Our work is rooted in place.

The Lake Street Residence is carefully shaped by its site in downtown Glen Arbor, where mature trees define both the character and constraints of the property. Rather than clearing the land, the footprint of the house is deliberately organized around existing trees, allowing the architecture to preserve and reinforce the natural qualities of the site within a residential neighborhood.

The exterior palette is restrained and durable, combining rough-sawn cedar siding with a custom stain, divided-lite black windows, and a black metal roof. Together, these materials provide texture and depth while allowing the building to sit quietly among the trees. Over time, the cedar will continue to weather naturally, further integrating the house into its wooded setting.

The plan is organized as a split residence, separating private and public functions in response to both site conditions and neighboring context. The primary suite is positioned on the more secluded side of the property, oriented toward the woods to create a sense of privacy and retreat. The main living spaces are located on the opposite side, closer to the neighboring home, where shared daylight and outward-facing rooms reinforce a connection to the surrounding community.

Entry from Lake Street establishes a clear spatial sequence that carries through the house and extends into the rear yard. This axis continues as an elevated deck, projecting into the landscape and framing a mature white oak as a focal point. The deck becomes both circulation and destination—an outdoor extension of the interior that emphasizes continuity between inside and out.

Throughout the home, sightlines and natural light are carefully choreographed to maintain visual connections to trees, sky, and landscape. Natural materials are carried into the interior to reinforce this relationship, creating spaces that feel grounded, warm, and responsive to their environment. The result is a residence that balances privacy and openness while remaining deeply connected to its site.