Different Residential and Commercial Projects

DFD Architecture has just completed the renovation of the Canine and Feline Grooming Salon in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The owner wanted to create a facility where pet groomers could rent suites to provide grooming services for their customers. The owner can now rent out 7 pet grooming suites to groomers and no longer has to be the employer.  The owner is pleased. Preserving existing buildings helps the planet save much energy and resources and maximizes client dollars.  

This 2.400 SF home is proposed as a Sustainable and Zero Step home.  It is a Sustainable home with a tight, well insulated envelope, and an air source heat pump. It is a Zero-Step home because on the first floor there are no steps, and 3 foot doors and universal accessibility on the first floor.  It has a crows nest that overlooks the area and cedar siding which naturally weathers. It is a state-of-the-art home with traditional appeal and is a sustainable home. 

The Russit House was designed by David Dye as a 4 bedroom home on a large wooded lot overlooking a 20 acre estate north of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The design maximizes orientation of glass south and east for views into the woods and the estate to maximize winter sun exposure.  The first floor is an open plan with the family room, great room, and kitchen all opening into a central area. There is a capability for installation of solar panels to the south to make use of the sun's energy 

The Housing for Tribal Families was designed and built for the Housing Authority of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of the Chippewa Indians. The houses were designed by David Dye, Architect,  and the site layout for Phase 1 of 25 houses was designed by Bill Lohff, Civil Engineer. The  building site overlooks Horseshoe Bay on Lake Huron, near St. Ignace, Michigan. The compact 3 bedroom houses were constructed for families of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe. 

Sustainable homes and buildings are a focus of DFD Architecture, LLC.  David Dye designed this sustainable home near Manistee, Michigan.  It is under construction on a 2-acre lot overlooking Lake Michigan.   The home is well insulated with a south orientation and geothermal heat pump to heat and cool the home.  Solar panels tied into the energy grid will be used to provide power to the home in the future.  It is the next generation of energy efficient homes. 

The Willard House is a 4 bedroom home designed and constructed for Habitat for Humanity of Kent County (HFHKC). It was designed by students in the Sustainable Residential Class taught by David Dye at Grand Rapids Community College(GRCC). It was constructed by students in the Residential Construction Course taught by Duane McIntyre at GRCC. Historically, HFHKC builds homes that are either LEED Silver or Gold Homes which is green architecture.. HFHKC builds zero step houses which means they are barrier free on the first floor.