Come visit us September 21-22 at Vernacular Modern, Home #1 on the AIA MN Homes by Architects Tour. This rustic, family-friendly home lies on 90 acres of prairie on the western edge of the Twin Cities. The house takes advantage of the surrounding countryside, with a splayed floor plan that provides long views and blends indoor and outdoor spaces.
Organized into crossing wings, the main level contains the more public spaces for daily living—kitchen, dining room, family room, and porch—as well as support spaces that include the mudroom, wine cellar, and dog room. The master suite is also on the main level, with a private staircase that connects to the children’s bedrooms immediately above. A bridge connects the children’s bedrooms to the other wings of the house, which contain guest suites and a loft with built-in bunks.
The home juxtaposes rough, salvaged materials with clean, modern elements. Weathered hardwood on both exterior siding and interior walls contrast against exposed concrete floors, providing warmth and durability. Large expanses of glass bring natural light deep into the floor plan and provide excellent views of the site. Exposed steel structure, stone walls and metal roofing were used for low-maintenance living. The property also includes a new barn and pool house as well as a raised vegetable garden, patio, play areas, and path along the edge of the tall prairie grass.
For tickets and more information, visit homesbyarchitects.org.