This project consisted of designing new remodeling and additions to an existing residence on an established large lot in town. Keeping most of the existing structure, the new design created a “Craftsman” style architecture. Keeping the existing old growth oak trees in place was a key concern during the new design. The project programming called for a 4 car garage, so our approach was to design a two car attached and a separate two car “carrage house”, keeping in style w/ the new vernacular and site constraints. This project was 1st Place in “Chicago’s Luxury Home Tour 07”.

This project was developed w/ the eastern seaboard vernacular in mind. As a repeat corporate client of R. R. Browne, Mr. Finch found the creativeness and construction expertice a plus when designing his personal lake home. The project had a very tight (zero lot line) restrictions along w/ height restrictions. Being only 35’ from Lake Michigan shoreline, the building sits on a crawl space. The project has many of the “builtin” features that R. R. Browne incorporates into his designs and construciton. Working closly with the general contractors trim carpenter and cabinet maker, Mr. Browne created the intimate detailing found in most ships. This “seaside” approach to design has given this house the “lake house award” for Michigan for 2002. See Midwest Living, August 2004 for more information.

This project was replacing a small ranch overlooking an 2 acre pond. We designed a country style residence with the R. R. Browne twist of a round arching Great Room to capture the entire pond and a view of the 175 ac. forest preserve beyond. The home boast 5 bedrooms including two master suites, open space Kitchen/ Hearth Room, screen porch w/ fireplace and a private study w/ 14’ tall ceilings. The attached 4 car garage has a future housekeeping suite above with a private entrance. We used Geo-Thermal mechanical systems by placing the “geo-tubing” with in the pond. Energy savings of over 65% were immediately noticed. This home place in the top 2 of the 2008 “Chicago Luxury Home Tour”.

This lake house was conceived over a three year period. As the architects speculative lake residence, many years of camping on the site and developing sketches created what is the finest home on the lake today. With it’s unique roof line and covered exterior deck w/ fireplace the design incorporated a 270 degree view of water. With six bedrooms, two master suites, four fireplaces, the home has been programmed for many visitors. The site was developed to incorporate the many views of the water. The current owners have finished the original design and today call it “The Browne House”.

The owners of this project required special programming for assisted living for a child. They also requested the home be a setting for first class entertainment. The project style was developed from the “seaside” architecture of the east coast. While many components are “shingle” vernacular but R. R. Browne puts his unique touch to the plans and elevations; exterior ‘Grand Porch” facing the lake, covered porches for three master suites, open floor planning for easy entertainment, many sleeping area’s with private baths, lower level amenities for intimate theatre and entertaining and a in-door swimming pool. The “Tower” holds the main level dining for 16 and the upper level is the Owners private studio. This home offers all the amenities for first class entertainment.

The Owners requested this lakeside residence to sleep 24 comfortably. The home was designed for maximum entertainment with three separate areas; Great Room/Kitchen, Theatre & outdoor Lanai. The home boast nine bedrooms each w/ private bathrooms. The restricted lot width provided challenges for the “flow” of the home, so the main entry was brought to the middle of the home via a “landscape” path and the dynamic’s of a “Tower” element to identify “entrance”. R.R. Browne’s take on “Mediterranean” vernacular crossed with some contemporary flair gives this home a special place on the lake.