Photos by Spacecrafting
On the west shore of Cedar Lake in Minneapolis sits a home on a bluff with uninterrupted views of the lake and downtown skyline. In need of a major renovation, these clients recruited Ground One to assist with viewsheds, drainage, impermeable surface limitations, parking concerns, and topography. Tasked with blending the outside of the home with the interior design themes, the main challenge came with incorporating the same materials on both the interior and exterior.
The design process involved the challenging selection of basalt flooring, which was used both indoors and out. Terraces and an auto court rest on a bed of clear rock, and rainwater is directed through open joints into the ground for easy recycling. Roof water is captured in catch boxes and directed into drywells where it seeps back into the ground. This includes a rain chain near the front door, a beautiful and functional design feature.
On the front terrace, a large custom metal fire feature—made of steel and powder-coated black—is the centerpiece made to match the metal features of the home. The fire pit includes a 6-foot burner with a beautiful line of fire. Seat walls flank both sides of the terrace with the stone patio treads turned vertical and capped with thermal bluestone. A dining table and smaller seating arrangement mimic the furniture style used inside the home, furthering the continuity of the interior design. To add green space, the addition of a small Japanese Maple is placed as an upright element with groundcover beneath. The space as a whole lends itself well to entertaining groups of all sizes.
To replace a partially tucked-in garage, Ground One added an auto court in the home’s alley. Retaining walls of burnished block installed in stack bond taken from a queue of the large chimney and egress window well are capped with thermal bluestone to tie all the design elements together. Bluestone is used to create a staircase that leads guests from the auto court up to the main entrance.
Simple, low-maintenance plantings support the clean lines of the landscape. Several large custom-fabricated raised planters are strategically placed to add easily accessible vegetable containers. Upright evergreens and clump aspens provide privacy along the narrow side yard as well. The resulting project seamlessly connects the home to the landscape, and the homeowners are thrilled to share their outdoor space with family and friends.
952-209-7109 | groundonemn.com
- 2022 MIDWEST HOME DESIGN AWARDS: FIRST PLACE RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN
- 2022 NARI COTY AWARDS: RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN/OUTDOOR LIVING OVER $250,000 (SILVER)
