1892 was a big year. The “Nutcracker” premieres in Saint Petersburg Russia, Ellis Island opens as a US immigration station, and the Coca-Cola Company is incorporated. It is also the year this farmhouse was erected in the rural hills on the border of Chanhassen and Chaska. “So, there’s a lot of architectural history to preserve in this porch remodel,” explains Murphy Bros. design/build consultant Theresa Mann. “Protecting the architectural integrity of this dwelling was most certainly job one.” Originally the homeowner had a long list of improvements, including a second-floor master suite. But by the time we literally dug into the porch and its crumbling foundation, we realized some of that scope of work would have to wait. Therefore, we limited the remodel to a new laundry room, a new 4-season porch with 5 Marvin Elevate double-hung windows in bronze, a balcony on top, featuring special Azek pavers, some cosmetic tuck-pointing of the brick façade and chimney, and waterproofing the basement.

Our goal on this project was to create a live-able and open feeling space in a 690 square foot modern farmhouse. We planned for an open feeling space by installing tall windows and doors, utilizing pocket doors and building a vaulted ceiling. An efficient layout with hidden kitchen appliances and a concealed laundry space, built in tv and work desk, carefully selected furniture pieces and a bright and white colour palette combine to make this tiny house feel like a home. We achieved our goal of building a functionally beautiful space where we comfortably host a few friends and spend time together as a family. John McManus

The upper level of this gorgeous Trex deck is the central entertaining and dining space and includes a beautiful concrete fire table and a custom cedar bench that floats over the deck. The dining space is defined by the stunning, cantilevered, aluminum pergola above and cable railing along the edge of the deck. Adjacent to the pergola is a covered grill and prep space. Light brown custom cedar screen walls provide privacy along the landscaped terrace and compliment the warm hues of the decking. Clean, modern light fixtures are also present in the deck steps, along the deck perimeter, and throughout the landscape making the space well-defined in the evening as well as the daytime.

Small job, big peace-of-mind. We were out in Bel Marin Keys today installing a 1” Moen Flo smart shutoff valve and a new hose bib. The whole job took just 2 hours, but what it does for a home is huge. We don’t think about our water main until something goes wrong — and then the damage can be fast and expensive. A smart shutoff valve monitors your home’s water use and can automatically turn the water off if it detects a leak, helping prevent catastrophic water damage. It also helps you save money on water. The Moen app alerts you to unusual usage, running toilets, or small leaks you might never notice otherwise. And many insurance companies now see these systems as a major risk reducer, sometimes helping with coverage or lower premiums. For those of us who have one, it means less stress when we’re away, better control of our homes, and one less thing to worry about. Don't wonder what would happen if a leak started while no one was home, we can tell you all about it and how to keep it from happening to you.

Staircase with Starphire ultra clear low-iron glass divider wall. Breakfast Nook at right and Dining Room at left (with backyard access beyond). Photo by Clark Dugger

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Interior Painting: Wow! Elegance is the only way to describe this beautiful front entrance. White woodwork brightens up the area and showcases the doors and windows. The pillared dining room is a work of art.

Design: Christian B. Hedberg of CBH Design Photo: Margot Hartford © 2015 Houzz

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Photo Credit: Amy Barkow | Barkow Photo, Lighting Design: LOOP Lighting, Interior Design: Blankenship Design, General Contractor: Constructomics LLC

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