CITATION OF MERIT
DISTINGUISHED BUILDING
Covert, Michigan
| Architect: | Ullman & Fill Architects Ltd. |
| Client/Owner: | name withheld |
| General Contractor: | Harold Herbstreit |
| Consultants: | Beer Gorski & Graff Ltd. |
| Photographer: | Korab/Hedrich Blessing, Gary Quesada |
Ancient dunes form the 'U' shaped valley that surrounds this tranquil family retreat. The house was artfully arranged to slip between existing trees, and offers a variety of views from this secluded site that opens onto Lake Michigan.
The house is composed of several volumes that form a peaceful semi-enclosed courtyard and separate the various functions of this residence. The large pavilion contains the entry, kitchen, living and dining areas and forms the west wall of the courtyard. A 1-1/2 story volume contains the sleeping quarters, forming the south wall of the courtyard. The two-story structure in the northwest corner provides access to the beach and houses spa facilities on the ground floor with a master bedroom suite above. The one story structure farthest north is an exercise pavilion. This ensemble considers its site not as a slice of topography, but as the meeting place of lake and beach, forest and dune, wind and light.
