Bay Mills Indian Community Elder Housing Development

The Bay Mills Indian Community collaborated with Bodwé Professional Services Group to design a new eight-unit housing development for tribal elders at Spectacle Lake. The single-family, open-floor homes will be between 900 and 1,000 square feet each and feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms with an attached garage that fosters a sense of community and respect for tribal elders as they enter the next phase in life.

The housing units will be designed with senior citizens in mind. The great room, comprised of the kitchen and living room, will be open and inviting. The two bedrooms will form a separate private wing, with bathrooms back-to-back for an efficient design. All doors will be ADA-compliant, as will the master bedroom and bathroom, which will feature a roll-in shower for wheelchairs.

Our biophilic design approach will incorporate native vegetation planted throughout the site to enhance culture and improve the environment. Site orientation will take advantage of prevailing winter winds, cool summer breezes off the waters of Lake Spectacle, and the directions of seasonal solstices.

The homes will be located close to each other and community resources, providing interaction and socialization opportunities. The homes will be arranged along a central green space, with the living rooms fronting the shared space. A central pathway will lead residents to an outdoor gazebo with a firepit overlooking the lake. Walking paths will be framed by mature, scenic landscapes, native gardens, and a central green reserved to incorporate a structure inspired by traditional Native American longhouses to be used for gathering space.

The design team developed site and architectural plans for the new neighborhood guided by direction from the tribe that stressed minimizing the footprint of physical development to protect valuable natural resources and local landscapes.

The housing units’ design will incorporate energy efficiency and sustainability features. The homes are designed under Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines and will be constructed by tribal members.