Completed in June 2024, this Lake Leelanau project marked Inhabitect’s first natural shoreline restoration of the year. The property, perched on a steep bluff, presented unique challenges, as the shoreline could only be accessed by stone steps down to the lake. Inhabitect expanded, extended, and installed additional steps to provide a safe and functional pathway, ensuring seamless, year-round access to the shore and dock while enhancing the site’s natural beauty.

The shoreline restoration addressed significant erosion issues, including deep undercuts that destabilized the lakefront bluff. Using natural shoreline and high-energy bioengineering techniques and technologies, we implemented solutions to stabilize the bank, protect the property, and prevent future erosion. Native plants were carefully selected and installed to promote ecological health and integrate with the surrounding environment.

The project also features a custom-built niche within a boulder wall on the side of the bluff, designed to house the owner’s boat box. This thoughtfully integrated storage solution provides convenient access to life preservers and other lake essentials while maintaining the natural aesthetic of the landscape.

In addition to the shoreline work, Inhabitect enhanced the existing landscaping near the house, incorporating native plants to harmonize with the broader restoration effort. This comprehensive approach ensured that the entire property, from the house to the shoreline, reflected a balance of sustainability, function, and aesthetics.