Blog

The Art of Change |  How Seasons Shape Design and Materials

Written by Patrick Jacobson | President of Lake Country Builders

As seasons change, so does the character of our surroundings. Life, light, temperatures, and climate shift—especially here in our region. Over the years, as daily commutes led me past our office in Excelsior, I noticed and appreciate a perfect example of this transformation: a sculpture we created for an exhibit at the Minnesota Arboretum.

Winter transforms the scene altogether. Snow blankets the ground, reflecting diffused light onto the sculpture. The wood appears pale and subdued, while the metal’s cool tones become pronounced against the stark background. Frost and ice can cling to surfaces, accentuating textures that remain hidden in warmer months. Rain and moisture further alter the sculpture’s look. Water saturates the wood, darkening it and revealing intricate grain patterns. Metal elements begin their slow oxidation, fostering a patina that evolves with time.

Positioned prominently outside the front of our office, this piece became a canvas for the seasons. Each drive past it revealed subtle, and sometimes striking, variations in its appearance. Depending on the temperature, moisture, light, and the season, the sculpture seemed to take on new life. This ever-evolving display is a result of the unique interplay between materials—natural wood and metal strapping—responding to each other like elements in a chemical reaction.

In the vibrant summer months, sunlight casts warm highlights on the wooden components, bringing out golden hues, while the metal glimmers with a softened sheen. The green foliage in the background adds a rich contrast, making the sculpture appear lively and integrated with its environment. During autumn, the palette shifts. The wood deepens in color, blending with the warm oranges and reds of falling leaves. Cooler light gives the metal a more muted, aged look, emphasizing its industrial roots.

Each year, this sculpture becomes a living testament

 to the relationship between natural and manufactured materials. The wooden vertical supports and bench, paired with the industrial metal strapping, highlight a symbiotic dance between the organic and the fabricated. As these materials age, they develop character—an ongoing story written by the elements.

This ever-changing visual narrative is one of my favorite aspects of our work at Lake Country Builders. We are passionate about combining materials to create custom spaces that evolve alongside those who inhabit them. Some elements, like natural wood floors or stone, display their aging process proudly, while others—such as paint finishes or composite materials—offer a more controlled, consistent aesthetic. Together, these materials define a home’s style and personality, much like our sculpture stands as a reflection of time and nature.

In 2017, Lake Country Builders partnered with Brian Falk of Brickhouse Architects to design and build “In the Tall Grass” for Summer Exhibit: Amazing Spaces, Places and Escapes at Minnesota Arboretum. What began as a creative project has grown into a landmark that celebrates the beauty of change—through light, season, and time.

-Patrick Jacobson