With a proposed site within the bluffs of the Mississippi, the proposed property gives amazing views of downtown as well as glimpses of the river valley. Large windows to the North along with rooftop seating aim to take advantage of these views. Topography and setbacks influence a linear approach to the layout, natural material selections, super insulated wall/roof systems, rain gardens & bulk water storage along with other sustainable design approaches aim to not only meet local design requirements and Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) requirements, but to surpass them where it aids in the efficiency and life cycle of the home.
secluded river bluff
S. Minneapolis kitchen remodel
Remodel goals:
-create more openness between kitchen and dining; the wall between dining and kitchen was opened up to allow for more light, more openness and a small peninsula for serving of dining
-create more functional kitchen layout and circulation; original layout was over burdened by circulation to side door, to dining, to stair and to an awkwardly placed refrigerator location. The door direct to stair was closed off, the refrigerator was relocated into main kitchen to create a proper working triangle which then opened up space for a small mud room/coat storage near side door and circulation was reconfigured to allow more cabinets and a circulation route from side door to mud room then kitchen.
-create side door mud room; mud room and utility closet were located off of side door (not pictured) where fridge was awkwardly located previously.
-improve aesthetics; the existing space (2 pictures of existing included above) suffered from poor layout, aging and worn materials as well as some very cheap plastic panels which were chipped, cracked and yellowing as well as suspended transparent ceiling panels used to conceal past plumbing leaks and ceiling damage which also lowered ceiling to below 7’. The space was torn down to the stud, insulated with spray foam insulation, ceilings repaired to their original height of +8’. New cabinets, appliances, and fixtures as well as reconfiguration give the kitchen a much cleaner, brighter, more open and modern feel while maintaining some traditional aspects of home with crown molding and large base. The new sustainable floor tile replaces the sheet vinyl while also being free of VOCs.
-plumbing and electrical improvements; existing plumbing utilized old galvanized supplies and drains which resulted in slow drains and very weak water pressure due to clogged/corroded piping. Electrical was improperly updated (previously) and put all kitchen, kitchen equipment and garage on one 15amp breaker which resulted in constant tripping of breaker. The entire kitchen and bathroom above (which was exposed during kitchen renovation) was rewired and replumbed to meet code - pex supply piping along with copper for main sink resolved the water pressure and pvc drains solved the slow drains. Added breakers with proper AFCI & GFCI integral to breaker (no test buttons needed in space) were added for new layout and garage was separated out to its own breaker which now provides a properly functioning kitchen space as well as bathroom space above and garage.
White Bear Lake addition/remodel
Remodel goals:
-create basement bedroom & open basement living room space up, open main level living up to rest of house and create a more usable 4 season porch to replace 3 season, utilize footprint of bedroom & porch for office off of master suite, improve aesthetic from street and create a private family outdoor space.
Demo; remove existing chimney and 3 season porch to achieve goals
Basement; excavate space for bedroom next to existing basement space, remove existing fire place for more open and usable basement family room
Main level; remove existing fireplace to allow for more open layout between entry, stair landing and kitchen. Remove existing 3 season porch so that a 4 season porch could go in its place with an improved visual connection between living and porch as well as a 2 sided gas fireplace connecting the two spaces, while improving the visibility to White Bear Lake.
Second level; remove existing fireplace up through roof, add on top of new 4 season porch footprint to create added square footage for a office off of the master bedroom with views of White Bear Lake
Exterior; in addition to maintaining a lake cottage aesthetic, we added a deck along the unutilized length of the house and off of the new 4 season porch for a private hot tub area consisting of a 4 post cedar pergola w/ lattice and future climbing vine screening framing the hot tub
*work performed while with previous design firm; Rust Architects
concept model
Design concept;
-open kitchen dining w/ central see thru fireplace but desire for some separation from living
-2 story living space w/ fireplace as focus
-large views to yard w/ ample natural light
-master bedroom interior glazing opens to living and shares natural light
concept model
Design concept;
-large openings between living and exterior, utilizing garage or exterior screening/site walls to enclose exterior space as part of larger living space
-cozy living room w/ fireplace/bookcase opposite exterior view/space
-aging in place in mind, universal design utilization, accessible entries, main level bedrooms & bathrooms, generous space at kitchen equipment, removable cabinet fronts for roll under approaches (future), accessible and fully backed showers for future grab bars and space at bathroom and kitchen fixtures as well as all doors for movement, approach and operation.