How a Minnesota Home Builder Transformed a Libbs Lake Property Into a Dream Home
As Minnesota home builders, we’ve had the chance to work on some incredible projects! A recent favorite was the Lakeshore Project on Libbs Lake in Minnesota. We had the privilege of transforming a beautiful property into a real masterpiece inspired by the timeless principles of Frank Lloyd Wright. From budget-conscious decision-making to intricate design elements, this home is one that we’re proud to have been a part of!
The Vision
The clients wanted this to be their forever home with plenty of lake views, the bus stop in their line of sight to watch their young son get to and from school safely, and low-maintenance materials and finishes to keep the home looking amazing for years to come! When they approached us, they initially hoped to complete the project within a $1 million budget.
They had deep ties to their property, having owned it since the 1970s. A former engineer, the homeowner was an avid admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural style, having traveled extensively to study Wright’s homes. Although financial constraints prevented a full-scale replication of Wright’s designs, we collaborated with architect Carl Albert (KA Designs) and interior designers Jennifer Severson & Callie Journey (FIKA Design) to bring their custom home vision to life- and with the collaboration over competition mindset- more than succeeded!
The Design
To capture the style of Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture, we prioritized natural materials and seamless indoor-outdoor connections during the homebuilding process. Some of our favorite features include:
Cedar wood soffits & tongue-and-groove ceilings in the great room, kitchen, and dining area. The beautiful craftsmanship added warmth and texture.
Expansive Pella windows to flood the home with natural light and enhance energy efficiency- just a few of the things we love about Pella!
Concrete flooring with in-floor heating, an innovative choice for comfort and durability on this custom project—especially important given the high water table that ruled out a basement.
An accent wall made from reclaimed Redwood, salvaged from the original home by the homeowner, preserving a piece of the past.
Smart Budgeting
One of the most impressive parts of the Lakeshore Project was its financial strategy. This was the first home in 20 years that came in under budget—an almost nonexistent occurrence in custom home building! The homeowners took a disciplined approach, meeting with our controller every three weeks of the entire process to review expenses. While the initial design exceeded their budget, they made strategic choices to remove elements during the planning phase, then selectively added back key features post-contract signing. This method prevented costly mid-build changes and really paid off (literally)!
Overcoming Challenges
Every project, Lakeshore included, comes with its hurdles. The narrow 40-foot-wide lot required careful material staging, and the detached garage had to be built months after the main home to accommodate construction logistics. Additionally, some of the neighbors were frustrated by the building process, despite having gone through extensive remodels themselves. Thankfully, it was nothing a little open communication and thoughtful planning from our dedicated team couldn’t solve.
Curious about our process? Check out this blog for all the details!
Let’s Design your Dream Home
If you’re looking to build a custom home in Minnesota, we can help! Contact us today and let’s get started on creating a beautiful home as unique as the Lakeshore Project!