The Uncommon Ranch is a project designed by design with FRANK, a Sustainable Farm Dwelling built in 7 days!. For many, COVID-19 served as a catalyst to reconsider our relationships with our homes. Michelle and Christian took a bold step, transitioning from Chicago’s urban life to Grayling, Michigan’s forest dunes. Christian inherited property there, and over the years, the couple expanded their holdings by an impressive 200 acres?their vision: The Uncommon Ranch. Photography by Chloe Fan, Gabriel Munnich.

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During the initial phases of bringing The Uncommon Ranch to life, Michelle and Christian approached us, “Design with FRANK”, in late 2021. Michelle dreamt of The Uncommon Ranch as a sanctuary for lavender farming, inviting travelers and becoming a central hub for crafting lavender oils and products. Beyond a serene relaxation spot, the Ranch would serve as a micro-organic farm catering to local eateries. Michelle had a grand blueprint for the entire property, and our role was to craft designs for two vacation homes that mark the architectural pieces of the land. The site is in Roscommon, a quaint town in the heart of Michigan, flanked by expansive forests and a nearby state park. From an aerial view, the vast stretches of trees resemble green oceans, with houses appearing as islands amid the dense woods. The town has a rich history of log home construction but was experiencing a labor shortage at t...