Progress continues on this Lake Byllesby remodel.
The Owner is doing much of the work himself, taking his time and enjoying the process. The winter months will be spent working on the interior of the home.
VIVUS has and can tackle variances, tight sites, existing footings above the frost line, grade issues and convenants. We enjoy the challenge and delight in the satisfaction of our clients.
John Tripp’s work is coming along well on East Fourth Street in Northfield. This project expands the existing kitchen and provides space for an entryway, laundry facilities, and a bathroom. The addition is on the right side, behind the pickup truck.
As with may historic renovation projects, this one had its challenges. Limited space on site, unknown existing structure capacity, existing plumbing and electrical, and the desire to add significant amenities to the home.
The small addition takes its cues from the front porch, staying low and discreet. Details from the existing home are replicated for a good fit. The final shape is the result of multiple study options of smaller additions. Kudos to our client for understanding the interior value a larger exterior addition afforded: ample dining area, efficient kitchen, and reasonable other spaces inside. This decision cost more upfront but will result in more functional space and no future remodeling to this area.
Our architectural design services can help improve your home, whether in Northfield, Lonsdale, Minneapolis, or London!
Last week I swung by our most recent project on Prior Lake, to check up on progress. This was a challenging site, limited in width but quite deep. The depth was deceptive, though, since lakeside setbacks forced the home into a small area along the road.
The photo above belies the existing home, as we expanded in five directions (including up). Working closely with the homeowner, our design process included multiple options to balance program needs with other project parameters.
The primary goal was to upgrade this split level home. A grand entry was desired, allowing view to the lake from the portal and avoiding entry mid-level. An interior sense of airiness, openness and visual connection to the lake formed the lakeside facade and the roofline modifications. Vehicle storage was designed to accommodate additional storage for the homeowner’s real estate investment business. Interior amenities added include a new kitchen, expanded master suite, bar, home theatre area, mudroom, family room and living room.
For a sense of what the house looked like, see the image below.
VIVUS Architecture and Design’s vision helped transform this home to fit our clients’ desires; we welcome your call.
The exterior of this extensive remodel on Lake Byllesby is steadily being buttoned up this summer. As the photo shows, housewrap and soffits were nearing completion by the 4th of July.
Stay tuned for future updates!
The first floor platform is installed and framing continues on Lake Byllesby. The form of this major whole-house remodeling is visible now when compared with the design images prepared by VIVUS. The angled wall an the left of the construction photo aligns with the angled wall on the design image. It will actually be enclosed by the 1-story porch when it is framed. Another point of reference is the triple window at the lower level’s right side.
You’ll see some of our higher profile projects in our portfolio, but that’s not all we do. This is another basement remodeling project.
The same design skills apply to these smaller projects where space is limited and constraints are numerous. Here we dealt with limited headroom in certain areas, water intrusion issues, and traffic flow concerns. The end product garnered high praise from our clients, who are retired professors on a fixed income, and their frequent guests.
We welcome your call to help you take care of your existing home’s requirements so that it better suits your needs.
One of the projects on our drawing boards these last several months has been a whole-house remodel on Lake Byllesby near Randolph, MN.
Our client approached us to help deliver a transformation of a small cabin-like home into a larger, year-round home.
We have become accustomed to working with challenging constraints; this project offered more of the same. Unlike other homes we’ve remodeled, this home had only half a basement and no frost footings. Adding on toward the lake was not allowable due to zoning ordinance and the existing septic system limited adding on away from the lake. In the end, our client settled on a design that worked both with the site constraints and their desires for a home that fit their lifestyles.
Bids are being tallied now for the project and the permit has already been secured. Demolition will likely start late this month or early the next.
