This stark modern home built in the Indiana Dunes is striking in its minimalism.
”The homeowners wanted a simple, contemporary building,” says architect Jerome A. Hyndman of Michigan City, Ind. The cedar structure, which sits on less than an acre, looms above the road that leads to it.
”The reason the building looks so large,” Hyndman says, ”is that the site, which begins to slope at the road, continues to go upward. Three levels are exposed from the road.”
But the interior space doesn`t feel so overpowering. ”It`s a narrow house, only one room deep,” Hyndman says. ”The living area is an open plan. But the bedrooms are not huge.”
Designers Agustin Fernandez and Robert George translated the interiors preferences of the lady of the house. ”It`s no-fuss, no-frill,” Fernandez says. ”It`s very subtle, very chic, quietly elegant, just like her.
”We suggested this be a place of ease, where less is more,” Fernandez says. ”The palette is white and off-white, which gives everything a consistency. The whole place flows. The floors are done in high-gloss bisque Italian ceramic tile. The seating is upholstered in the same silk throughout, just to keep it simple. Everything is down-filled, very comfortable.
”Upstairs there`s wool sisal carpeting. All of the beds are upholstered and fitted with white starched-cotton bed linens. Everything is pristine, suggestive of an atmosphere of ease. This is a relaxing haven with no distractions. The kind of place conducive to reading a book, watching a movie, taking a walk, taking a dip in the pool, putting some veggies on the grill. Simplicity.
”It`s quite inviting. The nice thing about it is that it is very cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
”It`s just what they wanted. A beautiful retreat. They love it.”
RESOURCES
Living area: Floor tile-Mid-America Tile; chairs-Donghia; sofas and ottoman designed by Fernandez & George; upholstery fabric-Jack Lenor Larsen;
ottoman covering-Contemporary Hides; trims-J. Robert Scott; cocktail table-designed by Fernandez & George through Architectural Objects; marble top-Roman Marble; floor lamps-Cedric Hartman; lighting-Lightolier.
