Concept Statement

STEAM School

The Essential House is one that simplifies the house environment and redefines it in a way to simplify life and what it has to offer. In this case it is redefining how life is lived in the middle of nature and reestablishing yourself within the environment. The design is perched towards the top of a steep hill in Antrim Dells, just off of Brant Road, where it has a pondering view of Lake Michigan. In order to make the most of the 1000 sq ft design and the environment, it is essential that these two work together in a way that it is not out of place, but finding that middle ground. The middle ground in this design will be a private courtyard that stands between the view and the house. The design intentions are to provide many spaces that capture the view that the perched house enables. The house itself contains one and a half bath, a master bedroom, utility room, a kitchen, and a living room. The glass facade between the house and the courtyard are to insure the view towards Lake Michigan, even from the back private area.

Final Design

Site Plan

The Essential House is poised upon a steep slope to overlook the views of Lake Michigan. The pondering view is seen from several locations from around the site, even from the backyard. The journey to the house provides added drama and anticipation to a warm welcoming home in the middle of the forest. The program includes

• Courtyard with hot tub

• Living space

• Second Story Master Bedroom w/Study

• Guest room

• Bathroom w/Stepout Shower

• Flexible Kitchen and Dining Space

• Sliding Glass Doors on First Floor

Interior Space

The design is meant to be fluid, where it could be a getaway for two, but also could be a spot to host a small party. To account for this, the glass doors slide south to north to allow for through and through circulation and ventilation. Having a flexible vacation home is an important aspect of the design.

• The first picture to the right is of the bathroom and stepout shower