2026 MBDA: Homes

These beautiful projects, ranging from swimming pools and lighting to kitchens and primary suites, caught the eye of the judges in Michigan Blue magazine’s second Design Awards competition
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HISTORIC REMODEL (50 years or older)

First Place – Historic Remodel

First Place

Oak Street Design
Photo by: Johnathan Thrasher

Once a humble, early-20th-century summer cottage, this home was nearly untouched after 100 years. An extensive remodel and addition project was undertaken to restore the essence of its original character and merge historic charm with modern functionality. Architectural cues from the original cottage inform detailing on the two-story addition. These design cues continue inside. Vintage furniture and decorative accents, coupled with stunning lake views from nearly every room, add to the home’s romantic narrative.

Second Place

Forest Inn (a former house)
Photo by: Eric Lanning


ADDITION PROJECT

First Place – Addition Project

First Place

Allegretti Architects
Photo by: James Haefner

This pool house was born out of a necessity for privacy after one of the neighbors removed a significant number of white pine trees south of their property — leaving the client with a severely exposed in-ground pool. The architectural team proposed this pool house along the unprotected fence line, to re-establish the client’s privacy. The project’s simplicity was a result of the mission to build sustainably and in an environmentally conscious manner, while meeting the client’s requests.

Second Place

Oak Street Design
Photo by: Johnathan Thrasher

Third Place

M.J. Whelan Construction
Photo by: Jeff Garland


GUEST HOUSE

First Place – Guest House

First Place

Allegretti Architects
Photo by: Beth Singer

An intentionally articulated footprint draws residents into this guest house to indulge in modern luxury. The design responds to the nearby sand dunes, seamlessly integrating its outdoor amenities to reflect the rhythm of the land. The pool, fire pit, pickleball court, play area, and garden take center stage, inviting residents to embrace outdoor living. Although it’s set slightly away from a direct lake view, the home celebrates the quiet natural setting with landscaped terraces that respect the existing dune formation.

Second Place

Cottage Company Interiors
Photo by: Joseph Tiano

Third Place

CBI Design Professionals
Photo by: Erin Attwood


OVERALL HOME

First Place – Overall Home

First Place

Searl Lamaster Howe Architects
Photo by: Tony Soluri

Corrugated metal hip roofs, cut at offset angles with crisp, minimal eaves, give this home a dynamic, contemporary aesthetic. The central volume features its public spaces,
while the east and west wings offer private suites and guest accommodations. The design incorporates natural materials and textures, maintaining a harmonious connection to nature. Large windows and sliding doors maximize natural light and create a sense of transparency, both inside and out.

Second Place

Mathison | Mathison Architects
Photo by: Geoff Shirley

Third Place

Jonathan Lee Architects
Photo by: James Haefner