along Lake Michigan. UrbanLab worked with the couple to find a house in Beverly Shores that was ready for a substantial, but economical makeover. The structural bones of the existing house were kept, while most of the house’s exterior skin was replaced with stained wood planks and large, black framed, operable windows. A new kitchen and new bathrooms make the house usable year-round. To instill a desired sense of comfort, peace, and privacy, the design harmonizes with the forested surroundings. Each of the large windows is oriented away from nearby houses and toward the open landscape. Where possible, original wall surfaces were preserved as graphic reminders of the building’s original materiality. These organic textures provide a sense of connectedness to the history of the home.