Design Challenge: Create a home in a wooded lot in a "farm complex" theme, using modern materials for an industrial look. Views into the surrounding woods were important. State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Critical Dune permit was required.

Design Program: The owners had a dream of a house in keeping with the grain elevator buildings similar to the wife’s experiences growing up in Springfield, Illinois. The house needed to be two story to provide the square footage required within the buildable footprint. The second floor was to accommodate the master suite. An exterior screen porch was also required. The two car garage would need to be detached due to DEQ requirements.

Design Solution: A two story circular silo structure evoked the grain elevator theme. The first floor gazebo is attached to the house through the dining room. The second floor screen porch is connected to the house with a bridge from the upstairs balcony. The garage is connected to the front door of the house by a ramp. The exterior of the buildings were covered with a corrugated metal siding.

Client Response: The exterior of the house met their expectation of the design concept. The interior spaces have a combination of old and new, with the high tech lights and cabinets set off against the wide plank wood floor. The owners are most proud of having found ways to do good design without great expense.