Living Small on Lake Ossie



Sharing the joy of creating and living in our small cottage on Lake Ossie in Northern Minnesota!

We set out to design a summer cottage that was inexpensive to own and operate.   We wanted our time back from taking care of a big house and doing yard work.   We didn't want to work in the city just to  afford to spend time at the lake.  By living small, we found the freedom to live large.  

Here's how we made it happen:

Keep it Small

  • We spend a lot of time outside and didn't need a large house.   A small house saves on taxes, insurance, and energy.
  • Since we are only here in the summer, we built a “guest cottage” which needed a footprint less than 700 square feet and a height of less than 15 feet. The interior is 650 finished square feet.  
  • We do recognize the need for storage of toys and hobbies....and are grateful that the lot already had a 60x40 shed that serves as shop and garage.

Reduce Monthly Energy Bills

  • Install Solar System:  We generate most of the power we use, but that wouldn't have been possible without all the other energy saving measures.
  • Triple Pane Windows: We used triple pane Vector windows from Simonson lumber. They are R5 and do a great job of blocking out sound. Typical double pane windows are R3 or less. The house faces west, so we chose darker glazing/tint to block out some of the afternoon sun. The sliding door is from Pella, also with triple pane glass. 
  • Mini-Split:  A mini-split is a very efficient way to heat and cool for most of the year.
  • Extra slab insulation:  With the in-floor heat, we want to heat the house and not the ground.  An extra layer of foam under the slab and around the outside of the foundation helps.
  • Water Heater Timer:  We insulated our water heater and only need to run it once a day.
  • Focus on Air Sealing:   We tried to minimize penetrations in the building envelope.   We used air testing to find and fix leaks.  

Low Maintenance

  • Drain and Go:  All of the plumbing is designed to gravity-drain for the winter.  We no longer worry about the plumbing freezing while we are away.
  • Metal Siding: All of the exterior siding is metal and maintenance free. The porch ceilings are metal too – but really look like cedar.  Supplier: Quality Edge 
  • No Gutters:  We designed the roof so gutters are not necessary.   The landscaping around the house will have "ground gutters" which is a rock border that prevents erosion.
  • Roll in Dock:  Easy to put in and out by ourselves.   We also eliminated the boat lift and just tie the pontoon to the dock.
  • Natural Landscape:  Replaced traditional lawn with no-mow grass.   Minimized the yard by leaving most of the lot natural.   Selected native plants that thrive in the sandy soil and attract bees and butterflies. Preserved the native blueberry bushes, raspberries, strawberries, and hazelnuts. 
  • Water Filter:  Rather than a softener, we use a water filtration system takes out iron and manganese. The “Maz” filter technology was recommended by our well driller.  Installed by the plumber. Bought on e-Bay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/322892524208 

Healthy Building Materials

  • Due to chemical allergies, we chose building materials that were formaldehyde free – plywood rather than OSB, Ikea cabinets, and formaldehyde-free insulation.    Spray foam is also full of chemicals, so we avoided that when possible.
  • We avoided chemicals in flooring products with an easy to maintain concrete slab with in-floor heat. The concrete was ground down to the aggregate and sealed.  
  • All paint is low VOC.   
  • The loft and wood walls are reclaimed lumber that required no stain or finishing products.



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