2025 MBDA: Exteriors

The inaugural Michigan BLUE Design Awards showcases 90 top honors in waterfront living — from boathouses to landscaping and interiors.
6

OUTDOOR KITCHEN

First Place

Michael J. Dul & Associates
Photo by: James Haefner

This home’s entertainment terrace would be incomplete without the shaded masonry outdoor kitchen. A generous porcelain counter with built-in stainless-steel appliances, a shade structure, and a large dining table round out the space. The shade structure integrates fully operational louvers and an internal gutter system to manage water. Automatic vertical shades can shield the intense southern exposure. Included in the shade structure are dimmable LED recessed lights and a ceiling fan.

Second Place

Concetti
Photo by: Brett Mountain

Third Place

Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Patrick Widing Custom Built Homes
Photo by: Steve Kroodsma


GATE/FENCE/WALL

First Place

Allegretti Architects
Photo by: James Haefner

This dwelling stands among the forested dunes of New Buffalo. With its carefully articulated footprint, it beckons the residents to embrace the tranquility of its greenery-filled surroundings while indulging in the comforts of modern luxury. Situated behind the owner’s main home, the transformation from a simple secondary dwelling into a possible primary place of residence reflects the enduring allure of its dune setting and the magnetic pull of its outdoor amenities.

Second Place

Zaremba and Co.
Photo by: Wayup Media

Third Place

Outdoor Living with Action Water Sports
Photo by: Steve Kroodsma


USE OF STONE/TILE/CONCRETE

First Place

Zaremba and Co.
Photo by: Chris Major

Nestled in the crook of an L-shaped house, a court features a patio that’s ideal for special occasions and everyday use. The bluestone paving is clean and simple, and adds to the understated elegance of the court. A custom fire table of natural stone warms the space, while a crushed stone driveway adds historic charm. From the patio, a natural cleft bluestone stepper path directs the eye toward an enticing destination: the lakeside terrace.

Second Place

Zaremba and Co.
Photo by: Wayup Media

Third Place

Michael J. Dul & Associates
Photo by: Justin Maconochie


SWIMMING POOL/SPA

First Place

dSPACE Studio Architecture
Photo by: Ty Cole

Designed in collaboration with clients who wanted a weekend sanctuary, Horizon House evokes a sensuous lifestyle on the shores of Lake Michigan. A saltwater pool includes an integrated hot tub for recreation and relaxed entertaining, and a sun shelf leads to wide steps that cascade into the pool, creating space to lounge — drink in hand, and toes in the water. The design also includes an Ipe sundeck, private outdoor shower, and outdoor kitchen and dining area.

Second Place

AZD Associates Inc. with Watson Custom Builders
Photo by: Wayup Media

Third Place

DesRosiers Architects with Gillette Brothers Pool & Spa
Photo by: James Haefner


DECK/PATIO/PORCH

First Place

Cottage Company Interiors
Photo by: Beth Singer

Bluestone pavers set the backdrop for the outdoor spaces of this spectacular home, which boasts three patios, a breezeway with a fireplace, a sun deck off the primary suite, a screened porch with a wood-burning fireplace, and a veranda for outside dining. With multiple covered and uncovered areas, and numerous sitting arrangements, there’s a perfect spot to curl up and enjoy a good book, a morning cup of coffee, or even an evening beverage.

Second Place

TR Design Group, LLC
Photo by: Wayup Media

Third Place

AZD Associates Inc. 
Photo by: Wayup Media


OUTDOOR FIREPLACE/FIRE PIT

First Place

Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Gallery Steel
Photo by: Steve Kroodsma

This family wanted to expand their children’s study/sitting area so they could enjoy nature and the beautiful setting. An expansive fireplace, designed with the help of a local metal artist, became the focal point of this third-floor terrace. A monumental yet modern feeling is found in the fireplace, with custom steelwork set in natural stone. To add a personal touch, one of the family’s favorite Bible verses was engraved in the steel.

Second Place

Cottage Company Interiors with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs
Photo by: Beth Singer

Third Place

Angelini & Associates Architects 
Photo by: Jeff Garland


LANDSCAPE DESIGN (FLORAL, HARDSCAPE, BEACH, LAKE ACCESS, ETC.)

First Place

Zaremba and Co.
Photo by: Sally Matak

Clean-cut stepper pathways allow access to all garden spaces, while concrete steps slip between oversized planting beds and traverse the steep transition in grade. At the lowest level, the intimate pool terrace is comfortably nestled between the house and lake. An array of plantings of varying scales ensures that the garden can be enjoyed up close, but also from afar. Natural stone outcroppings echo the textures and character of the surrounding woods.

Second Place

Michael J. Dul & Associates
Photo by: James Haefner

Third Place

Aguafina Gardens International
Photo by: James Wilcox


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