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A Dream Unfolding
As former Minnesotans, Cruz and Kuenzel's decision to leave their current place in Colorado and make Minneapolis home again was fueled by a desire to return to a vibrant, urban lifestyle with a strong sense of community in a space they could truly call their own. Reflecting on this, Kuenzel noted, “When we were thinking about where we wanted to retire, we were mostly driven by a desire to work with an architect to design a house. That’s been a lifelong dream.”
Cruz, with a keen eye for contemporary design, was inspired by the work of his favorite architect, Tom Kundig, who is known for his innovative ways of creating deep connections to surrounding landscapes. The lot in the heart of the city overlooking the river bluff checked all the boxes and served as the perfect setting for a home that’s not just a dwelling but a testament to the couple’s shared vision.
"We’re looking forward to having a house that basically lets us live comfortably, and a big part of that is having a way to connect to the outdoors. And so, windows are the way to do that,” Cruz said. The highlight of Kundig’s design is the second floor, which Cruz affectionately coined as the “Jewel Box,” with its floor-to-ceiling modern style windows that maximize transparency and provide breathtaking views.
"I liken it to a jewel box. It's this little transparent box, elevated above the ground on the second floor, with windows on three sides that let in a ton of light and let you see out to the parkway and beyond," Cruz passionately described.
Building with Nature
Andrew Volkenant, from Streeter Custom Builder, shared his insights into the unique opportunities presented by the Minneapolis residence. Located on the river bluff, the house is designed to engage with the site, offering views of the river and parkway while ensuring privacy by elevating the living space to the second floor and bringing the homeowners closer to nature. “The house has a very unique layout where Olson Kundig has brought the living space to the second level, which has put them up in this canopy of the trees so the homeowners can be among leaves and birds in the summer and enjoy an expansive view of the river parkway in the fall and winter,” Volkenant said.
Volkenant emphasized the challenges of the site and the collaborative effort required to bring the project to life. It was the need for accessibility to upper-level windows that led to the introduction of Marvin Connected Home automated windows, ensuring a seamless blend of technology and design.
“The choice of Marvin Connected Home automated windows was a strategic one, offering the homeowners large expansive glass with unobstructed views, plus control over hard-to-reach awning windows, all without compromising the original design.”
The construction also involves a perfect blend of natural materials, allowing them to express their unique characteristics. "The Minneapolis residence is built of a lot of natural materials," Volkenant added. "Including natural cedar siding with a pine tar finish, which will add longevity of life to the project." Other material choices including natural concrete floors and exposed steel structures, reflect the architect's vision of engaging with the natural surroundings.
As Cruz and Kuenzel witness the transformation of the site from an overgrown yard to a cleared space with a foundation, frame, and now, a house beginning to take shape, Volkenant emphasized the importance of establishing a close relationship with homeowners, understanding their needs, and reflecting their personalities in the design.
"The design process really was an opportunity for the building team to partner with the homeowners to hear their needs and wants," Volkenant explained. "We start with pen on paper, and along the way, we introduce finishes and materials, and those materials start to put life into the project."
Technological Elegance for Effortless Living
Blair Guyer, smart home integrator and owner of Advanced Home, echoes the importance of early collaboration and partnership to plan for the evolution of the home’s technology. In modern designs like this, walls are making way for floor-to-ceiling windows, which makes the need for smart integration paramount. "The desire these days is for more and more windows, floor-to-ceiling windows, which means less wall space for control panels and electrical." Guyer explained.
The challenge of managing numerous windows and shades is met with the technology integrated into Marvin Connected Home automated awning and automated casement windows where controls and motors are completely invisible and whisper quiet. Guyer envisions an automated system for the river residence where powered windows, shades, and lighting are synchronized to enhance the homeowners' experience.
"For Joe and Jane, we're bringing in the lighting control, the motorized shades, and Marvin for the powered windows," Guyer said.“ The collaboration between the architect, builder, electricians, and the smart home integrators early in the process ensures a seamless transition between technology and design.”
The possibilities for automation are endless, from opening all windows with a single button to setting scenes that welcome homeowners with raised shades, open windows, and dimmed lights. Guyer sees technology as a means of future-proofing the home, adapting to the changing needs of homeowners through different seasons of life.
Looking Ahead
As the construction progresses, the River Residence becomes more than just a structure; it becomes a collaborative showcase of partners in possibility. The union of architectural brilliance, artistry, and smart technology is creating a home that not only meets the aesthetic preferences of the homeowners but also anticipates their evolving needs.
Cruz and Kuenzel eagerly anticipate the day when they can walk through a space that seamlessly integrates with nature, offers breathtaking views, and responds to their every need with the touch of a button. In the heart of Minneapolis, a contemporary masterpiece is taking shape—one that is not just a home but a testament to the harmonious collaboration between dreamers, builders, and innovators.
Stay tuned for more Partners in Possibility stories coming soon.
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