project highlight: country club house
Built in 1994, this St. Cloud, Minnesota home in the Country Club neighborhood was ready for a change both aesthetically and functionally. Our projects always start with a tour or “site visit” where we can observe and understand the spaces and get to know both the client and the project. After touring the home we quickly got to work aiming to solve a few main problems:
Compartmentalized floor plan: The flow between spaces was confusing and created long and unnecessary circulation.
Dated materials: The existing finishes were showing their age after nearly 25 years, and it was time to give new life to the red oak and muddy neutrals.
Limited bedroom space: With only the primary bedroom on the main floor and cumbersome access up to the second floor kids’ rooms, the client sought better connection between the floors and an additional main level bedroom that could transition from nursery to future office.
The first step in tackling these design problems was creating a variety of planning ideas for a more efficient main floor. We started with three options that each opened up the kitchen, living and dining areas, relocated the powder room and added a main floor bedroom, all within the existing square footage. Additionally, these options looked at ways we could reorient the existing stairs to improve the connection between the main floor and second floor. We had collaborative discussions about the pros and cons of each and moved forward with refinements to two of the planning ideas. Our next steps were working with a structural engineer and contractor to determine feasibility and preliminary pricing to narrow down to one option that was the best both functionally and financially.
After selecting a single planning scheme, we moved forward with more detailed plan development and conceptual design for materials, lighting, finishes and furniture. We continued to meet with the client for their input and feedback as demolition began. During demolition, the structure was revealed to be different than anticipated. This led to minor plan changes to better integrate support columns for the second floor into the design.
Detailed discussions and refinement were key as we finalized the function and storage of each kitchen cabinet, entry cubby and closet. We worked with trades and manufacturers to review installation drawings and order and track materials to keep the sequencing and schedule on time. Frequent and clear communication during construction allowed us to solve issues that came up on site and keep the project moving forward.
Once the final fixtures were being installed, furniture started to bring the space to life and allow the family to settle back in. The soft neutral material palette creates a space that is bright and warm. Tackling a project, especially at home during the pandemic, required extra patience, but the reconfiguration of the main floor completely transformed how our client’s family lives and gathers together. Check out some of the before and after photos below!
Before | after
