Brian Barkwell, lead architect and principal of Via Design, describes the new-build his team recently completed as “a panoramic vista over the treetops.” Perched atop a hillside in west Michigan’s Ada, the home was designed and built with its surroundings in mind. The result is a warm, natural, and livable home.
The Grand Rapids-based firm provided both architecture and interior design services on the property, partnering with Kenowa Builders on the home’s construction. From the beginning of the project, the team listened to their clients’ needs and wants; they stipulated that it was important that the home work for them and their young, active children, and that it showcased their personality and warmth. They also wanted to let the site guide the planning, to ensure the spectacular land and views were highlighted.
“There aren’t many sites around here with these views and elevation,” says Isabelle McIntosh, interior designer at Via Design. “It doesn’t feel like you’re in Michigan. It’s higher than a lot of areas, and you can truly see so far out. It’s a beautiful spot for every season.”
Barkwell adds that this was the clients’ dream site. He says they had looked at many locations before finding this one, and were patient throughout the process. Once they purchased the property, the homeowners wanted their design team to spend ample time situating the building area, to maximize their lifestyle and what the site offered in terms of views and orientation. “We had this spectacular piece of property and wanted to make sure we utilized it in the best way possible,” Barkwell says.
The result is an approximately 8,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence with indoor/outdoor living spaces and an abundance of windows, allowing for plenty of natural light and a connection to nature.
The exterior finishes were carefully tested and selected, ensuring the finished result felt natural and would weather nicely over time. “Natural wood siding was (important), because it weathered the most,” Barkwell says. “The clients understood that the color of the wood would change, so we explored a lot of different materials.” Extensive sampling was done over time (even spanning a winter season), and the team ultimately chose Abodo re-sawn wood siding; the wood starts dark and weathers to a lighter color. The stone selection was tested and completed by Ophoff Companies.
Inside, an open-concept main floor, essentially in the shape of an “H,” includes the family room wing down one side and bedrooms down the other. “Because this is a young family, the parents were clear they wanted the bedrooms on one side of the main floor,” notes Via Design’s Sara Dupin, project manager and lead interior designer on the home. “It’s set up in a way that allows for more privacy. That way, things don’t need to be perfect all the time.”
The walkout lower level is a haven for the family’s young boys, who love being active and outdoors. It houses numerous family activities — a golf simulator, ping pong, a movie screen, a pickleball court you walk out onto, and an outdoor pool. The family loves spending time together, but made the ability to keep clutter out of sight a priority.
The solution involved creating storage space for toys and equipment in a section of the lower level that doesn’t get natural light — although Dupin notes it’s a “beautifully finished storage space” and a place “the kids can still play around in.” Third-floor flex spaces give the family an opportunity to have an exercise room, an open office, or a kids’ bonus room in the future.
The interior finishes were just as deliberately chosen as the exterior ones. Wood plank flooring, lime-wash walls, natural stone countertops, and living finish hardware lend to the home’s warm, modern organic vibe. The furniture was sourced from Four Hands and RH, with performance fabrics in mind. At the end of the day, this is a family home that’s meant to be lived in.
Another perk? While the residence feels private, it’s minutes away from shopping, dining, and schools. “They’re close to everything a young family needs,” Dupin says, adding, “but when you’re in the house, you feel like you’re the only ones nearby.”
After a building process that took nearly three years, the family is excited to be settled in their dream space. “They really wanted to get it right,” Dupin notes. “This is where they want to be for a long time.” 
B E H I N D T H E D E S I G N
Brian Barkwell, Principal and Architect, AIA, Via Design
Grand Rapids, viadesign-inc.com
Sara Dupin, Senior Interior Designer, ASID, NCIDQ, Via Design,
Grand Rapids, viadesign-inc.com
Isabelle McIntosh, Interior Designer, ASID, Via Design,
Grand Rapids, viadesign-inc.com
PROJECT CONTRIBUTORS
Cabinetry and Millwork: Kenowa Builders, Ada
Interior Doors: TruStile Doors
Landscape Design: Windscapes Landscaping, Dorr
Masonry: Ophoff Cos., Jenison
Windows: Pella
LENI PENDANT BY TALI ROTH
Mitzi Lighting, mitzi.com
“This light has a botanical look without being too literal. Its textured white shade pairs well with the lime-wash textured walls and sleek bathtub,” interior designer
Isabelle McIntosh says.
FETT PENDANT
Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
“The kitchen island pendants were selected to help fill the vertical space (because of the) tall ceilings. They add coziness and help ground the island while providing adequate lighting for kitchen tasks,” McIntosh says.
BELGIAN REPRODUCTION
clé Tile, cletile.com
McIntosh explains that these tiles were used in the foyer, sitting area, and back hall because “the handmade look makes the house feel timeless, while the pattern gives a contemporary flare.”
3CM CALACATTA CHIARA LEATHER
Pasucci Marble & Granite, Grand Rapids, pascuccimarble.com
“We chose Dolomite stone for its durability in high-traffic areas,” McIntosh says. “This continues from the countertop to the splash to create a clean, beautiful look.”
CLASSIC SUEDE IN PINE
Innovations, innovationsusa.com
“We went with a deep-color wallcovering for the family’s den to create a moody yet cozy atmosphere. The suede gives textural interest,” McIntosh notes.
VERANDA MIRROR HAND-SILVERED TILE
Artistic Tile, artistictile.com
Says McIntosh: “The mirrored tile at the bar creates a sophisticated look. It reflects light well and makes the bar area feel inviting and interesting.”
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