Wheeler Kearns Architects has designed this modern lakeside dream house for a family of four that is located in St. Joseph, Michigan. Nestled into expansive dune grasses, this dwelling provides sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Residing on the property is a collection of buildings that are clad in weathering materials along with polished black metal windows and doors that bridge traditional with modern.
The architects devised a street-facing “neighborhood” facade with black steel punched openings that provide privacy for the occupants. In contrast, the floor-to-ceiling glazing on the lake-facing side helps to capture magnificent views of both the dunes and Lake Michigan. Continue below to see the rest of this award-winning custom lake house…
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE Wheeler Kearns Architects GENERAL CONTRACTOR Norman Zielke Residential Builders INTERIOR DESIGN Stephanie Thatenhorst STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Enspect Engineering LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Mimi McKay Landscape Architecture
The arrangement of the volumes on the property helps to break down the massing and scale while defining outdoor rooms while also creating smaller, more defined interior living spaces.
On this home’s exterior, horizontal shiplap wood cladding and cedar shingles were designed to both protect and weather gracefully against the continuous wind coming off the lake. The architects sourced an acetylated wood siding (Radiata Accoya) for its sustainable, durable, and rot-resisting features.
Gathering spaces throughout the individual structures have a harmonious flow thanks to continuous white oak floors, ceilings, and millwork. A suspended steel entry staircase has white oak treads and a wood-top rail affixed to the steel railings.
Together, with the clustered building approach, the coalescence of wood, glass, and metal infuses the home with intimacy and texture and the ever-changing dance of light, wind, sand, and water.
What We Love: This lakeside dream house provides a family of four with a cluster of structures for everyday living and entertaining on the lake. Two distinct environments are reflected in the design of this fantastic home, with a more private facade on the street-facing side and expansive walls of glazing on the lake-facing side. Outdoor living spaces are designed to be relaxing and intimate with sweeping views of Lake Michigan.
Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this lakeside residence? Let us know in the Comments, we enjoy reading your feedback!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of Michigan: Inviting lakefront home in Michigan promises relaxation and stunning views and Inviting Nantucket-style beach house perched on shores of Lake Michigan.
Step inside the home to find a palette of finer finishes that contrast with the weathered surfaces outside. Layers of warm textures help to enhance the more intimate living spaces. Radiant floor heating was employed to bring heat into the living spaces more efficiently.
PHOTOGRAPHER Steve Hall – Hall + Merrick Photographers
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