Enhancing outdoor living is one of the hottest trends in Minnesota residential architecture right now, for good reason. Outdoor spaces enhance the living experience and are an important part of how Minnesotans work and play. Many homes on the 2019 Homes by Architects tour exemplify the best and brightest examples of great outdoor living spaces.
The architects and homeowners of Home 4, “House of Well-Being,” took all of Minnesota’s seasons into consideration when designing this cottage-style home on Lake Minnetonka. In the summer, the owners can entertain on a lower level with expansive windows and doors, and enjoy an outdoor shower for a luxurious lakeside getaway-feel. For the winter months, when outdoor relaxing is limited, a cozy living room hearth was installed. Overhead, the ceiling is covered with custom cedar inspired by sunken timber from Lake Superior to bring the outdoors inside.
Home 11, “1031 Residence,” creates outdoor living opportunities while still succeeding in its goal of integrating seamlessly into its established Highland Park neighborhood. A deck with pergola, upper balcony, and open front porch extend living spaces beyond the boundaries of the house. Detaching the garage and shop shaped outdoor rooms and increased surface area for windows and ventilation, bringing the outdoors inside on days when outdoor living is limited.
Home 2, “Island Summer House,” takes full advantage of its lakeside location, fully embodying the meaning of “outdoor living.” Outdoor spaces such as the carport, auto court, and yard are designed to be used as sports courts; there is also an outdoor bathroom and shower on the property for those utilizing outdoor spaces. The final touch is logs and rocks collected and arranged by the owners’ grandchildren that are used in landscaping, making this a true family lake home.
Tickets to the 12th annual Homes by Architects Tour go on sale August 2. 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.
