Photos by OmniSence Digital
When Dave Kurschner, project and design manager at Shakopee-based Xpand Inc., first met with his client, it was clear there was an ambitious vision—a space that would blend the comforts of indoor living with the joys of outdoor culinary experiences in a groundbreaking fashion. “[The client] really loves grilling, smoking, and barbecuing,” Kurschner says. “He had been shopping for some high-end, nice grilling equipment and said, ‘Man, I would really love to be able to do this in the winter. Is there any way I could do that? Is this something you think you could do?’” Kurschner recalls. “I don’t like to say no—if it’s possible, then I’ll do it.”
The goal of Phase 1 was to create a climate-controlled space overlooking Prior Lake that would allow exactly that, a goal demanding both technical expertise and careful problem-solving. Kurschner was tasked not only with designing and executing this unique concept but also ensuring compliance with city codes—a rare feat for indoor projects of this nature. “We’ve never really seen anybody do an outdoor kitchen inside the house that works with the city and the code,” Kurschner says.
The space, originally a screen porch, was completely gutted by Kurschner’s team, leaving only the roof intact as they rebuilt the floor and walls to create a fully climate-controlled area. Engineering solutions, particularly in ventilation, were crucial. Kurschner installed two 5-foot-wide hoods with high-volume air exchangers capable of handling 1,300 CFM each to efficiently vent smoke and heat from the Twin Eagles grills while meeting building codes. To support the complex setup, the electrical system was upgraded to 400 amps. Every detail, from the 3D tiles and dry-stacked marble stone to the Dekton quartz countertops and backsplash, was chosen for durability and style.
One of the standout features of the kitchen is a 12-foot-wide glass garage door that opens to stunning views of Prior Lake. To keep the space safe and visually appealing, Kurschner designed a custom fabricated railing with a countertop and clear Plexiglass, maintaining unobstructed views without compromising safety.
Beyond barbecuing, the project expanded to remodel a largely unused lower-level area into a multifunctional wellness space complete with a sauna, cold soaking tub, and high-end wine storage. “The only thing this room was used for was storage, but it also had a projector in it,” Kurschner explains. “[The client and I] started talking, and we [decided] we could build this room out, but he didn’t want to affect the projector. I was trying to come up with a design to give him a wine cellar, sauna, and some sort of cold soaking tub and do it in that room.”
A sauna, cold soaking tub, and wine storage transform a largely unused storage area into a multifuctional wellness space.
Voyageur Custom Saunas collaborated on a sauna design, while Kurschner built the outer structure with clear alder wood planking and integrated LED panels. The sauna connects to a cold soaking tub, designed for modern luxury with water circulation that minimizes the need for frequent draining. The tub’s tigerwood cover ties in with the space’s cohesive, warm aesthetic. Adjacent to the sauna is a sophisticated wine storage area complete with a high-end Wolf wine fridge. The space also features custom-built, 300-pound barn doors that conceal the 12-foot projection screen, adding an element of surprise and multifunctionality.
Overall, the project underscores how creativity and technical expertise can transform ambitious ideas into reality. “The end result is a room where it feels like you’re out on the lake almost,” Kurshner says of the barbecue kitchen. “That’s probably my favorite element—the large garage opening and the ability to experience [feeling] like you’re outside, but being inside, are probably the coolest things. It’s a unique project that crosses some boundaries, and we were able to do that to a high level of institution,” he continues. The best part? “The client loves it.”
