Source: City of Brookhaven Website
The Murphey Candler Park Lake House design has progressed from schematics to preliminary design. Renderings of the Lake House that show the facility as it will look on the west bank of Murphey Candler Lake were shared with the community in January 2022.
Building
The 4000 square-foot building is designed to focus on its surroundings by minimizing its impact on the landscape. Its long horizontal lines reduce visual interference between the structure and the panoramic views of the trees and the lake. A continuous series of clerestory windows, set on the building’s walls, allow for natural lighting and landscape to flow through the structure. The “rentable” lake facing multi-purpose rooms are equipped with fireplaces and retractable glass walls – offering the option to remove the barrier between structure and nature. The building is surrounded by a large, cantilevered deck that appears to float above the landscape. Its relationship to the multi-purpose rooms allows them to naturally expand into the outdoors. The deck will also be available to park users from the lake trail. Brookhaven granite will be used on both the interior and exterior walls, as well as the fireplaces, to further emphasize the connection between the two realms.
The floorplan of the Lake House includes items identified in the Public Input Report which was developed from information collected during the public outreach process. The top-ranked lake house programming preferences are; restrooms, multi-purpose meeting spaces, an outdoor overlook, and exterior accessed restrooms for the trail users. The multi-purpose room spaces will be available for community rental. The deck space will be accessible from inside the building during meetings and from outside when the facility is closed.
The existing parking lot at the Scout Hut will be expanded from 52 spaces to approximately 100 spaces. The additional parking was established during a public input process in early 2021. The lot layout will save the 2 identified specimen trees, a 38” oak and 33” pine, both located close to the lot entrance.
Setting
The building is set in a tall pine forest along the west bank of Murphey Candler Lake. The floor is elevated well above the 100-year flood affording the interior a great view
out over the lake. The building also has a wide lakeside deck as an overflow space for any events inside. When the building is closed, the full height and width glass doors allow for this view to be maintained all year. The deck and roof extend out over the lake bank making the deck a great viewing platform that can be used all year and even when the building is closed. Approaching the building along the trail is meant to be nondescript. The pedestrian can see through the high window lights into the ceiling space and out to the lake. Once entering the building, the view opens up to the lake. The front door is recessed into a small alcove to protect against inclement weather.
Two small square open-air pavilions flank each end of the building – providing space for patrons wanting to stop, but not necessarily be part of the interior events. The building will also be hidden from the adjacent neighborhood due to its low-profile design as well as the sites natural grades. An open lawn in front of the lake house will provide a perfect spot for outdoor venues or simply enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon. The colors and materials of the building were chosen to blend with the natural environment and represent a warm and casual building on the lake in a forest.
Your Feedback
Please look at the renderings, floorplan, and site layout and let us know what you think! We welcome your questions and comments at ParksFeedback@Brookhavenga.gov. Please include MCP Lakehouse Feedback in the subject line and send them to us by Friday, January 28, 2022.
