This zinc clad house trimmed in black richlite is built on an existing foundationin a tall pine forested site high above the St. Criox River in Minnesota. Theexisting home was beset with serious moisture infiltration problems which inturn gave rise to a host of environmental efficiency and air quality issues. Thedesign team saved all the foundation and masonry components that weresalvageable.
The form evolves from the varying height spaces of the interior, informed bythe tall trees surrounding the house and masonry chimney that was saved andrenovated. Natural light is brought in from all directions and skillfully reflectedby multiple means such as wood screens, walls and surfaces of varying huesand projected skylights.
The living space with its beautiful Italian kitchen functions in segmentedfashion in support of daily needs yet open to cross conversation with spaces ofintimate heights and the contrast of soaring heights to experience thelandscape of the St Croix River valley.
Access to the exterior decks in multiple sides on the house allows the feel ofbeing elevated among the branches of the trees as well as the ability ofchoosing sun or shade depending on the temperature of the day.
The bold forms of the white masonry chimney, the soft quality of the zincsiding, the black of the trim elements, the mellowness of the aging wood, thethinness of the metal balustrades and the arrangement of the stacked blocks ofbuilding forms makes for a comfortable scale for a home.
