Gallery

Atop a sandy, beachfront dune overlooking Lake Michigan is a stunning new residence created to celebrate wellness and outdoor living. Architect Kevin Toukoumidis of dSPACE Studio designed the contemporary property to reflect the beauty of its surroundings while serving as a four-season wonderland. 

Natural colors and materials are repeated throughout the interior and exterior of the home and reflect the laid-back style of beach towns. Taking full advantage of its coastal location, the home has moveable panoramic window walls that provide unmatched views of the beachfront and dramatically connect guests to the environment. It is designed for gatherings large and small with multiple entertaining areas and expansive outdoor spaces which are layered to match the contours of the topography. The outdoor living areas feature a lap pool, a dining deck at the crest of the dune for sunset dinners, and a lounge with a fire table overlooking the lake for stargazing. 

At the heart of the entertaining and cooking space is the Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet kitchen. Toukoumidis describes it as “a hub for entertaining and enjoying time outside. It’s not only a cooking space—it’s a gathering place.” He adds that “the layout encourages interaction. While I grill, my partner can prepare sides or cocktails, making it a social experience. Friends gather around and often help cook, which adds to the enjoyment.” This elevates the outdoor entertaining experience, “making it memorable and fun.” For Toukoumidis, integrating Kalamazoo into the overall vision meant that the space would be the perfect culmination of performance, durability and a beautiful aesthetic. “As a contemporary architect, I appreciate how Kalamazoo integrates into modern designs. Their clean lines and functional aesthetic align perfectly with contemporary architectural principles, promoting a cohesive transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.” 

A K750HB Hybrid Fire Grill is the centerpiece of the space and provides the versatility needed for everything from casual barbecues to elaborate dinner parties. The adjacent prep area is outfitted with Kalamazoo's weather-tight Signature Series Cabinetry and Refrigeration, which ensures stored items remain clean and dry in the rugged lakeside climate. “The convenience of having a grill, prep area, and refrigerator all in one place encourages interaction, which adds to the enjoyment” and reduces the number of trips indoors. The layout of the space was designed to foster connection, turning every meal into a shared experience.

Kalamazoo’s ability to enhance both the design and the experience of this modern beachfront getaway is what makes it the centerpiece of the outdoor retreat. It’s not just a kitchen—it’s where memories are made.