PRAIRIE ROAD RETREAT

Described by the client as a “luxe state park,” this family retreat is tucked within an enclave of trees and natural plantings in southwest Michigan. A winding gravel drive opens to a clearing of low structures that extend into the landscape. Corrugated hip roofs, cut at offset angles with crisp, minimal eaves, give the home an appearance both dynamic and grounded in its setting. An open carport, which doubles as a dining pavilion, emulates the same forms as the main house and anchors the driving court.

Designed to be enjoyed by multiple generations and extended family, the house is arranged into three volumes, connected by a single, light-filled corridor. The middle volume acts as the heart of the home, featuring the entry, dining room, kitchen, living room, and sunroom, while private sleeping quarters are tucked away from the main entrance. The east wing of the home features two primary suites, while the west wing is spacious enough for eight guests and includes a separate office and hangout space. The dining room is open to the entry with a table sized for ten and ample storage for multiple sets of dinnerware, inherited from past generations. Moving further inward, the kitchen sits behind a partial wall. The kitchen’s spacious footprint allows people to move about and gather around the island. Beyond is the living room, a vaulted space with exposed laminated wood beams. Anchoring the background is a stone see-through fireplace, dividing yet harmoniously connecting the living room to the sunroom.

With natural tones, the house effortlessly blends into its environment, while a combination of textured finishes adds warmth and visual interest. Composite wood siding was chosen for its durability, complimenting a stone band that runs along the base of the home, grounding the form in its environment. A common vernacular element, the low-sloped corrugated metal hip roofs are given special consideration, cantilevering out to sharp edges, accentuated by the absence of gutters (a good thing for a vacation home surrounded by trees). A gravel bed at grade acts as a dripline. The undersides of the roof overhangs are clad with thermally treated pine, selected for its resilience and innate beauty. The same material extends into the home on selected ceilings. Important to the clients was the incorporation of generous expanses of glass in key areas of the home. Large windows and sliding doors invite in natural light and provide a visual connection to the outdoors. They also create a special sense of transparency, perceived both from the interior and exterior of the home. Multiple sliding doors flank both sides of the living room and sunroom, enhancing the sense of flow and openness. From the exterior, the abundance of glazing creates a striking visual with the roofs lightly floating over the home against the backdrop of nature.