CAMP METI-GOSHI

Meti-goshi comes from the Ojibwe phrase for ‘clear lake surrounded by oaks.’ Embedded in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota and Canada, Camp Meti-goshi is the architectural response to its place, providing an affordable and playful 1700 s.f. ‘family camp’ that embodies landscape preservation and restoration, integration of local skilled labor practices through modular construction techniques, and respect for its regional heritage through form, design and materiality. Steeped in Native and Scandinavian cultural traditions, this small retreat blends a wish for a traditional rustic cabin with a love of contemporary conveniences. Clever use of the walk-out topography creates a convenient access to sleeping spaces and the unloading of luggage via the roadside bridge, as well as a direct connection to lakeside recreation on the lower level, giving easy access to the client’s wheelchair cruising nephew throughout the day. Embracing ‘cabin as porch’ and expanding living space into the outdoors, Camp Meti-goshi’s ‘open air’ approach ‘lives big’ on its 65’ lot and provides an extended family with a solution to enjoy the sun and water during the day, and the Northern Lights and sound of the rain at night.