Stay Boreal

Stay Boreal is an expansion of the original retreat in Tofte, Minnesota—adding two new one-bedroom cabins set just forty feet from the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior. Currently under construction, the cabins are elevated above the rugged terrain and nestled into the tree canopy to heighten views, preserve the landscape, and withstand the realities of the North Shore climate.

Elevated into the trees.

The two new cabins rise approximately twenty feet above the rocky ground, positioned carefully within the existing tree canopy. Rather than flattening or reshaping the terrain, the design works with it—lifting the structures lightly off the site to reduce disturbance and maintain natural drainage paths flowing toward Lake Superior. Elevation serves multiple purposes. It minimizes site impact, protects against heavy snow accumulation and shifting ground conditions, and places guests within the forest rather than on top of it. From this vantage point, occupants experience the lake’s shifting moods—calm summer mornings, rolling fog, and winter storms—while remaining sheltered and secure.

Year _2026
Status _Under Construction
Location _Tofte, Minnesota
Renderings _BLOK Studio

Tofte

Tofte — North Shore

Tofte sits along Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive, a rugged stretch of Highway 61 known for rocky beaches, shifting weather, and deep boreal forest. Here, Lake Superior defines daily life—its scale, sound, and seasonal drama shaping how people build and gather.

Small footprint, complete retreat.

Each cabin is designed as a quiet, self-contained one-bedroom getaway. A compact plan includes an en suite bathroom and private sauna, creating a restorative experience within a modest footprint. Interiors prioritize warmth and simplicity, balancing refined detailing with a sense of ease. The cabins complement the existing Stay Boreal property—which includes two recognized rental cabins and a shared treehouse sauna—strengthening the site as a cohesive retreat. Together, the buildings create a small but memorable resort experience that feels personal rather than commercial.

Built for wind, water, and time.

Material and structural decisions are driven by climate. The cabins utilize full steel-frame construction and high-performance windows to withstand extreme wind loads in one of the windiest regions in the United States. All-electric systems simplify operations and support long-term sustainability. Stay Boreal is built not just for beauty, but for longevity—allowing guests to slow down and observe the raw, changing character of Lake Superior without overpowering the landscape that defines it.

Drawings

Renderings