Considering future physical needs is central to designing homes that allow the homeowners to “age in place.” Many of the homes on the 2019 Homes by Architects Tour showcase the latest trends in age-in-place design, going beyond the basics and ensuring the homes are welcoming to family of all generations without sacrificing good design for today’s living.
A historic renovation in Excelsior’s downtown district, Home 3, “Schoolhouse Block,” breathes new life into a historic property while meeting the needs of three generations. The contextually sensitive remodel of the back elevation is designed to evolve with the homeowner far into the future, using age-in-place elements and design touches for all stages of life.
Similarly, House 8, “El Rancho Residence” in St. Louis Park, took a historic home from 1949 and, through a complete remodel and addition, created an contemporary home for the current owners. The flexible design includes a guest suite that will enable aging in place without interfering with the preservation of the original home or its new, modern design.
House 10, “Edmund Residence,” anticipates aging in place through flexible spaces and simple design, creating space that is readily adaptable for future needs without sacrificing aesthetics. First-floor guest and craft rooms can be easily changed into the office and master suite to address any future mobility challenges.
Anticipating future needs by incorporating guest rooms is a common technique for enhancing a home’s age-in-place potential. Home 11, “1031 Residence,” has a first-floor guest room that fits into the homeowners’ current hospitable lifestyle but anticipates one-level living in the future.
Tickets to the 12th annual Homes by Architects Tour are on sale! Learn more at homesbyarchitects.org.
The 2019 Tour is supported by Marvin Windows & Doors, Elevation Homes, Hagstrom Builder, Landscape Renovations, Stinson Builders, Inc., White Oaks Savanna, Pella Windows & Doors, Belrose Hardwood Floors, Dovetail Renovations, Frost Cabinets, Hage Homes, Hirshfield’s, Lelch Audio/Video, Martin Patrick 3, Otto Painting Design, Orijin Stone, Semihandmade, Showcase Renovations, The Sitting Room, Synergy Products, and Urban Ecosystems, Inc.
