10 minute read
Modern Magnificence
MODERN MODERN
MAGNIFICENCE MAGNIFICENCE
PHOTOS BY ASHLEY AVILA TEXT BY LAUREN CARLSON
aterfront properties typically come with a host ofW challenges: narrow lots, sloping grade, changing water levels and dilapidated structures chief among them. So, for homeowners seeking a summer getaway or principle residence that alleviates stress instead of causing it, partnering with an experienced builder, designer and architect is key.
For the owners of this beach front property, finding their perfect team was essential. It allowed them to acquire their ideal waterfront site, demolish a small, pre-existing cottage, and design and construct the modern home of their dreams.
What resulted was a resort in paradise of sorts for yearround living; a place that celebrates its outdoor spaces as much as its interiors, and makes room for the couple's daily passions, longterm goals, and penchant for entertaining.
The design had to account for proximity to the water. When the project began, Lake Michigan water levels were at an all-time high. Therefore, the team had to predict the water levels at the time of the home's eventual completion. As the water receded, the homeowners gained 85 total feet of beach. GETTING STARTED Builder Brian Sytsma and interior designer Wendy Sytsma had a pre-existing friendship with the homeowners, which allowed for the business partners and married couple to enter the project process before the lot was officially acquired. “It was a pretty personal process for all of us,” said Wendy.
Brian has worked in residential and commercial construction and renovation since 1987 and formed his own construction company in 2002.
“The benefit we can give to our clients is that we're first-person, design builders. We don't hand off much of anything to anyone else. We want to control it from front to back— pricing, design, construction management, all the way through,” said Wendy. “We're managing the project every step of the way.” After assisting the homeowners in the purchase of the property, Brian immediately began the permitting process with Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) while the new owners moved into the lot's existing small cottage for the summer. Brian referred to the former structure as the “old cottage, the shipwreck,” a theme that subtly made its way into the new home in the form of carefully chosen hardware and artwork incorporated for sentimental value.
REAL-TIME DESIGN As the Sytsmas worked through the permitting process, the client hired architect Wayne Visbeen to design a custom home for the property. Visbeen's live design process — where he sits with the client and draws initial sketches in real time — is appealing. A myriad of styles: from traditional to contemporary farmhouse to midcentury modern, and everything in between comes to life. On a summer evening,
An inviting upper, front patio is a welcoming space and a great spot for taking in a morning sunrise. Tucked behind privacy shutters, a hot tub is flanked with openings and offers a relaxing view of the lake.
The upper level, rear balcony provides stunning Lake Michigan ambiance with a comfortable sitting area, complete with fireplace , TV and unforgettable sunsets as well as gradient heaters that provide comfort to the space in the colder seasons.
Visbeen met with the homeowners to plan their new home that was both based on their experiences living on the site and incorporating their active lifestyle.
The homeowners first and foremost needed an unobstructed view of sunrises to the east and year-round sunsets to the west. “We were looking to create something that had indoor/outdoor magnificence,” said Visbeen, whose meticulous designs revolve around an axis, or central line, of the structure.
Entering through the front door, the axis provides a central view of Lake Michigan. Across from the axis, Visbeen designed the living room, fireplace and kitchen island. “They never had a home of this style but they had a really, really good vision ... and the process was quite seamless,” said Brian.
MODERN VIEWS What resulted from Visbeen's unique design process was a home that is “much more modern than the traditional home they left,” commented Brian. “It was a drastic change from everything they had before. Visbeen really hit some amazing features on the house that they absolutely adore.”
The modern, stacked structure combines light and dark effortlessly. Uninterrupted sight-lines from front to back, make it hard to resist the inviting outdoor living spaces.
As both an architect and interior designer, Visbeen's process involves more than creating an aesthetically beautiful property. His dual role allows for a very cohesive design that results in a home that lives perfectly unique for its owners. “I do think it makes a difference in the process. I’m not just designing the form but the function ... that's really why this home is as efficient as it is,” said Visbeen. “It is so jam packed for a 1,700-square-foot footprint.”
The design also had to account for proximity to the water. When the project began, noted Brian, Lake Michigan water levels were at an all-time high. Therefore, his team had to predict the
The main floor is an open space, artfully designed, flush with neutrals, whites and the occasional pop of green from carefully chosen plant decor and of course multiple views of Lake Michigan.
The kitchen itself is a wash of white, with cabinetry and seating coordinated in this bright, choice that reflects light from both sunrises and sunsets.
water levels at the time of the home's eventual completion. As the water receded, the homeowners gained 85 total feet of beach.
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS Upon approaching the home, visitors will immediately be met with a grand, wrap around driveway. An inviting front patio makes it hard to resist staying for a drink and some conversation. The glass front door gives a look-through view to Lake Michigan. Stepping onto grey, wood-like CORETec flooring — chosen to weather both sand and heavy foot traffic — an open space is revealed, artfully designed by Wendy, flush with neutrals, whites and the occasional pop of green from carefully chosen plant decor.
The kitchen itself is a wash of white, with cabinetry and seating coordinated in this bright, clean shade that reflects light from both sunrises and sunsets. The countertop is a light, simple sheen: Aurea Stone's “Divine.”
Noticeably absent from the main level — and the rest of the home for that matter — are light fixtures. Lit throughout with recessed and other hidden lighting, the home is a masterclass in simple design that encourages visitors to focus on the view, not the maintenance-free finishes. The one notable light fixture is a refined collection of hanging sconces above the main stairway, a reflective and understated piece by Hammerton Studio.
Aside from the cooking, cleaning and other daily tasks of life that are so beautifully accommodated by this modern home is the luxury provided by the upper level balcony, perhaps the favorite space of the homeowners, builder, and architect.
A BALCONY FOR DAYS... The Lake Michigan coastline is a sight to behold and the upper level is home to a balcony that is truly worthy of its scenery. “The views are stunning on the entire upper level and that was what we were shooting for,” said Brian. With a generous sitting area, entertaining bar, hot tub, and exercise room that might as well be outside due to its proximity to and view of the beach, the homeowners could almost live exclusively in this custom space.
When designing this feature, Visbeen sought to incorporate the couple's active lifestyle. “The exercise room is really important to them,” he said, which is why he included it in the design of the upper level balcony instead of tucking it away on the lower level per the norm for these
Surrounded by windows and just steps from the entertaining portion of the balcony, the homeowners can enjoy beautiful Lake Michigan while exercising inside.
The upper level includes a generous sitting area, entertaining bar, and the exercise room that might as well be outside due to its proximity to and view of the beach.
The one notable light fixture in the home is a refined collection of hanging sconces above the main stairway, a reflective and understated piece.
types of spaces. Surrounded by windows and just steps from the entertaining portion of the balcony, the homeowners can “experience the incredible outdoors while exercising,” he added.
“Year-round they enjoy being outside,” said Wendy. Though the beachfront home sees its fair share of wind and cold weather, gradient heaters on the upper level make the space comfortable enough to use in all seasons.
“They absolutely adore it — the upper level is a huge hit for them,” she added. “It's probably their favorite area of the home.”
PERSONAL SPACE Inside the home’s private spaces there is a relaxing vibe found in the purposefully designed bed-
The primary suite provides a private retreat with a self-contained vestibule that allows either owner to go about their morning or nightly routines without disturbing their sleeping partner. The beach view is captured through a wall of windows. The en suite bathroom is a gracious space with a very clean and simple aesthetic — the right combination of form, beauty and function.
rooms. The primary suite provides a private retreat with a self-contained vestibule that allows either owner to go about their morning or nightly routines without disturbing their sleeping partner. The en suite bathroom is “gracious yet not overly luxurious,” said Visbeen. It’s the right combination of form, beauty and function.
The lower level includes two identical bedrooms for the owners’ adult daughters when they return home.
Inside and out, the homeowners are comfortable in each and every space. “They couldn't imagine being anywhere else,” said Wendy. “We put a lot of thought into the livability of our homes ... we want them to be enjoyable in every area.”
By combining the dedication and consistency of the Sytsmas’ and Visbeen's collaborative design, the homeowners and their team were able to accomplish transforming a sleepy lakeside cottage into a modern waterfront resort.
“It was a great process,” said Brian. “The [owners] are great, fun people that we really enjoyed working with.” There’s no doubt this home will be enjoyed to the fullest by everyone who lives and visits it. ❂
RESOURCE INDEX
BUILDER Sytsma Builders ARCHITECT Visbeen Architects INTERIOR DESIGN Wendy Sytsma DECORATIVE HARDWARE Modern Hardware
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