Exterior Use of Stone/Tile/Concrete
1st Place – VanBrouck & Associates, with Oliver Max Inc.
Inspired by traditional country estates, this Shingle-style home integrates Connecticut fieldstone with clapboard and cedar shake for an enduring, solid style. Extensive, outstretching courtyard walls manipulate the grade, establishing the siting of the home by creating terraced hardscape and landscape plateaus, while extending the footprint and energy of the architecture into the site. A procession of elongated stone steps and terraces, ascending to the front doors, orchestrates a gracious welcome, while a charming garden path meanders through a romantic landscaped garden.
2nd Place – Michael J. Dul & Associates Inc.
3rd Place – DesRosiers Architects
Judge’s Insights:
The entire look of this (the Michael J. Dul & Associates Inc. project) is charming!
— Judge Dana Gibson
Residential Swimming Pool/Spa
1st Place – Martini Samartino Design Group, with Marino’s Landscape
Privacy was of utmost importance when planning the pool for this corner lot. Positioning the pool house at the rear of the site creates a beautiful and functional screen, while evergreen plantings screen the side road. The shallow end of the pool greets those exiting the home into the backyard; the design keeps children closer to the house for safety purposes. The linear lines of the pool, with the backdrop of the pool house, result in a unique and sophisticated backyard paradise.
2nd Place – DesRosiers Architects, with Gillette Brothers Pool & Spa Services
3rd Place – Heller & Associates, with Shecter Landscaping Inc.
Residential Landscape Water Feature
1st Place – Lotus Gardenscapes
This sculptural water garden provided an exciting challenge. The concept was to complement and enhance the stainless steel cupola with a set of custom galvanized landscape features that cross the breadth of the house. The most important piece, a stone-and-steel “Torii Gate Waterfall” that plays off the flourish and curves in the architecture, delivers a powerful dynamic of falling water and sound. A custom lighting scheme ensures the landscape is as striking at night as it is during the day.
2nd Place – Moceri Homes
Designers’ Challenge:
Fabrication of the ‘Torii Gate Waterfall’ was a unique challenge in all aspects, from its demanding fabrication plan for the steel top, to carving our own bluestone pillars and creating a hidden piping and mounting system.
— Lotus Gardenscapes
Deck/Patio/Porch
1st Place – Zaremba and Company, with Chris Morgan & Associates
Creating this covered patio proved challenging due to existing mature trees and steep topography. The structure incorporates all the comforts of the indoors: a custom stone fireplace, in-ceiling radiant heat, a ceiling fan, an audio system, a flat-screen television, custom gas lanterns, and programmable lighting. The design also features a skylight window, to allow for ample natural light. Siting the covered patio adjacent to an existing patio allowed for easy access, and gives ideal views into the wooded yard.
2nd Place – Heller & Associates, with Mosher & Associates
3rd Place – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs
Residential Landscape Design (Less than One Acre)
1st Place – Zaremba and Company, with Twin Pines Landscaping
Playing off strong architecture and traditional materials, the landscape design anchors this home. Columns with delicate coach lights define entry points, while a sea of boxwood globes float along the street front, defining the circle drive and lawn. Colorful, whimsical plantings lend movement and interest. The backyard includes a secluded pool and accent spa; the natural stone is a warming element and ties into the home’s façade. Covered seating areas provide views into the pool area and colorful gardens.
2nd Place – Martini Samartino Design Group, with Marino’s Landscape
3rd Place – Three C’s Landscaping
Judge’s Insights:
The lush landscaping and pops of color (of the Zaremba and Company, with Twin Pines Landscaping project) complement the warmth of the home’s stone exterior and bronze accents.
— Judge Renée Gaddis
Residential Landscape Design (More than One Acre)
1st Place – Michael J. Dul & Associates Inc.
Masses of textured evergreen yew and flowering hydrangea gracefully weave within evergreens, oak, and spruce. The naturalistic compositions beautifully contrast with the geometry of the home, entry drive, and plaza, and matching columnar sugar maples define and soften the masonry edges of the courtyard. Simple masonry piers extend from the home to create a sense of entry as visitors approach from the drop-off area, while crisply pruned boxwood hedges reinforce the island geometry and give the courtyard a sense of definition.
2nd Place – Michael J. Dul & Associates Inc.
3rd Place – Motor City Landscaping/Design + Build
Exterior Use of Color (Paint, Doors, Shutters, Etc.)
1st Place – Glenda Meads Architects
A complete exterior renovation of this 1950s ranch served to enhance and update its Mid-century vibe. The design approach was to play with the boxed areas original to the house, and accentuate the horizontal areas with new material treatment in a rich, stained wood color. A new door was painted a striking yellow-green, providing an accent to the background palette.
2nd Place – MainStreet Design Build
3rd Place – Angelini & Associates Architects
Outdoor Kitchen
1st Place – Heller & Associates, with Shecter Landscaping Inc.
A combination of open and covered spaces results in an oasis that can be enjoyed in all sorts of weather. The patio features a floating concrete fire table and seating area, while the covered porch is supported by mitered AZEK columns and crowned in a dark-stained, tongue-and-groove beadboard ceiling. The ceiling features mitered boards in long lengths for a smooth, seamless presentation. Radiant flush heaters under the porch extend the season when temperatures dip. Stainless steel cabinets make entertaining easy.
2nd Place – Motor City Landscaping/Design + Build
3rd Place – Lotus Gardenscapes
Designers’ Goal:
A combination of open and covered spaces provides this Franklin home with an outdoor oasis that can be enjoyed in all sorts of Michigan weather. Stainless steel cabinets along the wall make outdoor entertaining easy.
— Heller & Associates, with Shecter Landscaping Inc.
Detroit Design Awards 2020
Judges
Details
Exteriors
Interiors
Homes
Commercial Design
Rising Star
Readers’ Choice
