Iannuzzi Studio has designed this beautiful house composed of a series of simple, gabled barn-like structures, set on a sprawling countryside property in the historic village of Franklin, Michigan. The design of this dwelling was inspired by the classic form of rural Michigan farmsteads—collections of gabled-roof structures built over generations.

These familiar forms connect the home to its historic context but are articulated with modern building techniques and materials and innovative detailing. The home’s functions are separated into four distinct pavilions, creating clear separations between private and public zones.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Iannuzzi Studio INTERIORS Elizabeth Fields Design GENERAL CONTRACTOR Thomas Sebold & Associates STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Robert Darvas & Associates LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Environmental Artists CIVIL ENGINEER Nowak & Fraus

The longest pavilion runs side-to-side across the property in an uninterrupted volume that features exposed steel bents, expansive glass towards the pool, and a wall of custom millwork creating privacy from the street.

The pavilion is bookended with striking complementary forms that house the blued-steel hearth and the kitchen in emerald green and stained walnut. Eco-friendly, prefab roof panels allow large spans between the steel bents without the need for additional structure.

The 6.445 square foot home is nestled into the topography behind several knolls that have been “sliced” with Corten steel retaining walls. From the street and perimeter of the site, the house seems tucked behind gently rolling hills, while a submerged motor court and Corten-walled walkways face the house.

The combined effect is to aid privacy while beginning to reveal the home’s whimsy and playfulness as you near the home.

The layout of clustered pavilions creates a sense of the building unfolding as it is experienced. The siting was minimally disruptive to trees, and in particular, creates a feature of a hundred-year-old American Elm and climbing Hydrangea. Windows frame views of both the beautiful natural setting and other components of the home itself.

What We Love: The organization of this modern barn-like house has a sense of harmony and comfort. Light is carefully considered and is used to create an atmosphere of intimacy, while also highlighting the natural features of the space. The pavilions and windows become part of the same symbiotic relationship so that the boundaries between interior and exterior are nearly blurred. The results are a home that is both inviting and inspiring, evoking the innate beauty of its natural setting.

Tell Us: What details in the design of this home do you find most interesting? Would change anything if this were your own house? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Michigan: Tour this craftsman lake house in Michigan with a cozy cottage vibe and Gorgeous farmhouse estate unites with nature in the Michigan countryside.

Above: In the great room, the drum pendant lights are from The Urban Electric Company, while the sculptural fixture over the dining table is from Luke Lamp Co.

Above: In this bathroom, the designer collaborated with Vogue Furniture on this vanity, backlit mirror, and partition to match the flow and colors of the Flavor Paper Mural. The backlit mirror creates the most striking ambient lighting that compliments the wallpaper. The sculptural bath fitting is from Franz Viegener.

Above: The colorful tiles in the bathroom are from Popham Design.

Above: This award-winning nursery really took the designer out of her comfort zone for the typical nursery design. The bright and bold colors with mix-and-match patterns really make this a welcoming and exciting space. On the wall, the extraordinary wallpaper mural is from Rebel Walls. The carpeting is from Stark Carpet. Window treatments are from New York-based JAB ANSTOETZ. On the ceiling, the fan was sourced from Big Ass Fans.

Above: The chair in the corner is upholstered in a textile from Pollack. The crib is from Spot On Square and the ottoman is from Designers Guild.

Above: The homeowners wanted a cozy room with plenty of seating and a designated games space making it the perfect den. The banquette features a drum light suspended over the table, sourced from LightArt. The sofa is from Cassina, while the table is from B&B Italia. Grounding this space is carpeting from Stark Carpet.

Above: This house is all about color and comfort. The music room features the most amazing orange Moroccan rug which the homeowners already had. Since the den is entirely blue, this subtle color adds just enough to make the room feel cozy and happy. The furnishings are from Minotti. The window treatments are Kravet.

PHOTOGRAPHER Rafael Gamo & Dustin Forest Halleck