Camp Madron, a residential development in Buchanan, Michigan, caught the eye of a Chicago-based family looking to design a true second home where they’d spend half of their time.
Photographer
Scott Norsworthy
Builder
AVB, Inc.
They reached out to MMA with the primary goal of being connected to nature, a direct contrast to their urban-focused Chicago lifestyle.
With Camp Madron being a natural fit, they chose a site that includes a seasonal stream, which drove some aspects of the design. The long, linear south-facing orientation is positioned in harmony with the landscape and stream, while also allowing for maximum passive solar gain.
The exterior incorporates a metal roof and metal siding, chosen for durability and longevity. The interior features warm woods such as cedar and oak, and these materials intermingle at the building boundary. The interior layout includes a social space that serves as the connection between two columns of more private space. The west side of the home is comprised of the primary bedroom, a guest bedroom, and offices. The east side provides spaces for guests who visit for extended periods of time. The two private zones on opposite ends further amplify the central core of space, allowing residents on both sides to come together and socialize after work is done.
The central open space is also a vital component to the entry experience of the home. When the owners and their guests approach the home, they can see directly through to the other side, increasing a transparent and direct connection to nature.
Modern Luxury Interiors Chicago
Into the Woods
