- Scope
Architecture
- Location
Southwest Michigan
- Type
New Construction
- Interior Designer
Berta Shapiro
- Photographer
Richard Powers
- Videographer
Brodie Kerst
MuteUnmute
Perched between woods and beach with panoramic views of the lakefront, Crow’s Nest met our client’s wish for a new home that was as welcoming and livable as the old family cottage they once loved.
We sited the home on top of a hill on the three-acre lakefront property, providing a distinctive character along with expansive views of the Lake Michigan horizon.
Throughout the design and construction process, we were met with several challenges. The first was a large dune mound standing in front of what would be the natural first floor elevation. While it appeared to be a daunting impediment, rather than work against it we shaped the house and engaged with the topography to create a breezeway entry—a solution that quickly became the favorite design element of the home. The second challenge was scale. The site, which tucked back beyond a winding road past vernacular beach cottages, needed to absorb nine bedrooms along with gathering spaces while maintaining a quiet presence in the beachfront community. Our design met a need for size without overpowering the beauty of the site. We drew on the modernist principles of an open floor plan and a connection to nature to deliver a warm and liveable design that nestled into its surroundings.
The final result connects to the outdoors ensuring that natural light and lakeside breezes were welcomed into the home. In a cottage vocabulary, our modern approach brings artistry to every corner, infusing the home with unique creative details, balanced proportions, and thoughtfully sculpted spaces.
