Romanian artist Constantin Brâncuși – touted as one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century – once waxed poetic that “architecture is inhabited sculpture.” This romantic notion manifests itself on 40 acres of lakeside land in central Minnesota, in a home that invites a sense of wonder and surprise in lieu of the ordinary. A collaboration between PKA Architecture and interior designer Benigno Aguilar, the home is a wonderous testament to the art of architectural and design interplay.
Designed for a couple transitioning from New York City to Minnesota, the property encapsulates their desire for a sanctuary that felt both like a piece of art and a reflection of their lives. “The clients wanted a home that didn’t feel like a home,” recalls Andrew Edwins, associate principal at PKA Architecture. “They loved the idea of arriving at the site and having people feel a little unsure of what they were about to experience.” This initial intention set the stage for a design process where the house would be as much about tactile contrasts and bold statements as it was about comfort and functionality.
The architecture itself, though deceptively simple at first glance, hides a wealth of complexities. Edwins describes the structure as “a series of boxes that reflect the program of the spaces,” with each section clad in a different material to establish hierarchy. The living room, the primary hub of the house, is clad in Equitone – a through-color façade material – while the dining room and primary suite are wrapped in bronzed metal panels that blend with the surrounding forest, creating a sense of floating in nature. Kristine Anderson, managing principal at PKA, adds that the homeowner’s list of descriptors guided the creative process. Words like “imposing,” “bewildering” and “textured” set the tone early on, driving the selection of materials and the way spaces were framed. The design is, as Anderson notes, not polished but rather purposefully imperfect – rich in textures and layered meanings. “A material that is imposing can also be a piece of art, as well as the counterbalance in a room,” she explains, emphasizing the home’s balance of drama and subtlety.
At the heart of this home lies a deep collaboration between architect and designer. Aguilar’s soft contemporary with a touch of maximalism pushed the project in directions the clients hadn’t imagined. “I like to compose with materials and textures, mixing periods of furniture, lighting, art and decorative accessories,” Aguilar shares, describing how he brought together a dynamic blend of old and new, bold and restrained. One pivotal moment came when Aguilar selected a large-format porcelain slab from Florim for the floors, a material with a fluid, organic movement that grounds the home’s expansive spaces. The selection was so important that a trip to Italy was arranged to ensure the perfect match of slabs. “It was a key element that set the tone for both the interior and exterior finishes,” Aguilar recalls.
The interior palette is a blend of materials that tell their own stories. White oak, bronze, limestone and blackened steel all make appearances, chosen not only for their inherent beauty but also for their ability to harmonize with the clients’ eclectic art collection. “The materials have enough texture and imperfections that collectively, they soften the overall presence of the home,” Anderson explains, ensuring it doesn’t succumb to the coldness often associated with modern design.
One of the home’s signature features is the brick louver system, an idea PKA pitched early on. The motorized louvers act as a screen, creating privacy while allowing light to play across the space. “We had no idea how we would actually accomplish it,” admits Edwins, “but after many iterations, we developed a system that became one of the home’s defining features.”
Each of the spaces within the home carries its own identity, yet the transitions between them feel effortless. Aguilar’s design philosophy of creating vignettes is evident in how art and furniture arrangements constantly shift, like “a lady dressing herself, adding layers of jewelry and accessories,” he eloquently muses. The art, collected over the years, adds to this sense of wonder, with pieces ranging from photography to sculpture, each thoughtfully placed to heighten interest in every room.
Despite its maximalist tendencies, the home feels cohesive, thanks to the guiding visions of both PKA and Aguilar. The collaboration allowed for moments of whimsy without sacrificing elegance. As Edwins reflects, “It’s restrained maximalism, a balance of refinement and eccentricity that feels both sculptural and livable.” The result is a home that isn’t just a place to live, but an evolving, interactive work of art. “Everything was planned and well thought out,” states Aguilar. “From the views to the procession of spaces, it’s truly a wonder to experience.”
Photography by Canary Grey.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.