This spectacular modern refuge was designed by dSPACE Studio, perched on Lake Michigan in New Buffalo, Southwest Michigan. This home was designed as a weekend sanctuary that evokes a luxurious St. Barths lifestyle on Lake Michigan, just an hour’s drive from their primary residence in Chicago.

Program requirements included open-plan living for entertaining, expansive panes of glass, a home gym, a family lounge, and enough bedrooms for their two children and weekend guests. In all, there are 4,700 square feet of living space in this residence with five bedrooms and five bathrooms.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT dSPACE Studio INTERIOR DESIGN dSPACE Studio BUILDER Zahn Builders

The defining element is a glass rectangular volume on the first level. This design lightens the impact on the land by making the second level appear to hover over the dune and offering unobstructed horizon views through the structure.

The upper level is clad in Accoya, a sustainable wood that grays with age, so it will blend into the environment. The two horizontal volumes are connected by a narrow, vertical glass space that serves as the double-height entry and exposes a floating staircase.

On the leeward side of the home, a courtyard landscaped with Ginkgo trees offers shade and refuge from prevailing lake breezes. It is defined by a low wall of textured concrete that offers an artful backdrop to the space while preserving privacy.

Perimeter lighting draws one’s gaze outdoors, promoting a connection between interior and exterior spaces even at night.

What We Love: This modern refuge perched on Lake Michigan provides a family with an island-inspired retreat to get away from the hustle and bustle of city living. On the interior of this beauty, the contemporary beach aesthetic helps to unify the home through a restrained palette of materials. Minimal details help to focus the attention on the breathtaking lake views through expansive walls of glazing, providing this home’s inhabitants with a feeling of calm.

Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this home? If this were your own home, would you change any details in the design? Let us know in the Comments!

Note: Be sure to have a look at a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Michigan: Inviting lakefront home in Michigan promises relaxation and stunning views and Net-zero energy vacation cottage in Michigan with light-filled interiors.

With stunning Lake Michigan views to the west, the architects wanted to create a unique, sheltered space to the east for windy days and cozy conversations. A charcoal corduroy concrete retaining wall, thoughtful landscaping, and layers of light offer a sense of seclusion and privacy while preserving the open, welcoming character of the home. Here, the family can enjoy another outdoor space while still observing the lake views beyond.

The island lifestyle of St. Barts inspired the design of this incredible lake house. The design effortlessly blurs the boundary between indoors and out.

This contemporary beach house has a restrained material palette: white oak millwork, slab porcelain tile, and a range of warm whites. The tile extends out to the pool terrace, uniting the two spaces and amplifying the connection to the outdoors. The custom designed pendant light is by Giopato & Coombes.

PHOTOGRAPHER Tony Soluri Photography