Visbeen Architects, Inc.

Apr 2014

Inspired by a wide variety of architectural styles, the Yorkdale is truly unique. The hipped roof and nearby decorative corbels recall the best designs of the 1920s, while the mix of straight and curving lines and the stucco and stone add contemporary flavor and visual interest. A cameo window near the large front door adds street appeal. Windows also dominate the rear exterior, which features vast expanses of glass in the form of oversized windows that look out over the large backyard as well as inviting upper and lower screen porches, both of which measure more than 300 square feet. Once inside, this handsome home doesnt disappoint. From the centrally located entryway, the main floor leads to more than 3,600 square feet of living space, with public spaces located on the right and more private areas to the left. The right side of the house includes an open-plan taupe and white kitchen that combines touches of the modern and traditional and dark and light finishes as well as attractive wide-planked floors and a convenient two-level island. Other enviable features include a wet bar perfect for entertaining, a storage-rich walk-in pantry and a convenient nearby home management area. The nearby living room is equally dramatic, with the same light and dark combination featured in the tile-lined fireplace and curved wooden ceiling. Private spaces to the left include a spacious master bedroom suite with a large bath, his and hers walk-in closets, and a cozy sitting room. Additional family-friendly bedrooms are on the 1,200-square-foot upper level, which includes two large bedroom suites, an optional third bedroom bunk area and a casual loft living space. The guest bedroom is located on the 2,600-square-foot lower level, which also houses an exercise room, a family room with a nearby kitchenette, a home office, games area and home theater.

Grand Rapids, MI

Mar 2014

The Georgetown was designed in a traditional sense of a low country home with northeastern qualities to spin the local architectural vocabulary. Some of the more traditional low country elements included are the gracious porches to shade the interior for passive cooling, catering kitchen with a pass through for outdoor dining and two wings to encompass the patio to ensure privacy. The client desired to have a design that incorporated the natural flow of the outdoors into the easy flowing floor plan providing wide appeal to the market while maintaining its own unique design. The neutral color palate selected for this home was intended to gently blend the interiors and exterior with the environment surrounding the home to add to the seamless flow from the indoors, out. The placement of the home presented a challenge to the homes design in order to maintain the desirable site lines and views to the bayou. The focal point was intentionally designed to allow the homeowners and visitors alike to relax upon entering the home. With porches on every side, the “Georgetown” was designed for functional indoor and outdoor living. Opening with a gracious, yet elegant entry, the views expand through to the main level out to the water of the bayou. The main level of the home is characterized by wide-open spaces, with connected kitchen, dining, and living areas, all leading onto the various outdoor patios. The main floor master bedroom occupies one entire wing of the home, along with an additional bedroom suite. Although the home is large, a major effort went into designing the home to make every space special and interesting, including the sitting area under the stairs for an intimate getaway.

Bluffton, SC

Jan 2014

Good things come in small packages, as Tricklebrook proves. This compact yet charming design packs a lot of personality into an efficient plan that is perfect for a tight city or waterfront lot. Inspired by the Craftsman aesthetic and classic All-American bungalow design, the exterior features interesting roof lines with overhangs, stone and shingle accents and abundant windows designed both to let in maximum natural sunlight as well as take full advantage of the lakefront views. The covered front porch leads into a welcoming foyer and the first levels 1,150-square foot floor plan, which is divided into both family and private areas for maximum convenience. Private spaces include a flexible first-floor bedroom or office on the left; family spaces include a living room with fireplace, an open plan kitchen with an unusual oval island and dining area on the right as well as a nearby handy mud room. At night, relax on the 150-square-foot screened porch or patio. Head upstairs and youll find an additional 1,025 square feet of living space, with two bedrooms, both with unusual sloped ceilings, walk-in closets and private baths. The second floor also includes a convenient laundry room and an office/reading area.

Richmond, MI

Jan 2014

The best of both traditional and transitional design meet in this residence distinguished by its rustic yet luxurious feel. Carefully positioned on a site blessed with spacious surrounding acreage, the home was carefully positioned on a tree-filled hilltop and tailored to fit the natural contours of the land. The house sits on the crest of the peak, which allows it to spotlight and enjoy the best vistas of the valley and pond below. Inside, the homes welcoming style continues, featuring a Midwestern take on perennially popular Western style and rooms that were also situated to take full advantage of the site. From the central foyer that leads into a large living room with a fireplace, the home manages to have an open and functional floor plan while still feeling warm and intimate enough for smaller gatherings and family living. The extensive use of wood and timbering throughout brings that sense of the outdoors inside, with an open floor plan, including a kitchen that spans the length of the house and an overall level of craftsmanship and details uncommon in todays architecture. The 2,800-square-foot main level includes a central foyer that leads into a large living room with a fireplace. Nearby is an unusual and sunlit octagonal dining room, a 260-square-foot screened porch as well as a handy home office/home management center. The other side of the home leads to the homes personal spaces, including a large first floor master bedroom with fireplace, a large bath and a private studio perfect for crafts or other creative pursuits. Family spaces are clustered in the 2,300-square-foot lower level, where another octagonal dining area is perfect for games and pizza nights. Also featured is a large exercise area with two bedrooms with bath. The 700-square-foot upper level is home to a mother-in-law suite or apartment, with a sitting area, small kitchen, bath and bedroom. Highlights throughout include exposed rafters, clerestory windows with plays of light, and an extensive use of stone and timber, all chosen wisely to showcase the fine craftsmanship while making the most of the available budget.

Kalamazoo, MI

May 2013

A unique combination of stone, siding, and windows adds plenty of charm to this Craftsman-inspired design. According to the desires of the client, the home was to provide ample space for living and entertaining. This was accomplished through the use of an expansive open kitchen and multiple dining and seating areas on the main level. The extra large three-stall garage includes stairs to the lower level and access to a bonus room. The unique main stair connects multiple levels, including an additional recreation and entertainment area on the lower level. Also located on the bottom floor is the private guest suite, providing even more room for visitors.

Grand Rapids, MI

Jan 2013

This four-story cottage bungalow is designed to perch on a steep shoreline, allowing homeowners to get the most out of their space. The main level of the home accommodates gatherings with easy flow between the living room, dining area, kitchen, and outdoor deck. The midlevel offers a lounge, bedroom suite, and the master bedroom, complete with access to a private deck. The family room, kitchenette, and beach bath on the lower level open to an expansive backyard patio and pool area. At the top of the nest is the loft area, which provides a bunk room and extra guest bedroom suite.

South Haven, MI

Jan 2013

This unique project was one home designed for two families. The goal was to make the space functional for both families while preserving the integrity of the design. The result is a clean yet aggressive design emphasizing comfortable living for parents and kids. Multiple owner suites are situated on the main level with access to gorgeous views and outdoor living spaces. The cottage also offers plenty of bedrooms for the children - on a separate level - along with a variety of areas to gather, relax, and recreate. Key Features: Two-family home, dual master suites, sufficient space for children and parents

Whitehall, MI

Jan 2013

Colonial in style, the Haverhill relies on classic lines and a pleasing symmetrical facade. A welcoming front door with transom windows and sidelights ushers guests inside, where a modern floor plan complements the homes historically inspired past. The main level features an open floor plan, with a central kitchen and dining area, a home office and formal living space with fireplace. A screened porch overlooks the backyard and leads to the spacious garage. Upstairs is a private master suite, two additional bedrooms and a family office. The lower level offers an exercise room, games space, family room and two bonus areas.

Grand Rapids, MI

Jan 2013

Simple and attractive, this functional design goes above and beyond to meet the needs of homeowners. The main level includes all the amenities needed to comfortably entertain. Formal dining and sitting areas are located at the front of the home, while the rest of the floor is more casual. The kitchen and adjoining hearth room lead to the outdoor living space, providing ample space to gather and lounge. Upstairs, the luxurious master bedroom suite is joined by two additional bedrooms, which share an ensuite bathroom. A guest bedroom can be found on the lower level, along with a family room and recreation areas.

Grand Rapids, MI