In Harmony

This Upper Straits Lake new-build seamlessly integrates with nature, thanks to its Prairie-style design //photography by Mike Klein

When Michelle Davis, of the award-winning Farmington Hills-based interior design firm Davis & Davis, was approached by a long-term commercial client to work on his new home project, she felt honored to assist him and his wife with their dream house, as her firm had been focusing on commercial projects.

Non-Stop Views
This home, at over 12,000 square feet, sits on gorgeous Upper Straits Lake. Picturesque vistas of the water can be seen throughout the residence, including in the primary bedroom
and en suite.

Davis, principal and chief design officer, explains, “We’ve worked with this client for years on commercial projects that all have modern designs. His home at the time was more traditional, but (he and his wife) wanted their new home to be a more contemporary signature home with an elegant living environment and an upscale vibe.”

Wide Open
“The windows allow the sight lines to feel like a whole rather than a bunch of pieces. The flow in the house has you looking ahead out a window and connecting with nature,” Ben Heller says.

Davis joined Ben Heller, principal of Pontiac-based Heller & Associates, on the project. Heller had been working with the client on architectural design and construction, as well as finding just the right waterfront site for the new home. The stunning, private one-acre property they selected overlooks picturesque Upper Straits Lake in Orchard Lake Village, a city that’s nearly half-covered by lakes and ponds.

The project involved significant collaboration between the two firms, as there is some overlap in expertise, as Davis & Davis offers interior architectural and interior design services, while Heller’s firm specializes in full architectural design and build services.

The over 12,000-square-foot contemporary home was designed with a fresh interpretation of clean Prairie-style lines using openness, symmetry, intentional flow, and an abundance of natural materials such as wood and stone. Mid-century Prairie-style design celebrates the beauty of the natural world and is defined by strong horizontal lines and the extensive use of glass. It was popularized by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and is experiencing a resurgence in popularity.

Heller explains the challenge of the design aesthetic for the project: “It’s important to make it all look seamless, flush, and easy on one’s senses — to reduce the visual clutter and give an effortless appearance that harmonizes with nature. We wanted the house, with all its windows, to seem substantial, solid, and safe — and, of course, to sit well on the site and integrate with nature.”

Woven Effect
“The scale of the fireplace required an alluring and unique product,” says Davis. “This wood labrys panel feels modern and abstract, but also evokes craft techniques like wicker or textile-weaving, to provide a comforting, textured focal point for the living room.”

Heller says the homeowners are empty-nesters with grown children, so one-level living was important to them, to allow future aging in place. The master suite is located on the main level and has a hidden door leading into the den. “I like to offer my clients a surprise space,” Heller says. Since half of the home’s square footage is in the lower walkout level, the house is equipped with an elevator.

Davis adds: “The space is compelling and intriguing. The interior design emphasizes monochromatic tonality, which allows the spectacular views of the lake to be spotlighted. The clients also like to travel, so they appreciate a resort feel in their home.”

Many of the mesmerizing light fixtures — including the ethereal Leucos pendant inside the grand entry doors — were intentionally selected and placed to complement the water views. “The irregular blown-glass spheres are like natural water droplets that relate to the lake and shimmer in the evening,” Davis notes.

In addition to the sparkling lake effect, the house’s tonal color story is enhanced by splashes of bold artwork featured throughout the house.

Many exceptional luxury materials were used in the home, including Marmi Maximum bright onyx porcelain slab panels, mother of pearl tile, and elegant rift-sawn white oak flooring with a subtle perpendicular contrast. The modern floating steel staircase with half-inch glass railing panels also features rift oak treads.

Davis took inspiration from her commercial design work when it came to the “modern and abstract” woven-patterned wood labrys panel above the fireplace in the main seating area — which Heller notes came in individual pieces and had to be put together like a puzzle over the floating hearth.

While there are countless stunning details in this statement home, Davis says her favorite is the great room. “It’s light, airy, open, and comfortable for large gatherings, but intimate enough for the couple to enjoy.”

Gallery Walls
Bold and colorful artwork throughout the home punctuate the otherwise neutral, tonal palette.

As for Heller, his favorite feature is the floor-to-ceiling aluminum windows. “The windows allow the sight lines to feel like a whole rather than a bunch of pieces. The flow in the house has you looking ahead out a window and connecting with nature, whether it’s the lake or surrounding woods.” He notes that to ensure privacy, electronic shades rise and lower with dawn and dusk.

“The power of design and the ability to enhance everyday experiences through function, focal points, and exceptional spaces makes this project a success. The fluid, open environment speaks to today’s living and the client loves it. This house flows beautifully — Ben did a great job,” Davis says.

“The client’s happiness and delivering a high level of excellence makes a successful project,” Heller adds. “It’s the quiet detail and seemingly effortless appearance that makes a house.”