Here is another case of a little addition that accomplishes big things for the homeowner.

This historic home needed a list of improvements on the first floor: an updated kitchen, dining area, laundry area, three-quarter bath, and a back entry that fits the architecture. It also came with a list of challenges: limited site area, finished space above (hinders plumbing routes), and a limited budget.

Our solution added only about 100 square feet of heated space, plus an entry porch. Through creative use of space and spatial definition strategies, we added everything on the owner’s wish list, plus a tiled entry and closet. The owner is very pleased with the results. Here is part of an e-mail I received from them last week:

I’ll have to add that {we} are absolutely delighted with your vision of what could happen in an addition. We keep chuckling about the fact that we came close to having an attached outhouse and now we has a lovely kitchen, laundry area and bath.

Small, carefully planned additions can help your house fit better without breaking the bank. We can help with vision and implementation, and we welcome your call.

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.

The basic massing is true to our design, but many items have been changed since the project left our office. The big ideas still ring true and the owner is pleased with the progress. This shot shows the southwest corner of the home: solar domestic hot water panels will be installed on the roof. Large overhangs will provide shade from the summer sun, but will let the lower winter rays wash the interior.

Here you see the views through the home and the sunlight filling the space. This strategy makes the home feel larger than it is by allowing the eye to stretch out. The views to the south are truly beautiful, so we really wanted to make the most of them.

The home below was also built from a concept plan we prepared. In this case, a relative of the client completed the project.

Our role was to meet the client’s needs for home and office that blended into the existing farm yard. Visual simplicity was important, which went a long way toward holding the budget line.

I am delighted that our clients were able to achieve their goals with limited help from us. At the same time, my artistic side has trouble letting go of the vision that gave birth to these functional and beautiful forms. It is difficult to see the vision realized in part; that is a hazard of my chosen profession. These projects illustrate our primary goal: to serve the needs of our clients without letting our own desires get in the way.

We look forward to seeing our clients settle into their new homes; our true reward is your satisfaction.

We’ve got a good start on the design of a new home outside of Northfield. This is an exciting project for us for several reasons.

On the macro scale, it is the first house in a new conservation development. The development features enhanced wetlands, native landscaping, community trails, natural common spaces, pervious pavements, onsite renewable energy, community septic system, smaller lots, and a community geothermal heating and cooling system. No fossil fuels will be required for the operation of the development nor the homes in them (unless a homeowner decides on a gas appliance or vehicle.)

On a micro scale, the house will be LEED certified; the actual target is Platinum, and we meet with a LEED-H provider on Monday. This home will be the poster child for the architectural vision of the development:
- Historically sympathetic modern home design
- Architectural design on all sides
- Energy efficient design
- Emphasis on sustainable and renewable materials
- Front porches to foster stronger community
- Smaller homes on smaller lots, allowing larger green community spaces (over 65 acres)
- Native and low-water-use landscaping
- Rainwater harvesting and reuse

Stay tuned as the project develops further!