Permits are secured, and construction is now underway at our modern Michigan retreat with Spa Pavilion. With its extensive tree canopy, the site captivated our clients, inspiring us to design the home and driveway to delicately weave through the trees. Quite a challenge, considering the lot is 10 acres, and the ideal building pad was smack in the middle of the site.
A vacant 10-acre parcel prompts the question: where should the building go? Through our Master Planning process, we carefully analyze all site elements and conduct thorough research to find the answer. We positioned the structures to engage directly with the central pool terrace and maximum views of the surrounding forest. By thoughtfully interrupting the continuity of the structures, we created sight lines from the terrace into the forest.
When considering the design, we focused on how orientation influences natural light and spatial experience in placing glass and windows. Typical developer homes scatter ‘punched opening’ windows haphazardly throughout. We find this uninspiring. Instead, we sought to maximize the impact of floor-to-ceiling walls by carefully situating each window and glass panel. By positioning them according to site conditions, we achieve a balance where every window serves both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Architecture Aligned with Nature
In our quest to blend tradition with modernity, our design takes cues from Norwegian vernacular architecture, notably the iconic Rorbu fishing cabins that dot the coastal landscapes. Embracing the simplicity and functionality inherent in these historic structures, our design is a simple structure with some flourishes where it counts.
We reimagined the shed roof, gently flaring it up at the northwest corner of the main house. This architectural detail serves a dual purpose: it adds a distinctive silhouette to the structure while framing and maximizing views of the surrounding landscape through the expansive glass windows. This design choice enhances the visual connection to the outdoors and invites the changing seasons and natural elements to become integral parts of daily life within the home
Modern Michigan Retreat Spa Pavillion: A Forest Retreat
Dreaming of relaxing in an Eucalyptus-clad dry sauna while gazing out at the tranquil pine and birch forest, then slipping into the adjacent hot tub for a sublime forest bathing experience? We’ve got you covered. We designed the Pavillion with lounge areas that engage with the pool terrace, directing views from the hot tub and sauna straight into the heart of the trees, creating a truly immersive shinrin-yoku experience.
A concrete outdoor fireplace anchors the structure itself. The wood-burning fireplace not only enhances the autumnal ambiance of the terrace but also serves a practical structural purpose by supporting the Pavilion’s roof canopy. And that hot tub, you ask? Having experienced hot tubs on practically every continent of the globe, we know how to fine-tune the details. This particular hot tub has just the right amount of roof cover so you can have a soak during light rain without obstructing views of the stars, allowing for uninterrupted cosmic contemplation.
Indoor – Outdoor Transition
We chose the Marvin Modern Multi-Slide Door to create a smooth transition from the indoor living room and kitchen area to the exterior pool terrace. The Modern line lets us recess the door threshold into the concrete slab, eliminating the need to step over a bottom rail. This takes some extra detailing, coordination, and expertise to accomplish while maintaining clean, modern lines. But, hey, that’s what we do here. The perimeter foundation wall and concrete slab must be poured to ‘block out’ the area where the door threshold needs to be recessed. Special care and detailing need to be considered and discussed with the structural engineer to ensure the foundation is designed properly.
Blending Natural and Modern Elements
This project combines two of our favorite elements: charred wood and radiant heated floors. Our exterior cladding choice, Shou Sugi Ban siding, harmonizes beautifully with the natural surroundings. Inside, hydronic radiant tubes embedded in the concrete slab warm the home, along with a free-standing Nova wood-burning stove. These elements come together to create a Michigan retreat space that is both modern and deeply connected to nature.
