Case Study: A Stunning Landscape Makeover for a Home Nestled Between Water and Wetland

Project Background: A Home Nestled Between Water and Wetland

The site where the home was being constructed was breathtaking, framed by a quiet lake on one side and a protected wetland on the other. The property offered the kind of views most people only dream about, but it also left very little room to work. Every step had to be intentional, every material carefully chosen, and every design element crafted to enhance the natural beauty rather than overwhelm it.

From the beginning, it was clear the clients envisioned a place where they could relax, host family and friends, and feel immersed in the natural serenity around them. They wanted the landscape to feel as though it belonged between the lake and the wetland to create a sense of peaceful continuity rather than a stark separation between the home and its surroundings.

But before any of the design work could begin, the project demanded a deep understanding of environmental regulations, soil conditions, access limitations, and the unique micro-ecosystem that surrounded the site.

Existing Conditions: An Extraordinary Setting With Complex Limitations

Building between a lake and a wetland is both a privilege and a puzzle. On one hand, the location offered unmatched beauty. On the other, the site presented formidable challenges. Access was restricted due to the environmental protections surrounding the wetland, meaning that equipment, materials, and crews could not move freely. The soil, influenced by water on both sides, required thoughtful grading and structural support to ensure long-term stability.

Because of the property’s unique placement, state and county oversight was strict. Every part of the project, from excavation to drainage to hardscape installation, had to be approached with careful attention to environmental impact. This level of oversight is essential for protecting sensitive ecological areas, but it also adds complexity to every decision.

Despite these limitations, the clients remained steady in their vision of a peaceful outdoor sanctuary, and they trusted TruNorth to bring that vision to life while respecting the land that made their property so special.

Overcoming Challenges: How TruNorth Managed a Sensitive and Complex Site

One of the biggest challenges was the location itself. Constructing a home between a lake and a wetland meant that every move had to be approved, documented, and carefully executed. TruNorth worked closely with EGLE and county officials, ensuring that all permits were properly secured and that the landscape design blended naturally into the surrounding wetland environment. This collaboration ensured the project stayed compliant while still allowing the homeowners to enjoy a beautifully integrated outdoor space.

Another challenge was the use of XL paver slabs, which were relatively new in the industry at the time. These oversized slabs offered a clean, modern aesthetic and were ideal for creating smooth, inviting patio spaces, but they required specialized equipment to handle safely. Our team used precision tools and machinery to lift, transport, and place each slab exactly where it needed to be. The result was a series of outdoor living surfaces that were both beautiful and structurally sound.

Midway through the project, a third challenge emerged when the placement of the sewer tank changed. This required the team to rethink parts of the design, particularly the front sidewalk and surrounding planting beds. Our team led the effort to redesign and reconfigure these areas so the final layout could accommodate the new septic system, which was needed to pump grey water out of the wetland area and up to an evaporation field near the road. Rather than letting this change disrupt the project, the team adapted quickly and seamlessly, ensuring the design remained cohesive and functional.

Every one of these challenges required thoughtful problem-solving, open communication, and a willingness to adjust course when needed. In the end, those adaptations made the final design stronger, more functional, and even more in tune with the property’s natural setting.

Standout Features: Thoughtful Details and Beautiful Craftsmanship

While the technical aspects of the project were substantial, the finished landscape is defined by its beauty and inviting warmth. One of the standout features is the Borealis wood storage structures. These pieces provide both function and charm, giving the clients a dedicated space to store wood while maintaining the natural, organic feel of the property. Their aesthetic blends perfectly with the wetland surroundings and enhances the overall atmosphere of the outdoor living space.

Another favorite feature is the fire-pit area. The client purchased a beautiful fire pit, and our team helped integrate it into a dedicated gathering space that feels like the centerpiece of the landscape. Surrounded by thoughtful hardscaping and carefully placed plantings, the fire-pit area offers a peaceful spot to relax, unwind, and take in the incredible views that stretch in both directions. It quickly became their favorite part of the entire project, and it’s easy to see why. It captures everything the clients hoped for in their retirement oasis.

The Final Result: A Peaceful, Harmonious Retirement Retreat

By the end of the project, the transformation was remarkable. What began as a narrow strip of land between a lake and a wetland became a harmonious outdoor retreat that feels fully at home in its environment. The homeowners now enjoy a landscape that enhances their views, respects the ecology around them, and provides the spaces they need to fully embrace life on the water.

The clients shared how pleased they were with the end result, expressing gratitude for the effort, adaptability, and care the TruNorth team put into the process. The fire-pit area, in particular, quickly became a beloved space, offering warmth, comfort, and a perfect vantage point for soaking in the beauty of their retirement home.

Crafting Landscapes That Respect Nature and Elevate Everyday Living

This project is a testament to what thoughtful design, environmental respect, and true craftsmanship can accomplish. At TruNorth, we believe the landscape should be an extension of the home, but also an extension of the environment around it. When those elements come together, the result is something truly special.

For homeowners building or renovating near wetlands, lakes, or other sensitive environments, our design/build team is here to guide the process, navigate the regulations, and create an outdoor space that feels both responsible and extraordinary.

Ready to start designing your dream outdoor space in Grand Traverse County? Fill out our contact form today!