In Michigan, where over 60,000 lakes shape the landscape, shoreline erosion and soil retention issues are common challenges. Paul and Tricia approached us with a deteriorating lakefront seawall and a worn-out patio area in need of a complete transformation. Their existing seawall, constructed from pressure-treated timber, was failing, and their shoreline featured a three-foot elevation change from the lake floor to the top of the grade.
To provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution, we proposed using natural stone—specifically, New York Bluestone heavy quarry wall—for the seawall. The design incorporated two lower courses of stone, ensuring structural integrity while optimizing costs by using natural quarry wall below the waterline. Given that only the top 12 inches of stone would be visible during the summer months, we selected 12-inch-thick thermal top bluestone with a rock-faced finish for the final course and cap, enhancing both durability and visual appeal.
Understanding the Snyders’ desire for easier lake access, we integrated heavy quarry wall natural cleft steps into the seawall, allowing for a seamless and safe transition into the water.
For the patio, we opted against using New York Bluestone in a masonry application due to fluctuating water levels. Instead, we installed Beacon Hill natural face brick pavers with a contrasting charcoal Umbrio border from Unilock. To further enhance the space, we incorporated sitting walls and a fire pit area, constructed from Brussels Dimensional Wall by Unilock, and topped with 2-inch rock-faced, natural cleft full-color New York Bluestone caps for a refined finish.
We live on a lakefront so the appearance of our property at the water’s edge is very important to us. When we decided to improve that space, we contacted The Naturalist to replace our seawall and design and construct our patio. The owner, Mike Socha sat with us though several meetings to discuss our options and offer some very creative design ideas. He was also on the site every day supervising his crew and taking a hand to assure top quality in each phase of the job. We are beyond happy with the result. He and his team created a space that is enjoyed many times over the summer months as we entertain or just relax by a fire and watch the sunset.
We were so impressed with the work we asked that he redesign and install a new fireplace wall and mantle. The result was spectacular. The wall both stands out as a feature on its own merit while still blending wonderfully with the overall tone of our living space.