Architect John Barbour of Barbour LaDouceur Design Group was entrusted with blending the additions so that they were architecturally delightful while maintaining the dominance of the original building mass and features. The new front porch and family wing with turret are added to the less prominent side but are striking additions to both house and neighborhood. The new 3 car garage is linked to the original house by a curving glass-walled gallery.
Open Air Concepts mission is always to make an existing structure as energy efficient as possible, but because of the age and condition of this house, there were some serious structural challenges.
One of the challenges involved jacking the entire house up onto temporary pillars while a new foundation was dug and poured underneath it. Then after framing the house, it began to lean to one side from the weight of the unstable original chimney. The Open Air Concepts team solved these problems, and now the home stands as a tribute to the neighborhood’s original era, while showcasing the latest in building technology.
Inside, the house has been redesigned to suit its elegant historic tradition. The entry hall with marble tile floors is a welcoming art gallery and features French doors out to the new porch. The main stair has become a focal point floating between the floors. A stylish fireplace and hardwood floors restore historic character to the original living and dining rooms. The kitchen is ingeniously designed into its former corner, but includes the utmost in modern appliances set in custom traditional style dark cabinets and sparkling glass wall tile. Flowing from the kitchen are the new dining room and family addition with a main floor guest suite.
The second floor of the original house is now a Master Suite overlooking the Minneapolis skyline. The master bath features statuary marble tile, a free-standing tub, and a huge glass shower. The addition contains two children’s suites and a custom double-helix spiral stair up the turret to the roof deck where the Minneapolis skyline is again prominently on display.
Contemporary lighting, automatic faucets and Dornbracht fixtures enhance the charm of this historic home. The kitchen and bathrooms are graced by granite countertops, and Dijon gold limestone and marble flooring.
Some of the most significant features are less obvious. Medium density fiberboard (MDF) and finger jointed millwork re-use wood scraps to preserve standing trees. No and low volatile organic compound (VOC) finishes will protect the health of the inhabitants and the environment. No-added formaldehyde cabinetry maintains indoor air quality. The energy efficiency level surpasses LEED certification standards.
This amazing historic home culminates the dreams of the homeowners, the design integrity of the architect, the vision of the remodeler, and the hopes of the neighbors: an original Queen Anne Victorian preserved following LEED silver certification standards to ensure high energy efficiency with low environmental impact.
