From the Jackson B. Hallett Design Series
PROPERTY NOT FOR SALE
Photo courtesy of Alden B. Dow Home and Studio
Jackson Hallett’s journey to this architectural gem began after earning his architecture degree from the University of Michigan in 1950 and then joined Alden B. Dow’s firm in Midland. It was there, surrounded by creativity and innovation, that Hallett began crafting his own unique home in 1956.
© Photography MIDMODMICHIGAN LLC
The location for the Hallett House was carefully chosen in the Orchard Subdivision, a new development suggested by Alden B. Dow. This area, once part of the Dow family land, was transformed into a hub of architectural significance. Hallett and his wife, Bee, picked a lot with a gentle swell, dotted with apple trees from the old orchard. Rather than clearing the land, Hallett embraced the natural landscape, designing the house to preserve as many trees as possible.
© Photography MIDMODMICHIGAN LLC
Walking up to the house, you’re welcomed by a large, solid wood door framed by windows and custom transoms that follow the slope of the roof. This entry sets the tone for the home's unique design, built on a triangular grid with 60-degree angles instead of the usual 90. This unconventional layout immediately sets the Hallett House apart, creating a sense of flow and openness.
© Photography MIDMODMICHIGAN LLC
Inside, the house is bathed in natural light thanks to south-facing windows in every room. These windows not only offer stunning views of Michigan’s changing seasons but also create a seamless connection between the indoors and the outdoors. The main living area, with its large windows extending into the landscape, feels almost like an extension of the natural surroundings. Hallett’s design includes large overhangs that provide shade in the summer, retain heat in the winter, and allow for natural ventilation year-round.
Photo courtesy of Alden B. Dow Home and Studio
One of the most striking features of the Hallett House is its use of custom bricks made by the Lincoln Brick Company in Grand Rapids. These bricks form the exterior and are beautifully integrated into the interior, particularly in the living and dining areas where a uniquely designed fireplace becomes a focal point. The fireplace, with its specially molded bricks, wraps around a corner and continues into the lower level.
© Photography MIDMODMICHIGAN LLC
The living room is designed with both daily life and entertaining in mind. A custom built-in sofa and storage area make the space versatile, while a hexagonal table designed by Hallett can be flipped to serve as extra seating. In the dining area, a mirrored wall trimmed in Douglas fir reflects the natural beauty outside, ensuring that every meal is accompanied by a view of the street's maple tree canopy.
© Photography MIDMODMICHIGAN LLC
The practical U-shaped kitchen design features a dedicated eating area, which Bee described: "The main thing I got was a place to eat in the kitchen. That took a little bit of doing, though.” A door from the kitchen leads directly to the carport, which Hallett preferred over a traditional garage for its convenience.
© Photography MIDMODMICHIGAN LLC
A long, light-filled hallway with windows for ventilation leads to the bedroom wing. This hallway, lined with built-in cabinets, provided space for Hallett’s model trains. In 1969, Hallett added a pool house to the property, complementing the sixty-foot by fifteen-foot enclosed in-ground pool. This addition featured comfortable lounging areas, a kitchen, a bath, and a steam room. It became a serene retreat for friends and family and the perfect setting for Bee’s beloved “Green Frog Swim School.”
Photo courtesy of Alden B. Dow Home and Studio
Hallett believed that every building should offer an interesting experience, and the Hallett House is a perfect embodiment of this philosophy. His work, which includes over 40 homes and community buildings in his town of Midland, reflects his passion for design and his ability to create spaces that are both beautiful and practical.
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