Galien River Retreat is a modern residence completed in 2023 by Wheeler Kearns Architects, located on a bluff in Michigan with views of the Galien River. The project responds to its previously undeveloped site by responding to distinctive topography, tall trees, and the desire for both outward views and privacy. The house was positioned to maximize river views while providing a sense of retreat from the urban environment.
The design features a long, linear plan oriented toward the water, with a large flat roof and deep eaves shielding the house and a screened porch, all arranged for minimal maintenance. A second-story volume with a canted roof projects toward the river, enhancing connections to the landscape. High clerestory windows offer privacy from the street, while extensive glazing and screened areas open the interior to the outdoors. The exposed glulam structure serves as a focal element, visually connecting the home to its wooded surroundings and supporting large expanses of glass between structural columns. The entry sequence, marked by a gravel drive, low garage, and trellis, introduces the house with restraint before revealing the views beyond.
Architect Wheeler Kearns Architects Location Location Michigan · Chicago architects Year 2023 Photography Steve Hall Images 31 Style Modern Materials Concrete , Glass , Steel , Stone , White Oak Features Cantilever , Clerestory Windows , Corner Windows , Courtyard , Covered Patio Site plan of Galien River Retreat indicating building footprint and site features with natural contours and vegetation. First floor plan of Galien River Retreat showing entry, kitchen, living and dining areas, guest bedrooms, and exterior terraces. Second floor architectural plan shows primary bedroom with adjacent bathroom, additional bathroom, and office/exercise room. Site plan of Galien River Retreat highlighting driveway, hedge lawn, fire pit, bluff, and Galien River. First floor plan of the Galien River Retreat with designated entry, living spaces, bedrooms, baths, and exterior patios. Second floor plan of the Galien River Retreat depicting room arrangement and sanitary fixtures layout. Open plan living room with large windows overlooking wooded surroundings. Living room with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and skylight overlooking pool area with pergola. Exterior rear view of the Galien River Retreat featuring a wood pergola and an outdoor pool. Exterior view of the Galien River Retreat showing the house with extensive glazing and a pool with a wooden pergola. Site plan of Galien River Retreat highlighting key landscape features and building layout. Architectural sketch depicting a long, bar-shaped building with a raised bedroom area, pool, and large yard space. Bedroom with large corner windows and a wood headboard bed, showcasing views of surrounding trees. Poolside view of Galien River Retreat showing a modern two-story house with wooden pergola and black siding. Modern retreat with extensive glazing, pergola-covered pool, and outdoor fire pit seating amid natural landscaping. Exterior view of the Galien River Retreat showing two-story structure with clerestory windows and exposed wooden beams under flat roofs. Living room and kitchen area with polished concrete floors and large glass windows overlooking a wooded exterior space. Living room with floor-to-ceiling glazing overlooking a pool and outdoor lounge area with a hanging wicker chair and contemporary furniture. Living room with floor-to-ceiling glazing, exposed wood beams, and a wood-burning fireplace with stacked firewood beside it. Bedroom with large windows and a wooden ceiling beam overlooking trees outside. Living room and office area with floor-to-ceiling corner windows and wood flooring. The Galien River Retreat features flat rooflines and extensive glazing among tall trees in an autumn setting. Exterior view of the Galien River Retreat showing extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing and a flat roof at dusk. Exterior front view of a modern residential building amid autumn trees showing a flat roof and extensive glazing. Modern retreat features floor-to-ceiling glazing with exposed wood beams and outdoor seating area. View of the entrance area featuring a wooden pergola structure, stone tile patio with gravel joints, and a tall glass door with an interior stair visible. Floating wooden stairs with open risers ascend between a white wall and a dark wood paneled wall, illuminated by a round wall sconce. Interior view looking down a wooden staircase with a black handrail on one side and wooden trim on the other, a wall sconce is visible mid-way and a window above the entrance door. Exterior rear view of a modern hillside retreat with extensive glazing and flat roofs among mature trees. Modern two-story building with extensive glazing, exposed wood beams, and flat roof set in natural surroundings. More from Wheeler Kearns Architects Similar homes by other architects 
