CASE STUDY
MEADOW LANE RETREAT
A place to breathe . Meadow Lane is a weekend retreat set in an idyllic landscape along the shores of Lake Michigan that fosters respite , connection , and harmony with the surrounding landscape .
The empty-nester clients desired " an escape from the city for the family to gather . A place for sunlight . A place to breathe ." The design and orientation of the home optimize the site ' s unique attributes on a two-acre wooded bluff overlooking the lake . To the south , a woodland preserve abuts the property , allowing panoramic views that merge the blue lake horizon with a deep woodland understory .
Three separate structures — the main house , an entertainment / guest wing , and a detached garage — are thoughtfully arranged to maximize privacy , optimize natural light , capture views , and create outdoor spaces . Set perpendicular to the lake , the two living structures are staggered to increase the linear extent of glass exposure and corner views of the ever-changing vista . The staggered arrangement reduces the overall presence of the home upon arrival by screening the guest wing with the main house . The walls of the detached garage help form a protected garden courtyard at the entry that is contemplative and inward-looking . Opposite the garage , a glass link connects the two living structures with doors that fold entirely away , creating an aperture out of the courtyard to the expansive views beyond .
Natural native materials define the architectural palette and are used to create a timeless and enduring connection with nature . A limestone wall wraps the exterior at the main house ' s ground level . It extends seamlessly through the home , beneath the feet , and out to a pool terrace , establishing a visual and tactile connection to the surrounding landscape . The ground level of the entertainment wing and garage is clad in dark slatted wood siding that mimics the vertical elements of the woodland and complements the limestone . The secondstory black locust-clad boxes , designed to gray and weather over time , hover above a band of clerestory windows that provide daylight and privacy around the courtyard .
Beneath the box ' s overhang at the entry , a slatted oak ceiling continuously flows from inside to out . Floor-to-ceiling glass openings and mitered glass corners allow sunlight to illuminate each room , immersing one in nature . The owners arrive and exhale . This is their sanctuary – their place to be restored .
Architects : Wheeler Kearns Architects , Area : 8927 ft ², Photographs : Steve Hall , Hall + Merrick Photographers , Manufacturers : Accoya , Focus , Hunter Panels
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