This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA

This striking new modern home creates a powerful sense of place by responding to the small, deep lot overlooking Minnehaha Creek—a treasured piece of land where the homeowner and her sister grew up. The homeowner and her husband envisioned a beautiful, single-level home with a strong connection to the land and creek, where they can eventually age gracefully in place with her sister. The husband is an architecture aficionado and an admirer of Louis Kahn, so he wanted to work with an architect who shares his belief that “great architecture always has lift.”

The homeowners wanted a shared front door, an apartment for the sister, a modest kitchen, a primary suite, a creative studio, an office, room for a piano, space to display their collection of books and the homeowner’s art, and a two-car garage. The architect responded to the site and the homeowners’ design goals with a modern home that incorporates every one of their wishes. Among the many distinguishing characteristics, the roof planes are elevated in three places with clerestory windows that bring light deep into the interiors of the home. A shared front door opens to a pair of modern half-staircases with a shared landing that leads to a separate entry and mudroom for the apartment, an innovative design that creates a natural and elegant division between the two living environments. To create separation between respite and work, the primary suite is situated on the north side of the home, while the piano room, office and studio are on the south side with glancing views of the creek.

The project reflects the homeowners’ idea of home by allowing them to live and work in a beautiful piece of architecture with the wife’s sister, and eventually, age gracefully in place together on this treasured piece of land.

Location: St. Louis Park, MN

Completed: 2024

Project Team:

Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge

Chris Bach, AIA

Perri Kinsman

Daniel Winden

Olivia Solari, Assoc. AIA