Cedar Lake Mid-Century
PKA Architecture · Minneapolis, MN
Overview
When the clients found an iconic mid-century home for sale on an urban lake, they discovered the house was originally designed by Elizabeth Scheu Close, one of Minnesota’s first female architects. They commissioned the architecture firm to carefully renovate the home for their current lifestyle and eventually, aging gracefully in place. Design goals included preserving the home's original mid-century character while creating modern flow and functionality with a strong connection between indoors and out.
When the clients found an iconic mid-century home for sale in an established neighborhood overlooking an urban lake, they discovered the house was originally designed by Elizabeth Scheu Close, one of Minnesota’s first female architects. They commissioned the architecture firm to carefully renovate the home for their current lifestyle and eventually, their desire to age gracefully in place. Design goals for the project included preserving the home's original mid-century character, opening up the interiors to create modern flow and functionality, and creating a strong connection between indoors and out to make the most of the views of the lake and the downtown Minneapolis skyline. Design challenges included working within the existing mid-century footprint, integrating modern materials into the existing palette of mid-century materials, and adding high-performance windows, sliding glass doors and an energy- efficient HVAC system. Design solutions re-working the interiors to include an owners' suite and an integrated kitchen, dining, living room and powder room on the main floor, and a guest suite and a home office and craft space on the lower level. Finished with a quiet palette of rift oak, stone, and other natural materials, the home continues to honor Close's original design.
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