Nestled into the wooded dunes north of Leland, MI, and on the shores of Lake Michigan, this project involved integrating a uniquely designed green roof into an addition to a mid-century beach cottage designed by Roger Hummel, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright.
The green roof cascades seamlessly into the dune landscape, complementing the natural surroundings and native vegetation while meeting stringent environmental permitting requirements.
The green roof was designed to attract specific pollinators, provide year-round color, and support the surrounding ecosystem. Native dune species were planted on both the rooftop and the sloped terrain where the garage was built into the dune, creating a cohesive blend of architecture and environment. This approach ensures long-term sustainability and low-impact maintenance.
The project showcases Inhabitect’s ability to work in sensitive, highly regulated environmental areas, combining ecological integrity with architectural excellence. Inhabitect maintains a close relationship with the homeowners through an ongoing maintenance agreement, ensuring the green roof and surrounding landscape continue to thrive.
Inhabitect is a full-service firm dedicated to designing, building, and growing all forms of living architecture. Based in Traverse City, Michigan — and consulting throughout North America — we create green roofs, natural shorelines, and other stormwater management and eco-minded landscape solutions for clients across the state. We’re bringing a new meaning to ‘GREEN.’
