Silver Lake

Silver Lake

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Overlooking a secluded lake, Silver Lake was designed for a couple originally from Rio, with Brazilian influences shaping an environment where architecture, art, and nature engage in quiet dialogue. The home's front elevation reads as a contemporary cabin and offers little hint of what lies beyond. From this vantage, primary living spaces are concealed—embedded in the hillside with panoramic lake views. Inside, the roofline choreographs a descent into the landscape. Angular geometries and varied ceiling heights alternate compression with release, pairing movement with moments of stillness. The design celebrates Brazilian modernism through saturated color and sculptural form—iconic pieces by Isay Weinfeld and Sergio Rodrigues are set against concrete floors and expansive glazing. Materiality is integral, with finishes chosen for how they evolve. Cedar siding will weather to gray, Cor-Ten louvers will oxidize to burnt orange, and the copper kitchen island will patina through daily use—echoing the passage of time and the ever-changing landscape. A distinctive element is the sculptural entry, which alludes to malocas—structures used by peoples of the Amazon. Translated as “house of the people,” malocas are revered communal spaces with pitched roofs. Interpreted here, this form reflects the clients’ vision: a home rooted in heritage that brings loved ones together.

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Tags

lake house saugatuck michigan modern residence waterfront

Project team

ArchitectdSPACE Studio Architects
PhotographerTy Cole

Overlooking a secluded lake, Silver Lake was designed for a couple originally from Rio, with Brazilian influences shaping an environment where architecture, art, and nature engage in quiet dialogue.

The home's front elevation reads as a contemporary cabin and offers little hint of what lies beyond. From this vantage, primary living spaces are concealed—embedded in the hillside with panoramic lake views.

Inside, the roofline choreographs a descent into the landscape. Angular geometries and varied ceiling heights alternate compression with release, pairing movement with moments of stillness. The design celebrates Brazilian modernism through saturated color and sculptural form—iconic pieces by Isay Weinfeld and Sergio Rodrigues are set against concrete floors and expansive glazing.

Materiality is integral, with finishes chosen for how they evolve. Cedar siding will weather to gray, Cor-Ten louvers will oxidize to burnt orange, and the copper kitchen island will patina through daily use—echoing the passage of time and the ever-changing landscape.

A distinctive element is the sculptural entry, which alludes to malocas—structures used by peoples of the Amazon. Translated as “house of the people,” malocas are revered communal spaces with pitched roofs. Interpreted here, this form reflects the clients’ vision: a home rooted in heritage that brings loved ones together.

Building style: Contemporary

0h 1m

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Awards

2025

Private House (4,000–6,000 sq ft)

Architizer A+Awards

2025

AwardPrivate House (4,000–6,000 sq ft)

OrganizationArchitizer A+Awards

2023

Silver Lake Residence

Good Design Awards

2023

AwardSilver Lake Residence

OrganizationGood Design Awards

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Professional Reviews

1 / 10

“I interviewed four architecture firms and chose dSPACE because I was impressed with their ability to think through a complex project and simplify it. And, most importantly, because dSPACE had passion and were capable. I'm not a typical client because of my background in real-estate and construction -- I was building a team, and it worked extremely well. My project started as a raw space on the top floor of a condominium high-rise that was not designed to be a stand-alone apartment. There were mechanical and structural challenges, but it had some of the best bones in the city and I didn't want to pass that up. There were no financial surprises and that was delightful. I was trying to stick to a relatively modest budget. I know that in this type of project there is really no such thing, but we were able to deliver the project for less than 30% of my neighbor (who had a similar raw space). That difference really did come down to the thoughtful and innovative design that dSPACE delivered.”

Client, Sky Vault