Bridgman Private Residence

Spectacular positioning on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore fully informed the approach to this home and site renovation. The client was compelled to serve as a good steward for their notable sand dunes and were glad to work within the strict environmental rules that govern Critical Dune habitat as they brought their dream to life. They envisioned a space without any traditional yard areas, with the home site emerging from a native dune landscape that would be enhanced and expanded into areas immediately surrounding the house, reverting from previous conventional landscape treatments.

The site’s existing natural resources were thoroughly inventoried and amended as part of the planning and site restoration process. A large quantity of invasive species that had taken root were addressed and all disturbed areas were replanted with species native to Michigan dune ecosystems.

Beyond the important environmental focus, giving the site its spirit and guiding its design, a complete aesthetic make-over of the 70’s ranch house struck a modern note with a dash of beach house throw-back elements speckled throughout. Following suit, well-paired details were pursued for all the site’s hardscape improvements. A dramatic large plank concrete paver patio was designed to provide a firm visual foundation for the house and reinforce exterior color and material selections. The patio visually deconstructs at its edges as it gives way to the surrounding dune. Other amenities integrated into the site plan include a boardwalk to the beach, stainless steel hot tub, outdoor shower, gas fire pit, a variety of outdoor seating, and an upper-level deck with screened porch that connects to the interior kitchen area.

As with many of our clients, a long-term and ongoing relationship allows Living Habitats the opportunity to stay involved as the native plantings establish and to offer advisement on adaptive management to keep the site looking its best throughout the growing seasons. In high profile areas, perennial garden-like care allows the native plantings to hug all the hardscape areas and invite more interaction with the remarkable and unique dune environment.

 

Location:
Bridgman, Michigan

Date:
2017 – Present