LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
A TALE OF
TILES AND TERRAINS
Set against the backdrop of Lake Minnetonka, the Bayside residence by PKA Architecture combines natural materials, flexible living spaces, and environmental consciousness to redefine modern family living.
MARIA SPANN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: PAUL CROSBY
Nestled in the heart of Minnesota, an architectural masterpiece resides on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, manifesting the pinnacle of luxury, design, and functionality. Conceived and brought to life by the visionary team at PKA Architecture, in close collaboration with landscape architects and interior designers, the Bayside residence is more than a home; it’s a sanctuary designed for the ultimate family gathering experience.
The journey began with a clear vision from the client—a modern family home capable of hosting extended family visits. This vision, combined with PKA Architecture’s innovative approach, evolved into a residence that not only respects but also becomes one with its sloping lakeside environment. The home’s architecture is a celebration of nature, leveraging the site’s descent from street to lake to embed itself into the terrain. It uses natural stone to provide a solid foundation, while the lighter upper levels seem to float above, ensuring the house is bathed in natural light and offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.
The seamless integration of outdoor and indoor spaces, especially the unique sunken courtyard, exemplifies the collaborative spirit between PKA Architecture and landscape architects D/O. This partnership ensured that the transition between the inside and outside is virtually indistinguishable, with stone pavers and interior tiles aligning with astonishing precision. Similarly, the collaboration with interior designer Nada Bibi was instrumental in selecting materials and detailing interior elements to complement the architectural vision. The dark plaster walls and ceilings of the powder room, alongside a skylight that extends the space into the sky, serve as a testament to this synergy.
Understanding the dynamics of an extended family, PKA Architecture introduced custom-designed lower-level dining tables. These tables were conceived to offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing for various configurations to suit any gathering, big or small. This thoughtful design, coupled with magnetic track lighting, ensures that the space can adapt to the family’s needs, whether for dining, games, or any combination thereof.
The Bayside residence is a beacon of interaction, featuring kinetic elements like rotating and sliding louvers, and a custom entry door that reveals its mechanical heart. These features are not merely aesthetic but serve practical purposes—regulating sunlight, ensuring privacy, and enhancing the tactile experience of the home. For PKA Architecture, it was essential to incorporate these dynamic elements to add another layer to the modern aesthetic. These kinetic components are not only interesting to use and visually change the house from day-to-day but are also functional, adding real benefits to the day-to-day experience in the house. They provide privacy and shading when needed, with the clients using these elements daily, adjusting them with the seasons and even throughout the day as they occupy different areas of the house.
To further encourage interaction or engagement with the space, the design of the house includes a sunken central courtyard that acts as the optical center of the spaces surrounding it. This innovative feature ensures a visual connection across different parts of the house. From the lower level, the courtyard allows the sports court to be visible from the kitchen, the kids’ hangout space visible from the sports court, and the family room visible from the bedrooms. This visual connectivity extends all the way to the lake, with the lower-level bedrooms enjoying views of the lake through the courtyard and main gathering space, even though they are sunken on the entry side of the house.
Sustainability was a key consideration in the project, with the use of triple-glazed windows, rainwater harvesting, and durable exterior materials minimizing the home’s environmental impact. The cabinetry and metalwork, characterized by their modern, seamless design, further contribute to the home’s aesthetic and functional harmony, showcasing the careful selection of materials.
As PKA Architecture reflects on the completion of the Bayside residence, there’s a unanimous feeling of fulfillment, with no desire to alter the journey they embarked on. The project stands as a testament to their ability to overcome site challenges and client requirements through innovative solutions. Moreover, it has set a precedent for future projects, inspiring the team to continue exploring the integration of architecture with its natural surroundings. The Bayside residence surpasses mere architectural form, embodying a rich narrative where nature’s essence, design’s precision, and the vibrancy of human interaction are intricately interwoven into the lakeside tapestry of Lake Minnetonka. It is a refuge where the harmonious convergence of architecture with the natural landscape gives rise to a sanctuary celebrating the bonds of family, the adaptability of living spaces, and the seamless continuity of its environment, thus elevating the collective living experience to a realm of both aesthetic and functional character.