This single-family residence in Bloomfield, Michigan, known as the Treehaus, embodies the iconic style of midcentury modernism. Thanks to a thoughtful renovation, this rare dwelling has been restored to its original state of refined elegance.

$35,000 Kitchen Cabinets & Appliances	$6,000 Quartz Countertops	$40,000 Roof
$50,000 Windows	$25,000 Bedroom Addition	$15,000 Bathrooms
$9,000 Floors	$14,000 Doors	$5,000 Plumbing
$8,000 Painting & Trim	$10,000 Plaster Work	$8,000 HVAC
$4,000 Utilities Relocation	$8,000 Electrical	$20,000 Decks
$3,000 Demolition & Disposal	$19,000 Architectural, Survey, & Planning Fees	$20,000 Construction Admin & General Conditions Fees
Grand Total: $299,000

Owner Shane Pliska, president of interior landscaping company Planterra, stumbled upon this home in 2012 when it was headed for demolition. Although it was appraised at $0, Pliska appreciated the natural beauty of the site and the simple, modern architecture the home represented. For the next few years, he strove to carefully restore the home to its modern roots.

With process began with a mystery as Pliska sought to uncover the original architect of the residence. Iconic, midcentury modern massing led many to believe it was the work of the great Mies Van Der Rohe. Through exploration, Pliska discovered it was the work of Edwin William de Cossy, a creator of “Sarasota Modern” architecture and one of famed architect Paul Rudolf’s collaborators.

Pliska traveled to meet the almost 90-year-old architect to learn about the history of this home and the architectural culture of the 1950s. With detailed information from the original architect himself, Pliska and Ron and Roman, LLC were able to reinstate the true magnificence of the dwelling.

Constructed in 1956, the dwelling sits on a wooded bluff looking onto a private, five-acre site. Cantilevered on all four sides, the simple massing appears to float in the forest, within the trees. The all-glass structure creates connections with nature, inside and out. “Living here, I've become more in touch with nature than ever before,” says Pliska. “I gained new awareness of the light of the seasons.”

Shop the Look

The 2,000-square-foot residence embodies simplicity and comfort. Through the restoration, Pliska helped remove features that were added over the years, revealing the original character of the home.

A simple material palette of steel-framed windows and redwood with cedar trim is a beautiful combination of natural and industrial. Flooring includes much of the original oak wood, with few replacements that blend in well. The exposed block is original, while cedar that was painted has been stripped to show off its original beauty. And the main focal point, floor-to-ceiling windows, creates inviting places to soak up nature's beauty.

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Edwin William de Cossy

Renovation Architect: Ron and Roman, LLC

Structural Engineer: Ron and Roman, LLC

Landscape Design Company: Planterra

Lighting Design Company: Ron and Roman, LLC

Interior Design Company: Ron and Roman, LLC

Cabinetry Design / Installation: Scavolini

Appears In

Budget Breakdown: A Midcentury Glass House Is Revitalized for $299K