Nature’s Haven: The Meadow Lane Getaway by Wheeler Kearns Architects

Description text supplied by the architects. A sanctuary to exhale. Meadow Lane constitutes a weekend getaway nestled in a picturesque environment along the banks of Lake Michigan that promotes relaxation, connectivity, and synergy with the nearby scenery. The clients, who are empty-nesters, sought “a refuge from urban life for the family to converge. A place for sunshine. A sanctuary to exhale.” The architectural layout and orientation of the residence exploit the location’s distinctive features on a two-acre wooded bluff that overlooks the lake. To the south, a forest preserve borders the land, leading to sweeping views that blend the azure lake panorama with a lush forest floor.

Three distinct buildings—the primary residence, an entertainment/guest wing, and a separate garage—are strategically positioned to enhance privacy, optimize natural lighting, capture vistas, and design outdoor areas. Aligned perpendicular to the lake, the two living structures are offset to augment the linear arrangement.extent of glass exposure and corner perspectives of the dynamic panorama. The staggered configuration diminishes the overall footprint of the residence upon arrival by concealing the guest wing from the principal house. The walls of the separate garage assist in creating a sheltered garden courtyard at the entrance that is reflective and inward-focused. Adjacent to the garage, a glass corridor links the two living spaces with doors that collapse completely, forming an opening from the courtyard to the vast views beyond.

Natural indigenous materials characterize the architectural palette and are utilized to forge a timeless and lasting bond with nature. A limestone wall envelops the exterior at the ground level of the main house. It flows effortlessly through the residence, beneath the flooring, and out to a pool terrace, establishing a visual and tactile relationship with the surrounding landscape. The ground level of the entertainment wing and garage features dark slatted wood siding that imitates the vertical features of the forest and complements the limestone. The upper story black locust-covered boxes, meant to gray and patina over time, float above a band of clerestory windows that offer daylight and seclusion around the courtyard.

Under the box’s overhang at the entrance, a slatted oak ceiling flows seamlessly from inside to out. Floor-to-ceiling glass openings and mitered glass corners enable sunlight to fill each space, immersing one in nature. The proprietors arrive and breathe out. This is their refuge – their place for rejuvenation.