Specialty-Room Remodeling
& Exteriors.

Beyond the essential rooms are special rooms that provide space for hobbies, for extending hospitality to family and friends, for escaping the daily hustle and bustle, and more. These creative spaces can be nearly anything you dream.

Exterior remodels can incorporate a dramatic exterior makeover, or simply update the appearance of a particular element of a home, such as a front entrance.

Wine Cellar
Plymouth, Minnesota

The Challenge: Create a wine cellar in an existing finished lower level. The homeowner wanted climate-controlled storage space only, with no need for entertaining space within the cellar.

The Solution: Space for the cellar was taken from the home’s mechanical room. A cement block wall was opened to create access from the seating area on the lower level. Even though the owner had no desire for an in-cellar bar or seating, we suggested creating a small granite-topped staging area for use during wine selection. We insulated the entire room to maintain the proper temperature and humidity, and installed a cooling system. An insulated, sealed glass door provides a view into the room and the wine collection. Tongue-and-groove redwood and stone tiling with inlaid pebbles are the main design elements, chosen to coordinate with elements throughout the rest of the home. Floor-to-ceiling racking was designed to store 600-700 bottles of wine in magnums and 750 ml. bottles, as well as cases. The resulting room is functional, yet sophisticated.

Porch Addition
Lake Elmo, Minnesota

The Challenge: Expand the gathering space for a large family right next to the main hub of the home.

The Solution: Just off the breakfast room is this porch that was carefully designed to be a seamless addition, following the home’s existing architectural elements – from the columns that match those used in the front of the house, to the continuation of the exterior trim and banding. Inside, the porch incorporates tile floors and painted bead board. A top deck is accessed only through the master bedroom, providing the homeowners a place to relax away from the buzz of the family.

Entry Portico and Walkway
Mendota Heights, Minnesota

The Challenge: Replace a standard, ho-hum two-column exterior entrance, as well as a too-close-to-the-house concrete sidewalk leading from the driveway.

The Solution: We designed and built a stately portico that graciously frames the entrance to this home, in keeping with the character of a traditional Georgian red brick structure. Four columns support a series of curved crown moldings and dentil moldings with a beaded ceiling underneath. An old sidewalk that was sloping toward the house was removed. We located the new brick walkway significantly farther away from the front of the home, and designed landscaping that allows the path to wind through it, creating a dramatically impressive approach to the front entrance.

Home Exterior
Edina, Minnesota
The Challenge: Design and build a home to blend harmoniously into a gracious neighborhood filled with homes dating to the early 20th century.

The Solution: With an appreciative eye toward the established look and feel of the neighborhood, we designed a home that's spacious enough for the demands of today's families, yet fits comfortably onto a typical urban lot. The setback of the home and garage, the roof lines, the use of second-story dormers and the overall height of the home were all carefully determined to integrate architecturally while still making a distinctive, classic statement. The reaction of the neighbors validated our choices when they told us, "Thank you for respecting the homes that are already here with a home this beautifully done."

“Catfish Bar Bunkhouse” Remodeling
Troy Burne, Wisc.

2006 ROMA Winner

The Challenge: Repair and renovate a small 60-year-old bunkhouse on the banks of the St. Croix River – a site accessible only via boat or a 6-minute downhill/uphill walk. All repairs had to comply with National Scenic Riverway District guidelines.

The Solution: First, we contracted with a boat service to deliver materials to the site. Then, windows and doors were reoriented to maximize river views. A dangerous old wood stove was replaced with a wall mounted heater/air conditioner. On site, we custom-built bunk beds with storage for clothing, linens and bulky items, and installed additional storage cabinetry plus refrigerator and electronics. Interior cedar siding matches the existing cabin on the property.