Tucked atop a sloping site, Sodon Lake House takes its name from the dichothermic lake that it overlooks — one of three of this type in Michigan.

Location: Bloomfield Township, Michigan
Area: 5,000 sq ft
Type: Custom Residential, Historic Restoration
Status: Built
Photography: Christopher Payne / ESTO

From the road, the mid-century modern home appears as a modest atomic ranch. When experienced from within, the layout is revealed as a series of intermediate floor levels creating cozy areas for living, dining, napping, and entertaining. The client, a family of four returning to Michigan after 15 years in Southern California, quickly fell in love with this quirky home despite the TLC it required.

With sustainability and a SoCal vibe as the main drivers, the architect and homeowner/interior designer focused on enduring materials across the home’s renovation. Uninsulated brick walls were clad in an exterior insulation system which bolstered thermal performance while a white finish brought the lightness and energy the family desired.

Provided by Herman Miller

Replacing rotted wood siding with a cedar rainscreen provided passive cooling and ventilation while the unstained cedar will allow the home to blend into the wooded site. A standing seam roof was selected for its long lifespan and recyclability.