Great Lakes By Design V1 I4

This private waterfront residence located on the shore of Lake Michigan is the culmination of the combined creative and technical talent of Sears Architects, Cannarsa Structure and Design, and Zahn Builders Inc. In a region where certain vernacular styles often reign, it is evident upon first glance—the subdued white stucco exterior combined with bold, dark windows—this home is truly a study in contrast.

Contemporary lines are married with traditional features; an iconic floor-to-ceiling fireplace defies expectations and boundaries through the use of cinderblock; intricate, sophisticated light fixtures and furnishings are interspersed with others that are crisper and more minimalist-inspired; and an 18-foot-high main living room is grounded with concrete floors, a coffered ceiling, and trim-less windows.

“The homeowners were looking for a house leaning toward contemporary, but at the same time they wanted something with some traditional feel to it; to have some vernacular elements,” said Rob Sears, founder and principal at Sears Architects.

“The massing of the house—with the two gable ends and the window openings on the façade—has a very traditional air to it, yet the material is a smooth-finished stucco exterior that is a little more contemporary,” added Sears.