Sustainable design for a 60’s Ranch

Green design saves money in energy bills.
Southeast Michigan
Built in 1961, this house began as a simple ranch with one long gable roof. Our clients retained us to study improvements in energy efficiency, maintenance and overall appearance.
Shingles needed to be replaced, siding repainted and insulation added to the ceiling. We proposed to combine the regular maintenance
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Writer’s Refuge

Client’s testimonial:
I would wholeheartedly recommend them as the most creative thinkers, designers, planners and executioners of a project–big or small. It is a group that can suggest truly innovative alternatives when money is tight. They are renovation artists who tap into the spirit of the house
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Antique Jewel Box

Orchard Lake, Michigan
On a gentle rise, near the north shoreline of Orchard Lake, sat a dowdy walk-out ranch. Our challenge was to expand the house and bring the elegance of the existing interior to the approach and the site as a whole.
Our clients suggested moving their kitchen into the garage and building a larger garage
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Steppingstone School

A school for gifted children purchased the site of an auto dealership. The building program will accommodate their unique teaching methodology. Teachers and administrators create a cooperative atmosphere where the talents of each student are nurtured in a safe and salubrious environment.

See the floor plan explained here: Steppingstone
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Ravine Retreat

Southfield, Michigan
Jim and Jeanie, have been clients of ours for 20 years. We have remodeled bathrooms, added a master bedroom, decks, windows, and many other improvements. This phase required addressing the size and layout of the kitchen and dining area. Our task, in providing more space, light and air for the kitchen, was to open
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Embraceable View

Like a maze, the old plan was awkward. The beautiful view was blocked by multiple walls, which restricted circulation. The clients desired:
better views
a master bath
walk-in closets
a new kitchen
more natural light
an additional suite of rooms for another family member
Preliminary analysis showed that:
The main path through the house passed through

Tuscan Whimsy – Project

In 2006 the Rouge River Group renovated the kitchen, dining, living, bedroom and office, shortly after our client visited Italy. At the core of the concept was her passion for vibrant colors and her love of the ravine, for which she bought the house.
After the wet spring of 2009, the ravine slumped away from the
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River Respite – Project

Here we sought to make the most of a site sloping gently to the river. We began by opening the landscape and the river basin to long views from all sides of the house. Then we made multiple penetrations, both vertical and horizontal, to bring natural light, breezes and spectacular views
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Urban Suite – Project

Our clients wanted a new master suite with attached jacuzzi and office nearby. The solution included a large walk-in closet and bathroom on a short hall opposite the bedroom, which opens to the back yard. The design features abundant natural light and fresh air to the jacuzzi set in hand made tile and custom hardwood
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Custom Furniture

The Rouge River Group enjoys designing and building custom furniture ranging from cabinetry to tables. Here are some examples of our past pieces:
“Flowing Layers” CD/Book/DVD Storage
Bookcases:
Beds:
Coffee Table:
Custom Shelving:

Autumn Reception at LTU

We invited our clients and colleagues to our autumn reception where we presented a few recent projects.  Here are some photos of the evening.
Related video: Our Clients Discuss Design

Natural Transitions – Project

Mount Kisco, New York
Located in a quite suburb, an hour north of New York City, this home sits comfortably away from the street. A small creek at the bottom of a ravine, 120 feet from the back door, marks the boundary of the Choate Audubon Sanctuary.
Our challenge was that the floor plan had some awkward
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Master Suite Addition Floor Plan

Belleville, Michigan
This is the design for a master suite addition. We turned one of the existing bedrooms into a large walk-in closet which also served as the entrance into the suite. In the southeast corner (top left) we placed the large bathroom with a jetted tub, double sink and large walk-in shower. It is off
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Other Industrial Projects

Oakland Water Treatment Plant
-New Construction Layout
Grand River Printing
-Press Pad Installations Design/Build
-Pre- Press Facilities Design/Build
-Darkrooms Design/Build
-Changing Rooms/Wash Rooms Design/Build
-Plate Rooms Design/Build
-Cyclone Roof enclosure Design/Build
-Truck Dock and Ramp Installation
Construction and Forensic Review
-Kitchen and Dining Facilities Design/Build
-Central Air Installation Design/Build
Great Lakes Color Printers
-Press Room Renovations Design/Build
-Demolition and Press Pad Installation
-Pre-Press Facilities Design/Build
-Plate Room Design/Build

Other Commercial Projects

We have a long history in commercial work. These are some of the project we have been involved with:
Silver Dairy Drive Thru
-Design New Drive Thru Lane
O’Toole’s Restaurant and Bar
-Structural Analysis
-Kitchen and Dining Design
Grand River Printing
-Southfield Offices
-South Reception and Conference
-East Reception and Conference
Great Lakes Color Printers
-Office Renovations
-Reception Area
-Conference Rooms
Fleetwood on Sixth Restaurant
-Kitchen and Dining Renovation
-Office Renovation
Denali
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Other Non-Profit Projects

Temple Emanu-El
-Steam Tunnel Bypass Project
-Classroom renovation
-Print Reproduction and Mail Room
Steppingstone School
-Smart Center Electron Spectrometer Installation
Detroit Public Schools
-Compact System Offices
Motor City Blight Busters
-Elevator Retrofit and New M. Room
Motor City Blight Busters
-Third Floor Ballroom HVAC Design
Detroit Historical Society
-Staff Dining and Kitchenette