Homes provide one of life’s essentials: shelter. But a good home goes beyond the basics and enhances the lives of those living in it through comfort, aesthetics, and overall good design. One way many homes on the 2019 Homes by Architects Tour enrich their owners’ lives is by deliberately incorporating spaces for play, relaxation, and socializing.
Home 2, “Island Summer House,” is a four-season family lake home on Lake Minnetonka that prioritizes connection to the outdoors. Spaces are designed for multiple uses: the carport doubles as a Ping-Pong court, and the auto court can be used as a sport court. In the mood for badminton or pickleball? The yard is perfectly graded for both. Inside, a west-facing four-season porch provides a perfect place to relax and hang out.
The homeowners of Home 4, “House of Well-Being,” wanted a house that emphasizes hospitality and gives both residents and guests a chance to play. Summer entertaining areas including a lower-level walkout with a golf simulator, a game room, catering kitchen, and more. Well-being is enhanced through relaxing spaces incorporated into the home, including a steam room, a sauna, and a yoga room.
Home 12, “Ellerbe Tudor Revival,” is a remodel that preserves the integrity of historic details while adapting to the homeowner’s modern lifestyle—which includes entertaining and games. The original laundry room in the basement was turned into a catering kitchen for large parties, while the first-floor addition allowed for a “bonus” family game room with lots of natural light.
Home 1, “Vernacular Modern,” took advantage of its beautiful prairie setting when creating playful spaces. Among its many notable features that support a relaxing and play-centered lifestyle are a new barn and pool house, patio, play areas, raised vegetable garden, and a path for walking along the edge of the prairie field.
Tickets to the 12th annual Homes by Architects Tour are on sale! Learn more at homesbyarchitects.org.
The 2019 Tour is supported by Marvin Windows & Doors, Elevation Homes, Hagstrom Builder, Landscape Renovations, Stinson Builders, Inc., White Oaks Savanna, Pella Windows & Doors, Belrose Hardwood Floors, Dovetail Renovations, Frost Cabinets, Hage Homes, Hirshfield’s, Lelch Audio/Video, Martin Patrick 3, Otto Painting Design, Orijin Stone, Semihandmade, Showcase Renovations, The Sitting Room, Synergy Products, and Urban Ecosystems, Inc.