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Palmer Pointe Lake Home, Lake Minnetonka, Minn.

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Palmer Pointe Lake Home, Lake Minnetonka, Minn.

  • The tapered fireplace shelters the exposed patio and frames the lake view.

    http://www.customhomeonline.org/Images/tmpF9A0%2Etmp_tcm52-792915.jpg

    The tapered fireplace shelters the exposed patio and frames the lake view.

    600

    A.J. Mueller

    Merit Award -Palmer Pointe Lake Home, Lake Minnetonka, Minn.
    Entrant/Architect: Eskuche Creative Group, Minnetonka, Minn.; Builder: Denali Custom Homes, Wayzata, Minn.

    The tapered fireplace shelters the exposed patio and frames the lake view.

  • The lowered patio preserves views from the house.

    http://www.customhomeonline.org/Images/tmpF9A1%2Etmp_tcm52-792923.jpg

    The lowered patio preserves views from the house.

    600

    A.J. Mueller

    The lowered patio preserves views from the house.

  • Steel railings bracket the floating bluestone-slab stairway.

    http://www.customhomeonline.org/Images/tmpF9A2%2Etmp_tcm52-792931.jpg

    Steel railings bracket the floating bluestone-slab stairway.

    600

    A.J. Mueller

    Steel railings bracket the floating bluestone-slab stairway.

  • Situated on a bluff setback, the patio is poised between the upper terrace and the lower lawn.

    http://www.customhomeonline.org/Images/tmpF9A3%2Etmp_tcm52-792939.jpg

    Situated on a bluff setback, the patio is poised between the upper terrace and the lower lawn.

    600

    A.J. Mueller

    Situated on a bluff setback, the patio is poised between the upper terrace and the lower lawn.

The notion that severe site constraints inspire creative solutions is certainly true of this perch overlooking Lake Minnetonka. A bluff setback dictated the precise footprint of a circular patio, which serves as an intimate gathering spot between the lodge-style house’s main terrace and the lake edge. By lowering it five steps, however, architect Peter Eskuche was able to preserve views from the house while bringing the owners a little closer to the water.

“The site is pretty, but you’re exposed,” Eskuche says. The wood pergola and tapered, copper-topped fireplace add a bit of coziness, as does the warm Montana stone. A wraparound hearth provides party-friendly seating, while handily doubling as space for wood storage. The patio’s details and execution struck a chord with the judges, who described it as “tranquil” and “intriguing.”

Entrant/Architect: Eskuche Creative Group, Minnetonka, Minn.; Builder: Denali Custom Homes, Wayzata, Minn.; Living space: 9,000 square feet; Site: 3.2 acres; Construction cost: $274 per square foot; Photographer: A.J. Mueller.

Product details

Stone: Hedberg Stone, www.hedberglandscape.com