At Via Design, every project begins with a deep understanding of both client and site. Valley View, a home perched atop a scenic hill, embodies this philosophy. From the earliest conversations to the final details, its design was guided by the lifestyle and vision of the family who would one day call it home.
“The thought was to have simple, pure forms of the house that relate directly to how the clients live within it. Many of the rooms and spaces reveal themselves architecturally on the exterior.”
One of the hallmarks of Valley View is its deliberate use of materials. Thermally modified wood siding wraps the exterior, bringing natural warmth with the benefit of minimal upkeep. It was chosen not only for its beauty but also for its longevity, promising to weather gracefully without the heavy maintenance often associated with wood. Large-scale mock-ups of stone and wood were placed on-site to allow the clients to see how materials would weather over time, ensuring no surprises after construction.
Inside, finishes were just as deliberate. Limewash paint was used throughout the main living areas and primary spaces, creating a soft, changing texture that enhances the home’s expansive interiors. Stonework was treated with an overgrout technique, fine-tuned with client input to achieve the right color, shade, and texture. Every detail reflects careful consideration, collaboration, and an understanding of how materials will age gracefully over time.
Early in the project, Brian remembers pulling on his boots and walking up the hill early on in the project, feeling the uneven ground and loose rocks beneath his feet as he explored different areas while discussing the ideal placement for the home.
Today, the home is deeply rooted in that setting. Covered terraces and a spa extend the living experience outdoors, framing the horizon and creating seamless connections between interior and landscape. The structure itself is gently sculpted into the hillside, minimizing intrusion while maximizing livability. A walkout lower level accommodates recreation, including a pickleball court and lower-level garage, while integrating cleanly with the natural topography.
Every element of Valley View was shaped to support daily living with comfort and connection. A sitting area off the kitchen serves as a natural gathering place, while expansive windows blur the boundary between indoors and out, filling the home with light and expansive views. Multiple fireplaces bring intimacy and warmth to spaces both large and small.
At Via Design, we strive to create homes that are as functional as they are striking. Each project reflects the personality, routines, and long-term needs of its owners, resulting in spaces that feel uniquely theirs.
Valley View is a clear expression of our client-driven approach. From concept to completion, every step of the process was collaborative and deliberate. By listening carefully and planning with foresight, we helped shape a home that will serve its residents for years to come.
Valley View is more than a house on a hill; it’s a home that could only exist here, shaped by the land, the people who live within it, and the vision they brought to life with us. It stands as a testament to the thoughtful design, careful planning, and collaborative process that define every Via Design project.
Project Type: Residential New Construction
Location: Ada, MI
Architecture: Brian Barkwell and Max Bainbridge
Interior Design: Sara Dupin and Isabelle McIntosh
3D Renderings: Adrianna Keller
Photography: David Daniele and Nate House
Builder: Kenowa Builders
Year of Completion: 2025
Journal Written By: Brittany Poppen