Project Description
The design challenge for this landmark 1860s-era Italianate home in
Dexter, Mich., was to provide the clients — a growing young family —
with a significant addition that would respect the historic home.
Specifically, the clients wanted a better entry experience, more
storage, and an attached garage. And, says project architect Michael
Klement, “the owner clearly understood the concept of stewardship and
sensitivity to the home’s historical character. He said he didn’t want
to be known as ‘the guy who screwed up this beautiful old home.’”
The solution, Klement says, “was to provide a ‘hyphen’ — a daily
entry/mud room breezeway connector linking the main house with a new
garage and in-law suite above.
When considering scale, massing,
and proportion, Klement took into account the home’s curbside view.
Detailing in trim, ornament, and form was taken from the existing home
and incorporated into the new addition, creating almost a mirror image.
The judges singled out the garage addition, appreciating how it looks
more like a carriage house than a garage.
“The whole project is
sensitively done,” the judges said. “The massing is good, the
proportions great. It’s very true to the original historic house.”