In the serene landscape of Detroit, Michigan, the Sodon Lake House, a midcentury modern gem, stood untouched for nearly four years until Martine Ilana and her family decided to breathe life back into its dormant spaces. Designed by Iannuzzi Studio in collaboration with Temescal Creative, this 5,300-square-foot sanctuary embodies a harmonious blend of California-inspired aesthetics and sustainable design, reflecting the family's desire to recreate the light and energy of their former Venice Beach abode.
Discovering a Hidden Gem
Upon relocating to Detroit after a decade in southern California, Martine Ilana and her family stumbled upon the Sodon Lake House, nestled among trees, with a 150-year-old willow gracing its surroundings. Recognizing its potential as a true sanctuary, the Ilana family embarked on a journey to revive the midcentury modern residence, situated on a steeply sloping site overlooking Dichotheric Lake, one of Michigan's three known natural lakes of this type.
From the exterior, the Sodon Lake House appears as a modest atomic ranch. However, within its walls unfolds a quirky layout, revealing a series of intermediate floor levels that create cozy areas for various activities. The Ilana family fell in love with the interior, which offers expansive panoramas of the lake and intimate framed views of the site and home. They embraced a substantial challenge: completing the entire project, from planning and design to permitting and construction, within a tight 12-month timeframe.
To achieve the desired lightness and energy reminiscent of Venice Beach, Iannuzzi Studio, chosen for its design sensibility and environmental stewardship, collaborated with Temescal Creative. The design teams focused on maintaining the original 1950s structure while updating finishes and enhancing the home's footprint within the landscape. A California-inspired color palette set the tone, and using healthy and durable materials from Martine's sustainable design firm became central to the renovation.
The exterior received a transformative touch, with the team covering the 1950s-era reddish-brown brick with an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) for enhanced insulation. Replacing decayed wood siding with a custom rain screen of unfinished cedar served a dual purpose, providing passive cooling and ventilation while blending seamlessly into the wooded surroundings. A standing seam metal roof was chosen for its durability and recyclability, addressing water damage concerns. An eye-catching mural of blue and cream-colored geometric tiles completed the exterior transformation.
The interior underwent thoughtful remodeling and renovation, prioritizing efficient circulation and access to daylight. Brightly colored surfaces, low-maintenance materials, and no-VOC finishes create a healthy and uplifting environment. Exposed, ground, and polished structural slab-on-grade eliminated unnecessary material finishes, aligning with the project's sustainable ethos.
A Transformed Haven
Completed in 2022, the Sodon Lake House is a testament to successful restoration and transformation. Artistic, chic, and uniquely warm, it now is an abode for a family that embraces essential living. Iannuzzi Studio and Temescal Creative have revitalized a midcentury marvel and created a harmonious retreat that resonates with its natural surroundings and the family's Californian roots.
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