Embracing Nature: Ungrodt Residence Custom Farmhouse in Ann Arbor

Nestled into the natural contours of the land in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this 5,400 square foot private residence was designed for Tom and Diane Ungrodt in 1998. The farmhouse-style home features a combination of Meadow Blend Brick veneer and vertically oriented tongue & groove Cedar siding, creating a harmonious blend of traditional and rustic materials. The design embraces the surrounding landscape, integrating the structure seamlessly into its site. Recognized for its distinctive architectural approach, the Ungrodt Home was showcased in the City of Ann Arbor Parade of Homes, highlighting its thoughtful craftsmanship and attention to detail.

  • A vaulted ceiling and large windows define the adjacent family room, creating an open and airy atmosphere that enhances the sense of space. The soaring ceiling draws the eye upward, adding architectural interest, while the expansive windows flood the room with natural light and offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. Together, these features establish a warm and inviting environment ideal for both relaxation and entertaining.

  • The gourmet kitchen counter tops are composed of granite. The cabinets are by Downs View of Cabin Tray, located in Toronto. A Sub–Zero, side–by–side, refrigerator and freezer and a Viking range contribute to gourmet meals and pastries.

  • Large daylight windows at finish grade level, facing the outdoor courtyard, introduce abundant natural daylight into the private guest suite, game area, and exercise room. These carefully positioned openings enhance ventilation, contributing to a fresh and inviting atmosphere throughout the lower level. Within this space, sophisticated amenities such as a golf driving range and a wine cellar elevate the experience, catering to both serious hobbies and casual entertainment. The thoughtful integration of natural light and airflow creates an environment that balances relaxation with refinement, making the lower level a versatile extension of the home.

  • The main level of this private residence is thoughtfully designed to maximize natural daylight and capture breathtaking views of the surrounding wooded landscape. Rooms are strategically positioned to embrace the sun’s path, creating a harmonious living environment that changes beautifully throughout the day.

    Located on the east wing, the breakfast area welcomes the morning sun, gently awakening the senses with soft, natural light. This intentional placement provides a serene start to the day in a space that feels both connected to nature and inviting, perfect for quiet mornings or casual family gatherings.

    As daylight progresses toward the west, the formal dining room becomes immersed in dramatic sunsets. Guests are treated to stunning evening vistas, enriching the dining experience with a warm, natural ambiance that enhances both conversation and celebration.

    By aligning key living spaces with the sun’s trajectory, the home seamlessly integrates comfort, beauty, and a profound connection to its environment, ensuring each moment within the space is illuminated by thoughtful design and nature’s rhythms.

  • Second-floor bedrooms are accessed via a bridge that overlooks the living room below, creating a unique architectural feature while maintaining privacy. The layout strategically positions each bedroom away from high-traffic zones, ensuring a quiet and secluded retreat. Thoughtful placement of walls, doors, and window treatments further enhances privacy, allowing natural light without compromising comfort. This design balances openness with discretion, providing both connectivity and personal space.

  • Working directly with Fingerle Lumber Company in Ann Arbor, the architect modified the three-story hard wood stair from Brazilian Cherry to Poplar wood. Both Brazilian Cherry to Poplar reveal a similar wood grain pattern. The poplar stair and handrails are stained to match the Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, and provided a cost savings of $3,000.

    A curved stair tower extending from the lower level to the upper level achieves vertical circula-tion to each area of the house. Open risers allow natural light to create a soft glow within the stair tower. Climb the stair tower and take the journey to the most private of destinations. A dramatic balcony overlooking the two-story living room below. Symmetrical bedroom suites and magnificent views to the east and west.

  • Beldon’s Meadow Blend brick en-compasses the main level of this home in olive, tan, red and brown seasonal colors. Vertical tongue and groove cedar siding, complementing the subtle earth tones of the brick walls, uniting all remaining elevations of the residence.

  • The integration of earth-tone Meadow Blend brick veneer with vertically oriented Western Red Cedar siding creates a visually striking yet harmonious exterior. The warm, natural hues of the Meadow Blend brick provide a solid, textured base that grounds the design, while the vertical lines of the Western Red Cedar add height and a contemporary feel. This combination balances traditional masonry with modern wood elements, fostering a connection to the natural environment. The cedar's vertical orientation contrasts with the horizontal brick pattern, adding architectural interest and emphasizing clean, linear forms. Together, these materials deliver a durable, low-maintenance façade that complements a range of architectural styles, from rustic to modern.

  • The custom Meadow Blend radius brick masonry by Beldon produces a striking and exterior facade, skillfully designed to frame the architecturally crafted Anderson windows. This masonry detail enriches the exterior with visual depth and warmth, while Grade A cedar siding offers a gentle contrast in texture and color, balancing the brick's robust character with a refined, organic element. Together, these materials create a harmonious and timeless architectural aesthetic, seamlessly blending strength with elegance.

The residence is oriented slightly east of due south to maximize the benefits of the sun’s seasonal trajectory and prevailing summer breezes

The home literally embraces the elements of nature, wrapping itself around an open-air, south-facing courtyard. This design creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, inviting natural light and fresh air deep into the living areas. The courtyard extends to the lower level, transforming what would traditionally be a dark basement into a bright, inviting space flooded with daylight. By dissolving the concept of a closed-off basement, the home achieves a multi-level openness that enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal, fostering a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment.