International Wood Magazine

Grounded in the Natural World

International Floors & Decks

Lakeside custom home featuring a cantilevered wood pier with cable supports, tropical hardwood deck, and brick walls overlooking a Wisconsin lake.
A Vetter/Denk-designed lakeside residence in southern Wisconsin combines tropical hardwood decking with copper, brick and natural stone, including a dramatic cable-suspended pier extending over the water.

The higher end of custom residential construction has remained reasonably consistent in the last few years. The wealth effect among baby boomers searching for the one last home they will ever build allows them to be a bit more discerning than the average home buyer.

"Everyone loves natural materials," says architect John Vetter, Principal at Vetter/Denk Architects, "but sophisticated buyers demand them. As architects we love the opportunity to meld beautiful exotic woods with copper, natural stone, brick and other domestic wood species in unique and different ways. Each of these materials brings a sense of stability and the feeling of being grounded in the natural world."

One of Vetter's designs on a lake in southern Wisconsin is a perfect example. Built for a corporate executive and the owner of an international brand, the home represents the perfect combination of materials, each with a texture and color working harmoniously together. As the home nears completion, it is clear the result will be breathtaking.

Frequently asked questions

Why are natural materials in demand for high-end custom homes?+

Sophisticated buyers, particularly baby boomers building their final home, demand natural materials because they bring a sense of stability and the feeling of being grounded in the natural world.

What materials do architects combine in luxury custom residential designs?+

Architects blend exotic woods with copper, natural stone, brick, and domestic wood species, combining them in unique ways to create harmonious textures and colors.

Who is driving demand in the high-end custom residential construction market?+

Baby boomers searching for the one last home they will ever build are driving demand, and the wealth effect allows them to be more discerning than the average home buyer.

Who designed the custom lake home in southern Wisconsin featured in the article?+

The home was designed by John Vetter, Principal at Vetter/Denk Architects, for a corporate executive who owns an international brand.

How has the high-end custom residential construction market performed recently?+

The higher end of custom residential construction has remained reasonably consistent in the last few years.