Christopher Strom Architects
Design Team: Christopher Strom, AIA; Eric Johnson, AIA; Elizabeth Akkerman, Assoc. AIA
Project Type: New Construction
Location: Grant, MN
Home Sponsors: Redstone Architectural Homes, White Oaks Savanna, Andersen Windows, InUnison
Project Story
Eye-Land: Named for the expansive white oak savanna views, this beautiful 5,200-square foot family home offers seamless indoor/outdoor living with five bedrooms and three baths, and space for two more bedrooms and a bathroom.
The site posed unique design challenges. The home was ultimately nestled into the hillside, instead of placed on top of the hill, so that it didn’t dominate the dramatic landscape. The openness of the savanna exposes all sides of the house to the public, which required creative use of form and materials. The home’s one-and-a-half story form pays tribute to the site’s farming history. The simplicity of the gable roof puts a modern edge on a traditional form, and the exterior color palette is limited to black tones to strike a stunning contrast to the golden savanna.
The main public spaces have oversized south-facing windows and easy access to an outdoor terrace with views overlooking a protected wetland. The connection to the land is further strengthened by strategically placed windows that allow for views from the kitchen to the auto court to see visitors approach and children play. There is a formal living room adjacent to the front entry for entertaining and a separate family room open to the kitchen for immediate family to gather before and after mealtime.
Connect with this architect during a virtual Live Chat on October 5 at 7:00 pm (exclusive to ticket holders), and an Instagram takeover on September 30!
Photo Gallery
Click a thumbnail to see a full-size view. All photos by Spacecrafting.
