About the Project

The dramatically sloping dunes along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan create wonderful sites for vacation homes, as well as wonderful challenges for architects like West Michigan based Reckley Associates. As Lake Michigan home sites become increasingly rare, the value of the land frequently outpaces the amateur-built summer cottages that have been erected there. Such was the case with this old cottage, which the homeowners wanted to expand to become a full-time residence complete with taller ceilings, a 2 stall garage, home office, guest rooms, and an updated kitchen and dining area capable of handling a Thanksgiving feast for friends and family.

Fitting functions like these into the side of the dune without destroying the beauty of the site meant rebuilding the rooms of the house vertically, as well as extending an addition along the angle of the ravine. This produced the striking shape of the house, which consists of two intersecting rectangular volumes. This dramatic form takes full advantage of the beauty of the site, both nestling into the side of the dune and floating up among the treetops. The design incorporates the dramatic site, capturing expansive views, dappled sunlight, and offshore breezes to immerse the occupants in the experience of the unique lakeshore environment.

Reckley Associates is a Grand Rapids, Michigan based Architecture Studio whose design focus includes both Custom Residential and Commercial Design. Get to know Reckley Associates at www.rickley.com.

Division 3 - Concrete

Certianteed

1.914.698.5959