Photographs by Peter Bastianelli-Kerze 
Urban Blend
St. Paul, Minnesota
Rather than move to the suburbs, the owners of a modest Saint Paul “four-square” looked to David O’Brien Wagner to help them transform their cramped and inefficient home into a spacious, hip dwelling where they could raise their three young boys.
Inspired by his Seattle roots, David combined Asian influences with a Midwest Prairie aesthetic to create a modern yet unassuming transformation to the existing house. Three additions --a new front entry, a kitchen/family room with master bedroom above, and a back mudroom-- employ dramatic horizontal lines that merge gracefully with the surrounding landscape. Inside, original detailing is enhanced and blended with distinctly modern styling, while thoughtfully placed windows visually connect inhabitants with the outdoors. The resulting home brings together contemporary design with a quiet respect for the neighborhood’s vitality and integrity.
To address sustainability concerns, David worked with the owners to incorporate green design features including 100% recycled content cellulose insulation, formaldehyde-free plywood, I-joists, and cabinetry, low VOC paints and finishes, light fixtures cast from recycled aluminum, and the use of many regionally sourced materials. See alternate exterior image.
Designed by David O’Brien Wagner.
Built by Mike Otto Construction.
Awards
- Remodeler's Showcase Dream Home, 2008
Publications
- Mpls/St. Paul Magazine, February 2008