Minimalistic Lakeside Home in Michigan showcases sculptural design aesthetic
A Harmonious Blend of Architecture, Art, and Nature: The Michigan Lakeside House
The Michigan lakeside house, a stunning architectural marvel designed by Disbrow Iannuzzi, stands as a testament to minimalist design and a harmonious blend of art, nature, and the client's cultural heritage. Located in a rural site in a northern suburb of Detroit, with the River Rouge running through it, the house is a unique piece of architecture that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.
The Y-shaped floor plan of the house is divided into wings, dedicated to rest, socializing, and guest areas. The exterior, clad primarily in black slate sourced from a single quarry, changes its appearance throughout the day due to the movement of the sun, creating a dramatic and natural connection to the landscape. In stark contrast, the interior is entirely wrapped in white ash wood, evoking a warm, cabin-like atmosphere reminiscent of Scandinavian minimalism.
Large openings in the house capture the sun during the day, creating playful light-and-shadow plays against minimalist, geometric surfaces. The natural wood tone in the house reflects sunlight, bringing more natural light into all rooms. This design infuses and enhances the day-to-day life of the residents, connecting them intimately with the natural surroundings.
The timber skin of the house features subtle variations, with quarter-sawn and plain-cut wood in a 4" pattern. The landscaping is intentionally designed to be experienced from within the house, making the plantings, surfaces, and sculptural works the focal points of each room. A long bench, crafted from a fifteen-foot plank of ash with dramatic contrasting cathedral grain, showcases the homeowner's bronze castings, further integrating art into the home's design.
The house's design, landscaping, and interior elements all work together to create a harmonious blend of architecture, art, and nature. This approach reflects the client's history—both as a former curator of Asian art and her family's heritage in the lumber industry—and draws inspiration from Japanese woodblock prints in how the landscape views are framed, blending art, nature, and architecture seamlessly.
In essence, the Michigan lakeside house is a standalone piece of architecture within the natural setting, as well as a bespoke piece of art for its specific owner. It serves as a sculptural juxtaposition to the lush surroundings, open and airy, designed to blend with the landscape and celebrate both the natural setting and cultural elements of the client’s life.
[1] Disbrow Iannuzzi Architects. (2021). Michigan Lakeside House. Retrieved from https://disbrowiannuzzi.com/portfolio/michigan-lakeside-house/
[2] Dezeen. (2021). Disbrow Iannuzzi Architects completes Michigan lakeside house with ash-clad interiors. Retrieved from https://www.dezeen.com/2021/07/12/disbrow-iannuzzi-architects-completes-michigan-lakeside-house-with-ash-clad-interiors/
- The Michigan Lakeside House, a creation of Disbrow Iannuzzi Architects, successfully combines home-and-garden elements with art and architecture, providing a harmonious lifestyle experience for its residents.
- The homeowner's bronze castings, displayed on a long bench crafted from white ash, enhance the home-and-garden aspects of the Michigan Lakeside House, creating an intimate blend of art and lifestyle within the natural surroundings.
