THE FIELD HOUSE
Perched atop a hill with expansive views of the surrounding landscape, this forever home for empty nesters is conceived as both a retreat and a gathering place—designed to hold space for connection, celebration, and the rhythms of everyday life.
The architecture presents a strong, grounded presence, wrapped on all sides in vertical Accoya paneling that reinforces the home’s relationship to its environment. From the outset, the design challenge was to thoughtfully reconcile two distinct sensibilities: the wife’s deep appreciation for the Arizona landscape—its warmth, color, and the cultural richness of Southwestern art and horseback riding—with the husband’s affinity for the clean, intentional simplicity of modern design, shaped by years immersed in the world of Herman Miller.
The result is a balanced composition—a modern shell defined by clean lines and crisp architectural detailing, softened through materiality and texture. Plaster elements, including the range hood and fireplace, introduce a sculptural quality, while handmade tiles and natural stone ground the interiors in authenticity and tactile depth. Warm wood ceilings and cabinetry further echo the tones of the surrounding landscape, creating a cohesive and immersive experience.
Equally influential was the home’s positioning on the site. Designed to maximize southern exposure, careful consideration was given to how natural light moves through the home—shaping not only the interiors, but the experience of living within them. Light washes across surfaces throughout the day, reinforcing a sense of calm, warmth, and connection to the outdoors.
At the heart of the home is a seamless indoor-outdoor relationship. The kitchen, dining, and living spaces open effortlessly to the rear patio—an extension of the home envisioned as an “entertainment playground.” Designed to accommodate family members of all ages, this outdoor environment offers layered moments for gathering: a comfortable lounge and dining area, a fire circle, sun-drenched lounging spaces, and more intimate corners for quiet conversation.
This home is ultimately about balance—between modern restraint and organic warmth, between individual expression and shared experience, and between the built environment and the landscape it inhabits.
PROJECT INFORMATION
LOCATION / Byron Center, Michigan
SCOPE / Residential New Build
COLLABORATIONS / Build by BDR & Architecture by Bob Weaver of Imagitects
CLIENT REFLECTION
When we first met Averie Harris, we could not have anticipated the depth and richness of the contribution she would make to our new home. Throughout the project, Averie brought exceptional technical skill to every aspect of the work—from architecture and spatial design to the selection of materials, fabrics, fixtures, and furnishings, and the thoughtful integration of all these elements into a cohesive whole.
What drew us to Averie from the beginning, however, and what deepened our trust in her as the project unfolded, was her remarkable ability to listen. She listened with genuine curiosity and a sincere desire to understand our vision for our home. In our view, this is Averie’s greatest gift: it is what enabled her to apply her considerable design talent in a way that felt personal, intentional, and deeply aligned with us and our vision.
We came to the project with a very clear vision for the home we wanted to build. We had thought carefully about how the house would sit on the site, how it would relate to the path of the sun, how each space would function, and how we hoped to live in the home every day. From the outset, Averie made us feel confident that she was committed to realizing our vision—not imposing a signature style of her own. That made all the difference.
Averie helped us in three especially important ways. First, she brought each space to life with a clear understanding of how we wanted to live in it. From the flow between the great room, covered patio, outdoor patio, and fire circle, to the intimacy and functionality of Gary’s office, to the protected comfort of the built-in bench by the fireplace, she designed spaces that are not just beautiful, but truly meant to be lived in.
Second, Averie masterfully integrated treasured pieces from our family’s life into a clean, modern aesthetic. Furniture, artwork, and objects that had been in the family for generations were given meaningful places in the home. Just as importantly, she helped us discern which items truly belonged and which did not. Because of her skill, the house tells our story. Everywhere we look, we see pieces of our history woven naturally and beautifully into the design.
Third, Averie created an overall aesthetic that is both stunning and harmonious. Her guidance in choosing colors, textures, fabrics, fixtures, and furnishings was extraordinary. There is beauty everywhere in our house, and it all feels coherent and intentional. We especially love the lighting choices—guests comment on them constantly.
Our journey with Averie is not yet complete. Even now, as we continue settling into the house, she remains a trusted partner in helping us select and even commission artwork to make each space feel exactly right. Working with Averie has been a joy. She combines creativity, discipline, sensitivity, and deep listening in a rare way, and the result is a home that is not only beautiful, but truly ours.
~ Gary and Cary Van Spronsen