Story

Our clients purchased a vacation property located on a critical dune at Lake Michigan. The existing dwelling on the property was too small to accommodate three generations at family gatherings, and the 70s nautical decor begged for an update. After much cost analysis and research into permitting, our clients opted to demo the existing structure and construct a new custom home rather than renovate. Their goal was to build a larger and more modern structure while staying within the original home’s footprint in order to minimize any environmental impacts - to build ‘up’ rather than ‘out.’

Our challenge as builder was to employ materials and building techniques that would allow a larger home to stand up to the lakeshore’s harsh winds, intense sun and extreme temperatures. We worked closely with the architect and a structural engineer to properly position the home relative to weather patterns; to install overachieving siding, windows and doors; and to build an extended deck capable of taking a beating from the elements.

The home’s key interior features include a dazzling custom wine cellar off the main living space, a custom fireplace, a custom metal staircase, and a built-in outdoor grill. The kitchen, living and dining areas are connected through an open floor plan to create a large, comfortable space in which many guests can interact with each other - and, through ample windows and doors, with the beautiful setting. Because the existing garage was sizable and structurally sound, we kept it, and built a game room above it to create a space for children to be loud without disturbing other guests elsewhere in the house. Bedrooms, and a lake-facing reading room, are sound-proofed. A proper envelope, LED lighting and energy-saving appliances together make the new home far more efficient than the one that preceded it.

This home deserves recognition as a model example of how to modernize sustainably. We call it The Aerie because bald eagles can often be seen sitting in trees alongside the house.