Her original mid-century modern structure was conceived in 1951 by Michigan architect Richard Robinson. Her open concept layout and innovative counter seating were among the first in Ann Arbor. And the home’s placement on her half-acre lot — maximizing sun exposure in the winter for warmth and minimizing it in the summer for cooling — was an early consideration for sustainability. A ‘70s addition brought a wall of glass to the entire front of the home and gave The Hills its striking road appeal.
The Hills
So, what do you do with a house that showcases 60-plus windows? You add more windows, of course. Nature provided our inspiration from every view, but in particular drew us to the secluded retreat behind the home. To transform the interior and exterior into interchangeable spaces, we added a vintage greenhouse, featuring a 12-foot glass and metal garage door that allowed for indoor/outdoor gatherings. Natural finishes were also an important consideration in our design.
While our goal was to develop an edgier “modern mid-century modern feel” that so many homeowners desire, we also wanted to preserve several of the home’s authentic characteristics. Lending to the edgy: Horizontal metal railings, black window frames, cement counters combined with a quartz island, oversized commercial appliances and a generous use of glass. Our throwback features: the asymmetrical fireplace, mid-century beams and the re-establishment of the original open concept kitchen.
– Location: Ann Arbor Hills, Ann Arbor, MI
From the start, the home felt grounded in nature. The floor to ceiling windows gave way to towering pines and woodsy paths that surrounded The Hills. Shortly after we closed, we unearthed pavers representing the four seasons in Chinese characters. It was this nod to nature that drove our design.
I had the pleasure of working with Blue Zone Spaces, and I can confidently say that they are one of the best in the business. Their attention to detail, commitment to quality, and exceptional customer service set them apart from the rest. They truly exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy home builder.
- Stacey Customer