outside view of a residential home featuring the covered porch entryway

Modern Home in the Woods

locationGrand Rapids, Michigan

completed2016

builder partnerBDR Custom Homes, Inc

interior designerHomeowner

photographerAshley Avila Photography

project overview

Set on a sloping, wooded site, Modern Home in the Woods is a single-family residence designed to balance modern architecture with a warm, livable atmosphere. Collaborating closely with the homeowner, who acted as the interior designer, AMDG created a custom home that reflects the family’s desire for a stylish yet functional space, perfect for both entertaining and everyday family life. The result is a home that seamlessly connects with its natural surroundings, providing a peaceful retreat without compromising on modern design. The layout was crafted to suit the family’s lifestyle, offering a range of spaces for different activities. The main level opens onto a screened room and pool, perfect for hosting guests and family gatherings. Below, the lower-level walkout leads to a patio with a fire pit, creating a cozy, all-season retreat. The children’s bedrooms and a private studio are tucked away on the upper level, maximizing privacy while allowing the two-story living area to capture expansive views. This thoughtful design creates a custom home that feels open, connected, and perfectly in tune with nature.

AMDG’s client-centered design process played a key role in ensuring the homeowners could make informed decisions about where to best allocate their budget. By directing resources toward the most impactful areas, such as the home’s layout and outdoor connections, the team created a sophisticated, family-friendly space. The homeowner, who was deeply involved in selecting interiors, cabinetry, and millwork, worked closely with AMDG to ensure that every detail aligned with her vision for a modern, cohesive home.

Designing to a sloping site surrounded by woods presented challenges – particularly with positioning the home and pool, as well as balancing the relationship between the house and garage. Several design iterations and close collaboration with the builder, BDR, were essential in refining the structure, simplifying exterior materials, and maintaining budget. Together, AMDG and the builder helped the client make strategic, cost-effective decisions, resulting in a modern home design that is both comfortable and highly functional.