Located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan near the historic town of Fennville, Morning Glory Retreat is a contemporary lakeside residence that reinterprets the region’s traditional architectural language through a refined, modern lens. Rather than competing with its surroundings, the home is carefully positioned to embrace the landscape, allowing sweeping lake views and natural light to shape the experience of the architecture.
Clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and a restrained material palette create a residence that feels both sophisticated and deeply connected to its coastal setting.
LUXE Magazine
The exterior is clad in TUI thermally modified radiata pine wood cladding, selected for its natural appearance, exceptional durability, and ability to withstand the demanding conditions of the Midwest climate. The dark finish provides a contemporary contrast against the surrounding landscape while allowing the home to settle naturally into its wooded lakeside environment.
Crafted from vertical grain New Zealand plantation timber, the thermal modification offers outstanding dimensional stability, reduced resin content, and long-term exterior performance. Finished with a plant-based coating that combines UV protection and advanced water repellency, the cladding is designed to weather gracefully while requiring minimal maintenance. RESAWN’s proprietary brushing process enhances the natural grain, improving finish penetration and adding depth and texture to the façade.
Seeking a durable, sustainable, and low-maintenance exterior material, the project team collaborated with RESAWN’s Specification Consultant to evaluate a range of thermally modified wood options. Through product samples and technical guidance, TUI was selected for its performance, refined appearance, 25-year warranty, availability, and overall value.
The collaborative specification process helped align the material selection with the project’s architectural vision while supporting an efficient installation and long-term performance.
34-Ten Architecture is an architectural firm based in Chicago, Illinois. It is known for its innovative and sustainable design solutions across various project types, including residential, commercial, institutional, and cultural buildings. The firm focuses on creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, environmentally responsible, and tailored to the needs of its clients.
Rebel House Interior Design is an interior design firm renowned for their collaborative approach and meticulous attention to detail. Specializing in creating personalized and dynamic spaces, they excel at capturing the essence of their clients’ design preferences while infusing their expertise to elevate each project.
