Lake Elmo Residence
2019
Lake Elmo, MN
Alchemy Architects
Geoffrey Warner, FAIA Lead Design
Austin Watanabe, AIA Designer, Project Manager
Brooks Geenen, Photography
The Lake Elmo weeHouse is an efficient second home for a family from Australia who holiday in Minnesota. The footprint was constrained by a modest budget ($350K), the 100-year flood plane, and a 16’ maximum building height. Nonetheless, the 990 sf box contains 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and ample living space.
The home hovers above the surrounding wetland on helical piers anchored to bedrock 21 feet below grade. A custom weathering steel and black cedar skin blends the house into the surrounding woods. A wide, covered balcony and entry porch extend the living quarters out over the landscape, bridging the transition from inside to out.
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