On The Boards - Lot 115: A LakeHouse In Allegan County, Michigan
Last year brought us to Allegan County, Michigan, to design a lake house on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. A weekend home functions a little differently than a main residence, so we considered the more social aspects and overall ease of low key weekend gatherings, along with the desire to relax and unplug. Our design concept divided the house into three zones—public, private, and a central meeting place connecting the two. Friends and extended family will be eager for an invite, and they’ll stay as long as you let them, so we separated sleeping rooms from the dining and living spaces to accommodate kids and those who want to turn in early.
Maximizing western views of the horizon, and sunsets over Lake Michigan, was our primary focus, so everything is oriented to be parallel with the contours of the bluff, giving each of the three spaces a unique perspective on the lake. A niche carved at the north side offers discreet views of the lake from the bedrooms on the landward side of the home. Views of the water pop up everywhere—often with great drama, here and there with sparkling surprise.
Rather than borrow and blend disparate architectural languages from other regions of the country, our design team found inspiration in the local landscape. A standing seam metal roof creates a clean, simple line and disperses rainwater at the base of a protected wetland on the landward side of the home. The use of cedar siding is another homage to the rural outbuildings seen as one drives through Allegan County.
Stay tuned for construction updates, Lot 115 broke ground November 2021. All permitting through the State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Allegan County Health Department, and Ganges Township is complete. Permitting the construction of a new home on Lake Michigan can be challenging, hiring a qualified design team is critical to the success of any project.