swanarchitecture.com

Andrea Peschel Swan, AIA

Bohemian Rhapsody

Project Type: New Construction

Sponsors: Kolbe Gallery Twin Cities, Refined Custom Homes, Yardscapes

The client sought a new home for their growing family that reflected their vibrant lifestyle and personality. Key inspirations for both interior and exterior architecture included a recent modern farmhouse project completed by the architect, as well as a new home they saw marketing photos of and admired for its simple forms and symmetry. While the exterior wanted to remain stark white and black materials, the interiors are intentionally more colorful. Personal and whimsical mementos, both new and old, were thoughtfully placed and proudly displayed, like the twin gold framed paintings featuring Freddie Mercury. For all these reasons the name of the project is Bohemian Rhapsody.

Bohemian Rhapsody is a ballad to our client's personalities and sense of style, inside and out. This modern new home located in Edina not only pragmatically suits their wants and needs, but inspires as well, as any romantic ballad should. Featuring simple balanced symmetrical forms on the exterior, with a rather stark white and black color palette, once one enters the interior foyer once is welcomed to a more colorful world featuring warm and earthy materials, cherished whimsical art pieces, and a welcome bar! The upstairs features 4 spacious bedroom suites and laundry, while the lower level is all about play and fun. Step outside to the rear to enjoy the grill porch and deck overlooking the pool and future pool and pool house. 

The resulting home is full of surprises, with truly remarkable wall coverings within the home. It also includes an intimate bar setting: near the entryway, so when guests visit they feel welcome to help themselves to a drink, or be served by their hosts. The kitchen and the primary bath are compelling, especially when seen in person: the way the light bounces around both spaces, and the use of natural materials and forms in both, and the lighting both are visually appealing.

Sustainable Design Highlights

For the most part, natural materials were used inside and out, which in of itself is sustainable. For areas where manufactured materials were chosen, mainly for high performance and low maintenance, local resources were used to minimize carbon footprint (for example, our exterior doors and windows come from Minnesota).

Framework for Design Excellence: Design for Well-Being

This home truly was a COVID “child,” fully completed during the pandemic. Fortunately, goals for well-being had already been agreed on in the program before design started. Instead of just considering the obvious spaces dedicated to overall health and well-being like sauna, primary bath as spa, sport court, etc., the design embraces the whole-house program with the goal to promote tranquility, comfort, and solace. Natural lighting was carefully thought of, not only in peak summer months but also winter, which is essential to promoting the sense of well-being within each space.

What is the AIA Framework for Design Excellence? Learn more »