2017 DHDA: Homes

2017 Design Awards

Judges | Details | Exteriors | Interiors | Commercial Design
Homes | Rising Star | Reader’s Choice

Historic Renovation/Restoration

Photo by beth singer

1st – Cloth & Kind Interiors

This historic home in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood was built in 1907. Although much of the home was still in its beautiful, original condition, the kitchen had gone through some horrible updates in the 1980s and needed to be reimagined. The clients were willing to take risks with color, and the end result features beautiful golden backsplash tile and hints of gray-blue throughout.

Small Space Remodel (Up to 1,000 Square Feet)

Photo by Eric Perry

1st – Jacob & Company, with Ciot Detroit

A complete overhaul of this home’s original kitchen layout was necessary to design a useable space for a family of four. Relocating the back door and opening two load-bearing walls created the space to add a large island, tying the room together and providing a haven where the entire family can congregate. Doubling the size of the original kitchen allowed endless possibilities for this small space.

Judge’s Insights

“The Heller & Associates project is unique, while the Jacob & Company kitchen is clean and classic. As for the Kathleen McGovern-designed home, what a dramatic transformation!”

— Judge Meg Lonergan

Large Remodel (More Than 1,000 Square Feet)

Photo by ERIC PERRY

1st – Jacob & Company, with Ciot Detroit

This once traditionally-styled space has been transformed into a modern classic design. Generations to come will enjoy the simplified floor plan and clean lines, and the professional finishes are functional and practical for everyday use.

Addition Project (Architecture)

Photo by JAMES YOCHUM

1st – Allegretti Architects

This project involved the renovation of an existing three-bedroom home and a one-bedroom detached guest house, and the addition of a pool house to the vintage 1920s cottage compound. The pool house was attached to the renovated main house, creating a new front yard and rear lines, and making space for the pool in the newly created rear yard. The historic context of the existing home was reinforced by establishing a base site on the center line of the original home’s front door.

Vacation Home in Michigan

Photo by Beth Singer

1st – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company Fine Builders

This lakeside retreat isn’t overstuffed or over-decorated; its beauty is in the simple mix of the personal, the comfortable, and the new, without the clutter that distracts from the stunning views outside and the details inside — including extensive millwork, beadboard paneling, and lightly weathered wood floors. The home evokes the easy, carefree feel of boating and beach-going, and the rooms are designed to be manageable in scale and encourage interaction and relaxed living. Open living areas, abundant windows, and extensive porches make it possible to live here with style and ease.

Vacation Home Outside of Michigan

Photo by D&K YACHT PHOTOGRAPHY

1st – AZD Associates – Architects

Located on the Florida Intracoastal Waterway, this vacation home was designed to be maintenance-free and to have a very functional outdoor entertaining area that ties into the pool and waterway. The house features both low-pitched roofs and flat roofs, and utilizes a unique combination of wood, stucco, corrugated metal, and glass. The pool is a focal point upon entering the house; a covered porch with retractable screens and doors opens the entire interior to the pool and waterway. The combination of unique materials, rooflines, and proportions creates a one-of-a-kind getaway.

Builder’s Challenge

“Despite the challenges that come with lakefront homes — and in this case, the limitations of a 40-foot lot and the need to maintain space for an elaborate septic system — this Long Beach home was designed to live exceptionally well while maximizing view exposures from all three levels.”

— Mike Schaap Builders Inc.

New Model Home (Architecture)

Photo by ASHLEY AVAILA

1st – Visbeen Architects

Designed with an open floor plan and layered outdoor spaces, the Onaway is perfect for narrow lakefront lots. The exterior features elements from the Shingle and Craftsman movements, and the inside has a neutral, crisp white, and blue nautical-themed palette. The kitchen includes natural wood cabinetry and an island capped by a pub-height table. Above the garage, and separate from the main house, is space for plenty of guests to spend the night. Downstairs, two large gathering spaces lead to a covered patio and a custom grill pit.

Contemporary Architecture (Up to 4,000 Square Feet)

Photo by Adam Kunselman

1st – AZD Associates – Architects 

In this waterside ranch home, every room has a view of the lake and pool. The lower level features a bar, a golf simulator, a shooting range, shuffle board, and a dancing area, and opens up to a very unique outdoor pool. The exterior is a combination of stone, metal, and cedar siding; low roof lines and an oversized overhang, combined with corner glass and ribbons of glass, give it the appearance of floating. The foyer, a glass atrium, separates the private from the public areas of the home.

Contemporary Architecture (More than 4,000 Square Feet)

Photo by Beth SInger

1st – Glenda Meads Architects

This story-and-a-half house was designed for open-plan entertaining. All primary functions are on the main level, including the master bedroom suite and office; additional bedrooms are on the upper level. The style is in the Prairie School tradition, with low slung masses stepping back from the main entry, low-pitch roofs, and deep overhangs. The interior flows from a central entry hall that extends from the front all the way to the back and out to a rear terrace. Rich wood accents all the architectural elements, while the main level is furnished with deep but shiny metal tones.

Traditional Architecture (Up to 4,000 Square Feet)

Photo by KARL MOSES

1st – Martini Samartino Design Group, with La Marco Homes

A modern twist to the traditional Farmhouse, this home has powerful details on the front façade and a comfortable conversation front porch. The two-story foyer and light-filled open staircase run through the home like a spine, connecting all three floors, while the main living area is situated in a triangular relationship, allowing the kitchen, family room, and dining room to relate to one another. The second floor includes three junior suites as well as the master suite, which has a private sitting room with a fireplace and a spa-like master bath.

Designer’s Challenge

“An infill lot created a challenging building envelope, which actually helped to create a very unique home with dynamic sightlines and unusual spaces. It features a modern twist to the traditional Farmhouse and takes advantage of the narrow lot.”

— Martini Samartino Design Group

Traditional Architecture (More Than 4,000 Square Feet)

Photo by mike kline

1st – Heller & Associates Design + Build

Inspired by the Shingle-style homes of the Eastern seaboard, this house has expansive windows and a transom, which takes advantage of the amazing landscape. Natural materials like Fond du Lac limestone walls, individual shake cedar siding, cedar shake and cooper roofing, mahogany entry doors, and Bluestone porches and walkways pay respect to the traditional architectural style. The design is intended to be timeless, and the material selection and construction are meant to outlast our lifetime. Generous floor-to-ceiling windows allow the homeowners to experience nature year-round in this spacious yet cozy space.

Overall Home

Photo by Beth SInger

1st – VanBrouck | Luxe Homes, with Ellwood Interiors

Evocative of the Hamptons, this classic residence, situated atop a grassy knoll, offers views of beautifully landscaped gardens and mature trees. The architectural detailing that defines the gorgeously proportioned exterior is integrated throughout the interior spaces, creating an artful composition and an immensely livable home. Traditional white-glazed panel-millwork orchestrates a refined, timeless aura in the entry hall, library, dining room, and music room, while cottage-style shiplap-millwork — showcased in the library, master suite, mud hall/laundry room, and children’s bedrooms — evokes an easygoing ambience and nostalgic charm.

Designer’s Challenge

“The Arik Green Design home which was constructed on a former apple orchard, is a 4,000-square-foot contemporary farmhouse that truly provides something for everyone. It is such a livable home.”

— Judge Meg Lonergan