Architectural Tutorial: Carriage House

n. 1. a small building usually near a large residence or part of an estate, used for keeping coaches, carriages, or other vehicles; - also called coach house. It is now (1998) obsolescent and its function has been taken over by the garage, which is usually attached to a residence or main building. Carriage houses are still found on older estates, though not usually used for their original purpose. (www.thefreedictionary.com)

Well, we tend to disagree with the "obsolescent" part of this definition. Yes, garages are far more popular, but there are still those of you out there looking for a beautiful carriage house. Here are a few Visbeen Associates has designed.

Great Lake Story: Chapter Three

Here's the third installment of Michigan Blue Magazine's Great Lake Story which is on newsstands right now. Blue Magazine is chronicling Jim & Susan Buda's experience with Visbeen Associates and Bos Homes and their journey designing and building in South Haven's Boardwalk. In order to easier read the article, please click here.

Pinehurst Residence

Check out our Pinehurst Residence featured in Michigan Home Resource Book this month! For easier reading, it's posted on our website.

Avonlea Residence

Our in-house photographer, Megan, had a chance to shoot the Avonlea residence before the project was completely finished, but I think the photos are good enough to share here! We hope to return after the client moves in (and the grass has grown!) Jeff Segard built this beautiful home in Lansing, MI.

Detroit Home Design Awards

1st Place Best Contemporary Residential Architecture

1st Place Best Traditional Residential Architecture

2nd Place Best Traditional Residential Architecture

2nd Place Best Vacation Home

2nd Place Best Vacation Home

2nd Place Specialty Room

2nd Place Wine Cellar

2nd Place Closet

3rd Place Conservatory/Screen Room/Sunroom

LEED Certification

The Kensington residence is under construction with Insignia Homes up in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. It was designed and is being built to qualify for LEED certification, just as the sign photographed below states. What is LEED certification? LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. Green homes use less energy, water and natural resources, create less waste, and are more durable and comfortable for occupants.

Holland, MI 2nd Place in Well-Being Poll

Last week Holland, MI was ranked 2nd in "a city-by-city look at how Americans feel about their jobs, their health, their lives and their futures" in a USA Today article I've posted the link to below.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-02-15-cities_N.htm?POE=click-refer

We feel blessed to have added to Holland's architectural landscape!