As we work our way out of this fantastic downturn, new construction starts are on the upswing and sales of existing homes have been advancing. While this is actually good news, and we are all hoping the trend continues and the speed picks up, I, for one, hope we change the paradigm a little. I am hoping that we construct new homes in neighborhoods where the infrastructure already exists instead of focusing on large, green-field improvements to fuel new home construction.
A newly completed new home in Minneapolis’ Fulton area is a case in point. Built in an existing and enlarged base, this home appears from the road almost identical to that which was there before — while employing all-new materials and technologies to create an efficient home for 21st-century living.
Built by Mike Lucas of this gudhouse firm, with design assistance from his architect brother Brian Lucas, the home comprises locally sourced materials as much as possible and continues to be built to the standards of the Minnesota Green Path initiative.
The gudhouse firm
The height, width, hip roof, off-center entrance and window placement are all identical to the home that existed ahead. The only difference is that the original home had a stucco exterior, while the new home is sided with fiber cement. The feeling of familiarity the brand new home has must be reassuring to the neighbors, who don’t have to worry about a McMansion invading their neighborhood.
The gudhouse firm
The designers and builders of the home were so intent on ensuring the new structure will be familiar, they precisely re-created the old layout of the front porch. It is surely reassuring an old familiar face was brought back to life with new construction and new substances.
The gudhouse firm
A view of the back of the home shows just how much the land slopes. Using a total of about 2,700 square feet on three floors, the house isn’t too large or too little, and each of the 3 levels gets abundant light.
Though the home is close to downtown Minneapolis and set in an established area, it doesn’t lack for a yard. In fact, the builder’s son Nick proclaimed, “Dad, this is my dream home. It is an urban home with a suburban yard.”
The gudhouse firm
The area is off the entrance foyer. This is the place for sitting and studying or meeting a neighbor while other actions occurs from the larger family room in the back of the home.
The gudhouse firm
The living room is floor, on the middle, or street-level. The back of the home is a large room that comprises the kitchen. Front door and foyer are easily visible from this field.
The gudhouse firm
Sandwiched between the area and the dining room, the kitchen comes with a highly layout. A breakfast bar provides the perfect spot for catching that morning cup of joe while heading out to do the job.
The gudhouse firm
A nice way to expand the kitchen space was putting the refrigerator nearer to the table and extending the walls of cabinetry. This arrangement allows the kitchen work area for a tight and effective zone within a much larger and spacious space.
In keeping with the exterior look of the home, the interior comprises a simple, clean-lined cabinetry layout, light-colored walls plus a warm-colored, wide-plank, quarter-sawn walnut floor. These elements, combined with easier trimming and detailing, create a fresh and modern appeal.
The gudhouse firm
The remainder of this area is family central — a place for watching television, playing games, getting together for vacations and more. Large glass doors lead from the area to an elevated deck that overlooks the backyard, in order that if weather permits, the living space grows substantially.
The gudhouse firm
The stairway in the centre connects the home’s three degrees. While clearly utilitarian, the stair layout comprises the widened landing you’d expect in an older home.
The gudhouse firm
Three nice-size bedrooms, two bathrooms and a laundry room are located on the third floor. Possessing the laundry room upstairs by the bedrooms and bathrooms avoids anyone’s having to carry loads of clothes up and down 3 flights of stairs. And to maintain the plan effective, the laundry area is an extension of this hall bathroom.