Location: Ortonville, Michigan
All cottages don’t have to be far away. And all small houses don’t have to feel small. A car designer and his wife used their passion for design and an old, rundown lake house to create a dream cottage near metro Detroit. After using a popular design program to sketch out ideas, the couple approached Ekocite Architecture. The challenge was maximizing the interior space of an existing 1,000 square-foot home, while also giving it that “up north” feel.
Mixed with Tammis’s experience and ideas, a collaborative design approach resulted in a complete roof-to-floor remodeling project. The entire roof structure was removed and replaced with a raised truss roof system with energy heels. Inside, a new great room was designed for efficient use of space by bringing the kitchen, dining, and living room areas together.
The new designs also allowed for 10-foot ceilings. Across the front of the house, floor-to-ceiling, energy-efficient windows were installed to enjoy the lake view all year long.
Included in the project:
- Large great room combining the living, dining, and kitchen areas.
- Kitchen includes all modern amenities with an island and separate dining area.
- Living room has a working wood fireplace and space for all to relax.
- Floor-to ceiling, energy-efficient windows for year-round lake view.
- Bathroom remodeled for more efficient use of space.
- Roof has oversized soffits and uses a truss system with energy heels.
- Exterior siding is tongue and groove, knotty cedar wood.
- Exterior base uses dry stack stone.
Looking to redo your small house or cottage? Let us know.
