Prairie Modern

Project Details

Project Description

Perched atop a rolling prairie site in Lake Elmo, this new house with its open interior spaces, large expanses of glass and strategically placed windows provides vistas in every direction of the surrounding site. The clients’ passion for bird watching and nature was a driving force in the design of this one level home. A desire to age in place also played an important role in the home’s layout. All the primary living functions are located on the main level without any steps between spaces. Kitchen, dining and living functions occupy the main hall with supporting functions wrapped around the perimeter. A link to the garage serves as the mudroom, with full-height built-in storage along one wall and large windows on the other for daylight and view. Warm modern materials were used throughout, selected for their durability, sustainability and low maintenance characteristics. Recycled glass countertops bring light and color into the center of the kitchen and master bath. Crushed walnut counters and sleek modern built-ins blend nicely with salvaged cherry furniture in one of the offices, and beautiful oak floors transition to tiled floors in the more public spaces. Elongated overhangs provide shade from the hot summer sun, while letting it in during the winter for added warmth, a clerestory provides daylight to the core of the plan and photo-voltaic panels on the site provide supplemental electricity for the house year round.