Park ParkPlace

from COSMOPOLITAN HOME MAGAZINE ISSUE ONE/TWO 2023

THE BEST COMPANIES HOME FOR YOUR

Colonial Builders Brad Douglas Design Dwellings

Koning asserted, “Right out of the gate, the unique exterior design was a key element, and along with the park-like setting with expansive lawns and tasteful landscaping, Park Place feels like it grew right out of the surrounding, secluded landscape — it’s very dramatic. Colonial Builders is at the top of their craft, adding the collaboration of architectural designer Brad Tilma and interior designer Laura Davidson, Park Place is a work of art with all the amenities you can imagine and proved too much for the other contenders.”

In response to the award, Nagelkirk offered, “Our mission and passion is to develop high level homes built with integrity in a scheduled and organized manner involving the client in every step while keeping the process stress free and highly enjoyable.” He readily points out that it is truly a team effort from his front office staff of Stephanie Elders and Nate Bos to his highly talented trim crew: Eric, Bobby, Drew, Jason, Dan, Austin, Duane, Joe and Brian.

The Park Place estate began as a renovation of a home situated on the owner's cherished 20-acre horse farm near Byron Center. After the realization of what was needed to achieve the high level contemporary design desired, the homeowners had a change of plan opting for total demolition starting the year-and-a-half building process with Colonial.

The homeowners, Jim and Deb, explained, “We desired a modern design with a country/organic influence that would blend with and allow us to view our surroundings. For the interior we wanted modern design elements coupled with a warm country feeling. Space for family and friend gatherings was a focal point in the overall design.”

Prior to starting the actual construction, nearly five months were spent on site buildout and design development. Despite setbacks during the height of the Covid pandemic, the Colonial crew kept to the original drafted game plan and remained on schedule from start to completion.

While there were some aforementioned challenges, the contemporary design of the nearly 5,000-square-foot Park Place called for an extreme amount of planning early on in the process to allow for the precise lines and detailing in the simplistic eye-catching home. Their clients were routinely involved in every stage of this journey through pre-construction design and site development meetings, and constant email, texts, facetime and Zoom chats.

While client communication is imperative, Nagelkirk also stresses that to create a high-end custom home, collaboration is the key element; when choosing his extended team, compatibility was paramount. Architectural designer Brad Tilma of Brad Douglas Design and interior designer Laura Davidson of Dwellings were selected by the owners. They are two proven professionals that have shown a passion for perfection on previous projects.

Nagelkirk enjoys working with Tilma given that Brad is a wonderful home designer who strives to learn on every project and is efficient and cost conscious. “Brad is very creative and works well with the team. He frequently visits the site and is always able to react to any detail needed.”

Tilma, owner of Brad Douglas Design, enjoys the challenge of creating a vision for projects. “It’s like I’m making a puzzle with a million pieces, and I get to create the picture on the puzzle box. After research, site study and client wish list, I slowly start to interlock these parts to create the plan.”

The plan includes interior and exterior elevations, exterior design, floor plan, design details and materials. “When this process is done right, it relieves client apprehension and creates buy-in.” Site placement and elevation proved to be an interesting challenge right out of the gate. The original home was a walkout whereas the clients wanted direct access to the back lawn from the main floor. To accomplish this the entire site was recontoured and landscaped with stone tiered planter walls to allow for the back porch elevation and ease the transition down the slope. Brad felt, “Tim knocked this out of the park, it looks like the site had always been that way.”

The plan for home furnishings was laid out in detail prior to breaking ground with a layering of furniture and accessories. Particular attention was given to texture and scale by using a warm palette, clean lines and flawless styling. The well-crafted design includes the textures of wool, chenille, woods, grass cloth and leather.

The open kitchen is a welcoming gathering place that has an exquisite feel and the right functionality. Along with ample storage, the space features a double island, one as a workstation and the other an elevated table; each includes counter level bar stools to accommodate larger groups. Simplistically designed custom cabinetry, built in house by Colonial’s Mulinari Cabinetry Company, is used throughout the home and adjacent carriage house.

Tilma is particularly proud of how natural light was used as a design feature. “We added a steel frame to the right of the metal accented fireplace to create a lacy visual barrier that you can see through. Light passes through to the stairway area and, at different points of the day, flowing light dances on the wooden walls.” Against the north wall of the main living space is a ninety foot long path that leads from the stairway to the primary bedroom wing. This architectural feature tracks under an interior trellis projecting out below the vaulted ceiling that acts as a walking canopy allowing sunlight from the overhead windows to trickle through to the floor.

Brad was thrilled he was chosen to be part of the Park Place project. “Tim always uses the team approach. He gets emotionally involved, yet he respects and relies on the experience of everyone else. I’ve done six projects with him, and he’s one of the best in Grand Rapids. Tim cares about the details and is proactive, thinking three to four steps ahead to identify and solve problems with his wealth of experience.”

The stunning custom table is a mix of stainless steel and wood. A stainless thin, thread inlay, running down the length of the wood table surface, is a unique combination of modern and warmth.

After passing through a an oversized, custom-made front door by Phillip Elenbaas Millwork, visitors are greeted by an attractive foyer. The space remains intimate without a direct line of vision into the inner home yet is a relevant introduction to the home’s exceptional design.

Tilma was equally excited when Laura Davidson was selected as the interior designer. She is the consummate collaborator that is particular about scale, creating interiors that simply “feel right.” He continued, “There were no egos on this build with Tim and Laura, being team players led to a better project and the homeowner benefited. In fact, they felt it was better than what they imagined. They immediately offered to be a future reference.”

Laura, the preferred principal interior designer and owner of Dwellings, brought vision and creativity with her design talents to the project. Laura takes pride in a high level knowledge of how things actually go together in the construction process. Her skills have been honed through many previous custom projects, eight of which have been with Colonial. She is known for always being available and quick to react to anything needed on site.

A comfortable TV room just off the main living area offers privacy but maintains the modern design with country/organic influences. Large windows provide views to the natural surroundings and include the integration of roller shades tucked into custom cavities recessed into the ceiling that allow for both sun shading and black out options.

Davidson, who began her career with an engineering background, is able to combine this mathematical precision with her passion for creativity which has proven to be a wonderful mix. Park Place was her first foray into a Mid Century Modern Design, and she loved the challenge. Given many homes in this style can be seen as sterile, she immersed herself in the design concept ruminating on possibilities, eventually adding a modern take insuring that it would still be a comfortable home, even for grandkids.

Particular attention was given to texture and scale by using warm, clean lines and styling in Davidson’s vision. The intentionally placed light colored walls serve as a placeholder for other features. Another nuance is a shadow line created by allowing a half inch gap that travels above the kitchen cabinets and throughout the main area. Laura shared that the crew patiently tested twenty different stain shades to get to the right hue to work with the natural, high contrast color palette. Colonial’s craftsmen were sticklers for precise tolerances.

Park Place has multiple outdoor lifestyle access points that offer pristine views of the surrounding property. The covered back porch is a comfortable option even on colder spring and autumn days and includes a lounge area as well as al fresco dining. Accessible from the main floor living area through a 20-foot, battery operated door, the porch also features radiant floor heat for added comfort.

Park Place’s open kitchen, the hub of any home, is also a welcoming gathering place that Davidson totally revamped on site with Tilma during construction to get the right feel and functionality. Along with ample storage, the designer featured a double island, essentially one as a workstation and the other an elevated table; each includes counter level bar stools to accommodate larger groups. The stunning custom table is a mix of wood and stainless. The stainless trestle supports, and a thin thread inlay running down the length of the wood table surface is a unique combination of modern and warmth. Simplistically designed Custom cabinetry, built in house by Colonial’s Mulinari Cabinetry Company, is used throughout the home and adjacent carriage house.

“The plan for home furnishings was laid out in detail prior to breaking ground with a layering of furniture and accessories to finish strong, creating that final picture in the heart of the home,” said Davidson. The well-crafted design includes the textures of wool, chenille, woods, grass cloth and leather.

Davidson has a tremendous amount of respect for both Nagelkirk and Tilma. “Tim is very passionate about quality design and details and is on site two to three times a week to discuss issues and solve problems that arise. He has his finger on the pulse from start to finish. Brad allows for a back and forth exchange of ideas and allows the plan to grow, then facilitates the end result. It was definitely a dream team!”

As far as the Home of the Year Award Laura acknowledged,“It’s an honor to be appreciated and recognized. The collaboration and vision on Park Place was wonderful.”

Tilma was also thankful for the accolade and found it quite humbling, adding, “My goal when I work on a project is not driven by awards, it is focussed solely on creating a place that will be someone’s home for decades.”

While a high level of meticulous craftsmanship is evident in every nook and cranny of Park Place,

Nagelkirk points to several key, unique elements as a testimony to his team of extremely talented craftsmen. This high level of skill is seen in the three-story, mono stringer, black-powder-coated, steel stairway that features three-inch white oak treads and steel railing details. The stairs are enhanced by oak wood panel walls that seem to move and flow skyward.

A particular point of pride for all three project principals is the immense amount of trim and metal work found throughout the entire floor plan. All agree that the home’s wood plank finished ceiling that makes a seamless transition and waterfalls back down, obstruction free, to the cozy, limestone fireplace gathering space is a cohesive, signature element of Park Place. It testifies to the superior level of exacting craftsmanship of the Colonial crew.

Mid Century Modern Design calls for drawing the outside into indoor living spaces. Floor to ceiling walls of windows not only maximize natural light, but also allow for panoramic vistas of the southern rolling fields with the recently added parklike copse of trees and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The upper level office suite windows are orientated to have a commanding overlook of the property. Window design includes the integration of roller shades tucked into custom cavities recessed into the ceiling that allow for both sun shading and black out options. Park Place also has multiple outdoor lifestyle access points including the covered back porch and a separate outdoor gathering space with an inviting fire pit.

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The owners wanted to be able to use the porch during Michigan’s three warmer seasons. To enable this, retractable vinyl spanner curtains or traditional vinyl screens can be utilized. A 20-foot battery operated door allows for a 15- foot wide opening from the main floor to the porch. For added warmth, the veranda features radiant floor heat.

Park Place uses a Hydronic heating system, also known as radiant/conduction heating, throughout the home. Hydronic is one of the most energy efficient and clean modern mechanical setups available. This high-tech configuration constitutes a heat source and a controlled network of tubing that transports a heat transfer liquid to zones of the home and beyond. These zones allow for varied temperature levels to fit the needs of each setting. The benefits include quiet operation, lowered humidity, warm floors, durability, elimination of dust and pollen and a seamless design without distracting ductwork and grates. This innovation allows Park Place to incorporate heated patios, porches, walkways and snowmelt drive aprons.

The estate also includes the aforementioned carriage house literally nicknamed the “Bolt Hanger” that features a large gathering area with a complete kitchen, a fireplace with lounge seating, a fourteen foot bar, game room, golf simulator and cigar balcony. The relaxed, flex space is perfect for a family gathering or even as a venue for a larger event. The structure’s exterior was designed to slightly differ from home. It is done in a simpler style with a gabled massive metal roof hinting of earlier barn construction. Placement was made close to the house, but not too close, and allows entry to the house near the kitchen area.

Park Place owners Jim and Deb maintain, “Throughout the building process ‘The team’ worked closely with us to not only achieve the original design intent but enhance it. Detail upon detail was discussed and reviewed. With these gifted individuals collaboratively working together the result was amazing. Tim’s demand for quality and precision was evident with his entire group of subcontractors.”

As far as receiving the 2022 Home of the Year Award, the owners shared, “It’s gratifying to see Tim being recognized for his God-given talents. Tim is extremely gifted and passionate about his work, and it definitely shows in the finished product.” They concluded, “We absolutely love our new home. The team exceeded our expectations.”

“I’m so thankful for my wife, Katie and our three girls for all the support that allows me to do what I love,” noted Tim. “Building homes is my passion and without their support and all the God given talents of my team, none of this would be possible.”

Cosmopolitan Home publisher David Koning, who was particularly smitten by both the game room loft in the “bolt Hanger” and Park Place's climate controlled wine and bourbon vault, sums it up, “Tim Nagelkirk is at the top of the building food chain; his attention to detail is off the charts.” ❂

Resource Index

BUILDER Colonial Builders

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Brad Douglas Design INTERIOR DESIGN Dwellings -

Laura Davidson

APPLIANCES Gerrit’s Appliance

CERAMIC TILE Johnson’s Carpet One CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS Hard Topix COUNTERTOPS Great Lakes Granite Works CUSTOM CABINETRY Mulinari Cabinetry Co. DECORATIVE HARDWARE Modern Hardware EPOXY FLOORS Nobel Concrete FOUNDATION DRAINAGE INSTALLATION/ TOPSOIL DELIVERY Superior Groundcover GARAGE STORAGE UNITS Studio G Inc.