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Location: Michigan

Interior Design: Rock Kauffman

Architect: Visbeen Architects

Construction: Segard Builders

Photography: M Buck Studio

Visbeen Architects Inc., headed by Wayne Visbeen, transformed an existing midcentury modern residence in Michigan into a contextual interpretation of the iconic design movement. The renovation project is a reflection of the owners’ lifestyle, emphasizing midcentury modern principles in its relationship with the landscape, purpose-driven spaces, and floating rooflines that lend horizontal impression and continuity of line to its silhouette.

The renovation showcases a balance and symmetry of its dual garages and flanking chimneys, an expression of serenity and delight in its cradled front courtyard and interior interplay of light, and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living with its expansive waterfront views and series of patios. The neutral and organic materiality of the home’s palette allows the homeowners’ contemporary art and sculptural collections to express in dramatic statement, and the innovative function, flexibility, and intentional interior layout capture an affinity for lakefront living and entertaining.

In addition to its stunning appearance, the renovation also features innovative solutions on the interior. Visbeen Architects understands how space, livability, and placement of windows and traffic flow ultimately impact how an architectural plan and environment will live and breathe. Wayne Visbeen’s technical training and creative curiosity have also led to a number of design-patented solutions as he strives to deliver visually stunning and functionally efficient spaces for clients that exceed their expectations. 

The home has a presence from the street, compelling without overpowering its contextual surroundings as it embraces both a legacy of modern design inherent to Michigan and its waterfront landscape. There is both a regional and universal element to its interior layout and overall materiality, reflecting both an aesthetic of lakefront living and intuitive spatiality. The landscaped courtyard offers a celebration of nature in abstract celebration. With its grand front door of glass offering a glimpse of the heart and hearth of the home, the stunning wooden ceiling detail and retractable glass walls reveal the lake beyond, dissolving traditional boundaries and creating an artful vision that lingers in the mind.