House
Makeover

A modern contemporary house in Minneapolis Linden Hills neighborhood built in the 1970's was remodeled once in the late 80’s. The house was purchased by a family with very specific requirements in order to make it adapt to their needs. The house located on a corner lot just a few steps away from Lake "Bde Maka Ska" (Lake Calhoun), presented the new homeowners with a number of potential and challenges.

While large floor to ceiling windows and skylights provided for stunning natural light, the galley kitchen with its limited area was not nearly functional enough for this family who regularly entertained large number of guests. Isolated from the rest of the home this kitchen also lacked the openness and connection typically demanded for today’s lifestyle. Another concern was that the home lacked a mudroom, an important transitional space between the indoor and outdoor for our Minnesota climate. To add to the list of all the challenges, the house also lacked a legitimate master suite.

Initially the homeowner’s idea was to expand the home by an addition to the front of the house to address some of these issues. However upon further study of the design options and related costs, it became apparent that it was way above their targeted budget goals. Not to be discouraged and to stay true to their budget, the architect focus was shifted to how the spaces within the existing building envelope can more efficiently be utilized by reconfiguring the arrangement of some these spaces.

The existing three season porch with its dramatic ceiling design and clerestory windows provided an intriguing opportunity for such possibility. Although the porch was not considered a livable space because of no heat, or insulation, it was determined the space has a great potential location for the new kitchen. Removing the large sliding glass doors between the dining room and the porch provided an easy access to the space, opening up the new kitchen to the main floor living area. This created an easy and continuous flow between the kitchen and the public and entertaining spaces of the home.

To make this all to work the existing porch walls were removed while the main support carrying its roof was preserved. Maintaining the existing roof and the dramatic ceiling was an important consideration. Since the porch was originally built on a concrete slab with no perimeter foundation walls, new foundation walls had to be installed to support the new wood framed floor system and the exterior walls. Removing the old slab, the new crawl space was excavated to allow access for utility infrastructure such as HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems to the new kitchen. The updated space was then insulated and became fully integrated to the home as a livable, conditioned space.

A new corner window facing south and east became an anchor to this new kitchen, creating a bright and inviting area for the sink, flanked with cooking appliances on each side. A large walk-in pantry on the opposite corner created not only the desired ample storage; it also presented a pleasant symmetry in this kitchen design. A large center island created a perfect work/gathering space. A new door was designed to provide kitchen access to the patio area, while an existing door connected the kitchen to the new mudroom created in place of the old kitchen. The existing kitchen also accommodated a new main floor laundry room, sourly missing.

Another area of major redesign was the existing entry foyer. While the existing skylight provided a natural light, the space felt closed off and uninviting. The dated mirrored wall separating it from the living room was removed opening the foyer to the rest of the home. In addition, the understated front door along with tired look glass blocks, was replaced with a new door with sidelights and transom window, creating a bright and inviting entry.

With only one main bathroom off the hallway, this house was in desperate need for a real master suit. The small corner bedroom was converted to create a new space for the master bathroom and closet, with direct access to the master bedroom. The room was also updated with additional window for better light and ventilation.

To regain the bedroom lost in this process, the existing study open to the foyer was converted to a new bedroom by removing the opening in the foyer, relocating it to the hallway. There was also another small bedroom in the center of the house compromised with a low ceiling and poorly designed small bath and stackable washer and dryer. After raising the roof/ceiling, the entire layout was revamped, creating a larger room along with a new expansive bathroom and closet space.

While the footprint of the home did not change, redesigning and reconfiguring the interior spaces created a complete transformation of the home to a new and improved living environment, with a fresh look, functionality and satisfying outcome.