Modern Lake Michigan Custom Home in Door County Area | Architect + Builder Collaboration

Following a special family celebration at his childhood home in the Green Bay area, architect Bill Costello was inspired to create a standout lake property that could host future family gatherings—and also serve as a special rental property for others to enjoy.

“I reconnected with family members who I hadn’t seen in years—out of that came a really strong desire to find a place that fostered more of those experiences,” said Costello, CEO of Streeter Custom Builders in Minneapolis. “Building this property also extended an opportunity for other families to gather, and that meant a lot to us.”

Costello found the perfect setting along the Lake Michigan shoreline in picturesque southern Door County. As an architect and custom home builder himself, it was important that he find the right partner to help him realize his vision—and to trust that it would be carried through with the same level of care and intention.

After connecting with Andy and Nicole Selner and the team from Alair Homes, Costello found that alignment.

“The more I got to know Andy, my stress went away pretty quickly,” Costello said. “He was enthusiastic about pulling off this modern design—there was a great collaboration with the Alair team.”

Working from Minneapolis, that trust mattered. With a shared understanding of the building process, communication could stay focused and efficient—grounded not just in what decisions were being made, but why they mattered to the overall vision.

The Exterior

Costello envisioned a modern design that would still feel rooted in its surroundings, incorporating locally sourced materials including ceiling beams and limestone for the large fireplace and chimney.

“It was important to us to make features specific to the area and reflect the materiality of that place,” he said. “We were able to do that.”

One of the reasons Costello chose Alair was their willingness to lean into that vision.

“They had no fear of doing a flat roof house,” he said. “With Alair, I wasn’t limited—I could design this home and they were going to execute it.”

Alair was “just as excited as Bill about bringing in these different elements and having the house not be a typical style home,” Nicole Selner said.

Entryway, Main Room and Kitchen

From the moment you arrive, the home is designed to draw you toward the lake. Large windows at both the front and back create a “see-through” effect, pulling the view through the home.

“We’ve heard great comments from friends and family that they love that—it’s that view that’s drawing you in,” Costello said.

A wide, airy entry—brightened by a skylight—creates a natural pathway to the water and sets the tone for the experience inside.

“It’s all about the lake,” he said.

Inside, the main living space was designed with flexibility in mind. Furniture can be rearranged to accommodate large gatherings while still maintaining a sense of intimacy.

“We wanted the ability of the space to flex as people wanted to use it, but still have it feel intimate—not too open,” Costello said.

The home is modern in design, but the natural materials throughout—including reclaimed barn wood accents—bring warmth and familiarity, reflecting the character of Wisconsin’s Northwoods.

Interior designer Tiffany Thompson of Portland, Oregon created a contrast between light ceilings and darker floors and cabinetry, mirroring the natural contrast of woods, water, and sky.

Details That Matter

With Costello also being a custom builder, there was a shared understanding of how details come together—and why they matter.

A friend fabricated the black steel fireplace surround. A light fixture that had sat in Costello’s office for years found its place in the kitchen. Angled ceiling boards were reclaimed from a previous project.

“It was all beautiful, clear cedar—and why not?” Costello said. “I was excited that Andy’s team was willing to work with that.”

“I like to think about reclaimed wood as an art form,” said Andy. “Each piece is unique and adds a new layer of dimension. But before you start, you have to have a clear vision of what you’re trying to achieve.”

That shared clarity allowed decisions to move efficiently, even when materials were unconventional or one-of-a-kind.

“Bill had a strong vision for the look and feel of the kitchen and dining area,” Andy said. “He wanted a space people would naturally gravitate toward and connect in.”

With zoning restrictions limiting the size of the home, that intentionality became even more important.

“It really forced us to get creative,” Costello said.

One result was a custom dining table—designed and sourced specifically for the space, becoming a central gathering point within the home.

“I can’t say enough about Alair and Adam as the carpenter,” Costello said. “He did all that work himself—literally, one guy.”

Bedroom and Bath Spaces

The thoughtful use of materials and attention to detail continues throughout the home.

A bunk room welcomes kids and extended family, while additional bedrooms offer quiet retreats with expansive windows that draw in the surrounding landscape.

In the primary bedroom, a natural wood accent wall introduces warmth and texture.

“It almost literally embraces you,” Costello said. “It makes the room feel cozier, even with all that glass.”

Lighting fixtures from Hennepin Made of Minneapolis, along with carefully selected finishes, carry a consistent design language throughout the home.

In the “lake bath,” a custom sink incorporating marble from Turkey adds an unexpected, elevated element.

“It’s not your usual ‘cabin’ bathroom,” Costello said. “It feels high-end.”

Outside

Outdoor spaces extend the experience of the home.

A sunroom, patio, and 40-foot deck create multiple areas for gathering, all centered around the lake. A salvaged piece of slate—integrated into an exterior wall—invites guests to leave messages and artwork over time.

“That’s why I loved working with Andy,” Costello said. “He understood the vision and had passion around it—and then they executed flawlessly.”

Access to the lake is built naturally into the site, with steps integrated into the existing rock formation, allowing for easy access to the water.

“It was a dream of mine to have all of our kids and nieces and nephews there just enjoying the property,” Costello said. “We were able to do that this past August—I’ll cherish it forever.”