Lake Michigan House
New Buffalo, MI — 2022
Located just over an hour outside of Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan, a young couple, with their newborn baby and three dogs, found an opportunity to create a unique second home. Silencing city life refocused their attention on a slower way of living. Designing a home with a sense of place was important for this cottage to become their private escape.
The clients had purchased 5 lots in town, allowing us to develop a small ensemble of three separate buildings: a main house, a garage, and a guest house. The main house is organized into two distinct wings: one for sleeping and one for living. These wings are connected by the kitchen which serves as the heart of the home and the center of all activity in the house. Offsetting these wings develop a sense of privacy on the property, shielding the private spaces from neighboring buildings while framing views beyond. Additional space for quiet contemplation is found within the detached guest house and studio. The back of the site has an in-ground pool with views directed to the river.
On the inside, a restrained color palette and minimalist detailing makes for a calming escape upon walking in the front door. Views to the outside are displayed as if in a museum, with a serene and meditative series of scenes. Vaulted ceilings and exposed steel structure create an unexpected sense of grandeur without overpowering the surrounding landscape. Carefully curated millwork hides the traditional clutter of everyday living and allows light to permeate through the home.
The primary suite utilizes the vaulted ceiling to merge the bedroom and bathroom into one collective space. A fully custom vanity and millwork design is used to define each space, allowing natural light to penetrate the space from above. The bedroom maintains the bright, subdued palette that contrasts with the outdoors on display. The boldness of the bathroom shower tile adds some interest and accents the rest of the space. This suite defines the effortless tranquility that this house offers to its inhabitants - a space of seclusion, of quiet, of living at a slower pace.
Together with the clients, we made a space for connection, a space to be present, and a space that allows life to unfold effortlessly. This minimal holiday home will help the growing family escape the chaos of modern life for years to come.
This work was performed while an employee at Collective Office
The full entry can be seen on their website here.