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South Haven Remodel

While the best views of this Lake Michigan marina were from an upper balcony, they were mostly hidden from the rest of the house, blocked by existing roof lines. The final design solution revolved around the idea of essentially “tipping up” the main roof that sloped toward the marina. Structurally this meant constructing a new, shallower roof plane, to allow the installation of windows and doors across the entire second floor living room wall, creating an almost 180-degree panoramic view of the marina and town beyond. Unsafe second and third floor stairways were removed and shallower code-compliant ones were stacked along one wall. A five-foot diameter circular stair was installed between rebuilt first and second floor porches, resulting in a unique two-story screened-in area, easily accessible to and from both floors. All interior third floor supports were removed and replaced by a 30-foot-long steel beam, which had to be threaded through existing exterior walls. New framing, left exposed and painted white, creates an airy, light-filled room which now serves as the backdrop for spectacular views outside.   

Lake Michigan Retreat

A well-used 1950's one-bedroom A-frame house was revived with a new two-story addition placed on the street side, elevated to take advantage of Lake Michigan views over the existing roof line. Garage and a modern master suite fill the addition at the first floor, while two bedrooms, adjoining bath, and a sitting loft finish off the second floor. Cramped kitchen and living areas were expanded toward the lake by removing interior walls and an outdoor porch which jutted into the footprint of the old house. By adding roofed "wings" to either side of the original A-frame, new screened and open porches were created to wrap an elevated ipe wood deck. 

Original exposed pine roof decking and timber beams were saved and augmented by matching ceilings in the added screened and covered porches. An unexpected bonus was discovering that the utilitarian basement could be converted to a walkout level family room and full bath, with access to the lake through new sliding glass doors.  

Jackson Farmhouse Remodel and addition

Current projects in planning and construction phases by AB2 Architecture

Current Projects

South Haven Farmhouse

What began as a partial rebuild of a 100-year-old farmhouse became a major reconstruction after extensive dry rot was discovered, requiring the building to be torn down to its foundation. The home was re-built in much the same character of the original, a less adorned Victorian two-story home with wrap-around porch. Located on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, the new owners wished to make the home a summer gathering place for their extended family. Rooms were rebuilt in largely the same locations as in the original layout, although bathrooms and kitchen were upgraded to today's requirements for size and convenience. Cove lighting was added to main rooms, original interior door and trim designs were replicated throughout, and while the home's center stair was recreated near the front door, its spirit was preserved in the details. Current lake shore regulations allowed for removing just enough grade to create a walkout space beneath a new elevated sunroom off the rebuilt kitchen, allowing for extra living space and convenient access to the lake. 

Prairie Style

A Chicago family desired a fresh start with their southwest Michigan lakefront summer home. The original well-used but tired cottage was replaced by a new structure built in the spirit of the Prairie houses of Oak Park, near downtown Chicago. A central living/dining/kitchen space was flanked by family suites on both ends of the house and a partial second floor housing a third family bedroom/sleeping porch area, giving both grandparents and children's families privacy when needed, while sharing core living and entertainment spaces together.  

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Example of a large classic white two-story wood exterior home design in Grand Rapids with a shingle roof

Mid-sized elegant open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room photo in Grand Rapids with beige walls, no fireplace and no tv

Mid-sized transitional galley brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Grand Rapids with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, beige cabinets, metallic backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and green countertops

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Grand Rapids with recessed-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, quartz countertops, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, an undermount sink, metallic backsplash and green countertops

Family room - large traditional loft-style medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room idea in Grand Rapids with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

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