2018 DHDA: Exteriors

2018 Design Awards

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

Gate / Fence / Wall

Photo by JEFF GARLAND

1st – Angelini & Associates Architects, with New Savanna Landscape Co.

A curved stone wall forms a landscaped base around the existing trees, using sandstone from a former wall in ruins on the site. A garage addition with a linear drain diverts water away from the home, and a curved stone path follows the contours of the site to the new entry, allowing space for hydrangea and native plants. A pergola was created by using L-shaped cedar posts on stainless feet. The pergola curves gracefully on a base of split-faced granite, which is geometric and crafted.

Exterior Use of Stone / Tile / Concrete

Photo by GENE MEADOWS

1st – Michael J. Dul & Associates Inc.

Stone is the theme for this Craftsman-style lakefront home. The structure’s lower portion is veneered with natural Michigan fieldstone, and the porch is surfaced with Lake Superior limestone and features cobblestone risers; stone piers grow from the architecture and flank the porch. The lower level living space of the home extends into an outdoor space defined by terraced walls clad in Michigan fieldstone, while garden planter walls are hand-stacked with fabricated slabs of Lake Superior limestone. The stone beautifully unifies the architecture with the landscape.

Designer’s Process

“At this newly built home (shown above, right), meticulous planning and material sourcing went into the geometric layout and installation of symmetrical walkways, courtyards, patios, and curbs, showcasing the natural Wisconsin and Indiana limestone.”

— Three C’s Landscaping

Residential Swimming Pool / Spa

Photo by BETH SINGER

1st – VanBrouck & Associates, with Oliver Max Interiors

This classic swimming pool and spa extends the energy of the home and unifies its architecture with the landscape. The rectangular geometry of the pool and fully-integrated spa nestles into the bay created by the converging lines of the architecture and the freestanding pool-pavilion structure. A veranda, elevated three steps above the pool terrace and defined by Doric columns, stretches along two sides of the carriage-house wing, providing a place to relax. A palette of boxwood hedges, hydrangeas, and pink carpet roses soften the hardscape.

Residential Landscape Water Feature

Photo by GENE MEADOWS

1st – Michael J. Dul & Associates Inc.

A segmented masonry wall provides artful screening for this fountain wall water feature. Vines and fountain spouts adorn the block surface to create interest, while offsetting panels break up the typical straight-line effect at the property line. Fountains add the dimension of sound. The wall, which typically functions as a screen, is transformed into a piece of art.

Deck / Patio / Porch

Photo by MIKE KLINE

1st – Heller & Associates, with Shecter Landscaping

A Fond du Lac ledge stone fireplace with a floating limestone mantel and hearth takes pride of place here. Bluestone tiles ground the space, while a mitered, stepped-up tongue-and-groove beadboard ceiling draws the eye upward. Motorized screens emanate from rough-sawn cedar columns to enclose the room. A floating banquette provides seating on one side of the patio, offering ample space to gather around the fireplace or watch TV. A cedar shake roof and copper gutters complete the aesthetic and integrate the space into the home’s overall design.

Residential Landscape Design (Under One-Half Acre)

Photo by MARK SANDBERG

1st – Great Oaks Landscape Associates Inc.

At first glance, this landscape seems simple. Upon closer inspection, the details make this project a great success. The pavement materials offer a striking amount of variety because of their varying textures. On the project’s staircases, the placement of light treads on nearly black risers gives the illusion of floating steps. The retaining walls are made of concrete blocks with slightly different finishes, each block slightly offset from its neighboring block. The result is a visually striking display on a simple, straight wall.

Residential Landscape Design (Between One-Half Acre and One Acre)

Photo by ASHLEY ROHRS

1st – Great Oaks Landscape Associates Inc.

Modern architecture seemingly blends with the surrounding shaded woodland. Walking up the driveway to the main space, chiseled limestone steps gradually become less structured and relax into their natural surroundings. Tiered limestone retaining walls hold back masses of lush green plantings. A bluestone patio is nestled between the wooded lawn and a set of wide ipe wood steps. On the opposite side of the patio, a loose bluestone path is complemented by Japanese forest grass and other perennials that cascade over the pathway.

Photo by GENE MEADOWS

2nd – Michael J. Dul & Associates Inc.

Designer’s Goal

“For this Arts & Crafts-style home on a prominent lake in Oakland County (shown above), the stone terrace accommodates a firepit and relaxed entertaining opportunities with a view.”

— Michael J. Dul & Associates Inc.

Residential Landscape Design (More Than One Acre)

Photo by GENE MEADOWS

1st – Michael J. Dul & Associates Inc.

The handsome brick driveway with subtle tones of gray and brown adds a richness to this home’s ground plane, and limestone pillars announce the entry into the front yard. The front porch expands into a cozy sitting area, where planters mounted on limestone pillars provide an inviting entrance. A generous swimming pool accommodates a generous terrace complete with an integrated barbecue and elegant fireplace, which becomes a major focal point for the patio and swimming pool.

Exterior Use of Color

Photo by JEFF GARLAND

1st – Angelini & Associates Architects

This Mid-century ranch was updated with new siding, a pergola, a new entry path, and landscaping. The cedar siding received a rich teak marine-grade varnish, applied in multiple layers. The siding and garage doors include reveals of aluminum and stainless steel, accenting the lines of the ranch and contrasting with the warm wood tones. The entry is highlighted by the geometry of the pergola, floating on stainless posts above a curved granite base. The cedar siding and mahogany doors complement the green landscaping elements.

Designer’s Process

“We selected the pergola and column colors for this outdoor pool area (shown below) to bring the exterior stone in harmony with all the outdoor furniture and planters, for seven different elevations of the home.”

— Rita O’Brien Design Group

Garden

Photo by SAM WOLSON

1st – Merritt Home Designs

This client wanted their Victorian gardens to be over-the-top in color and texture, and to flower throughout the year. A scalloped fence was installed between the road and the home, creating an outdoor room. A perennial border consists of drifts of color weaving through the fence on a diagonal, allowing the garden to be seen from both sides of the fence. The landscape features pink dogwood trees, hydrangeas, and lilacs. Colorful perennials and 3-foot-tall Oriental lilies complete the picture.

Outdoor Kitchen

Photo by BETH SINGER

1st – VanBrouck & Associates, with Oliver Max Interiors

Designed to evoke memories of summers at the cottage, this three-season space is outfitted with four recessed ceiling infrared heaters. The outdoor kitchen is equipped with a stainless steel dual grill, vent hood, and counter, with under-counter refrigerators and ice-makers. French doors provide entry into the indoor kitchen space. A rough-cut limestone fireplace anchors the living area, and the screened room is integrated into the outdoor pool/spa and gardens; its slate-gray porcelain-tile flooring continues in the hardscape on the terraces and around the pool/spa.