Sauk River

Sauk River Addition transforms a 1980s ranch above the Sauk River into a one-of-one home—angles amplified, envelope upgraded, and a wellness-focused addition that pairs durability with serene, light-filled living.

Sauk River

Sauk River Addition transforms a 1980s ranch above the Sauk River into a one-of-one home—angles amplified, envelope upgraded, and a wellness-focused addition that pairs durability with serene, light-filled living.

Sauk River

Sauk River Addition transforms a 1980s ranch above the Sauk River into a one-of-one home—angles amplified, envelope upgraded, and a wellness-focused addition that pairs durability with serene, light-filled living.

From ranch to one-of-one — amplifying what was there.

The brief was refreshingly direct: “Give us something that excites us. Otherwise, we won’t build.” On a beloved 1980s ranch sited high over the Sauk River, we started outside-in—reading the original geometry and pushing it further. Existing angles were boldly amplified, turning a familiar silhouette into a fresh, more engaging form that welcomes you from the drive and draws you toward the view. The design keeps the spirit of the home but changes its posture—more open, more inviting, and more aligned with how the owners want to live for the long run.

Melrose

Sauk River — a working waterway with deep roots.

Flowing 122 miles from Lake Osakis to the Mississippi north of St. Cloud, the Sauk River threads through lakes and towns—including Melrose—shaping everyday life along its banks. In Ojibwe, Ozaagi-ziibi means “River of the Sauks,” a reminder that story and landscape are inseparable here. Perched above a bend in the river, the project looks to that continuum—honoring place, improving what exists, and setting the home up for the next chapter on this ridge.

Craft, comfort, performance — finishes that work as hard as they look.

Transformation went beyond form. Inside and out, materials were refined for warmth and longevity, while the building envelope was upgraded for better insulation and year-round comfort. Daylight and views are prioritized; circulation is simpler and the entry is opened up, setting a calmer tone from the threshold. A renewed palette and tighter envelope bring aesthetics and sustainability into the same conversation—less energy waste, more everyday ease.

A wellness wing — movement, mind, and practical resilience.

Healthy living drove the addition. A dedicated workout studio supports daily routines without leaving home; a tranquil reading nook with generous book storage anchors quiet time. The primary suite gains expanded closets for practical order. Essential, unobtrusive utilities—cold storage and a storm shelter—add resilience. Together, these spaces make room for body and mind, and for the realities of Midwestern life.

Renderings

Photography