12 one-of-a-kind Minnesota homes from top Twin Cities architects

The way a home feels, looks and lives like home is different for everyone. For one owner, home is a sustainable new-fashioned farmhouse. For another, it's a remodeled midcentury rambler ... or a family cabin overlooking Lake Superior.

These homes and more are among this year's Home of the Month selected projects. The 12 designs by AIA Minnesota (American Institute of Architects) professionals were chosen from 37 submissions. And starting in June, readers can get an inside look at the dozen residences on the first Sunday of the month in the Star Tribune Homes section and at startribune.com.

The architects and homeowners will share behind-the-scenes details of each project, along with a gallery of photos to inspire your own building, remodeling and decorating plans.

1. COTTAGEWOOD BEACH HOUSE

Designed by Peterssen/Keller Architecture

The casual, yet sophisticated plan boasts open spaces for entertaining, gallery white walls to showcase artwork and a wraparound deck delivering panoramic views of Lake Minnetonka. The design team and landscape architect worked within DNR guidelines to make the 1½-story home fit the narrow lakefront site and scale of the neighborhood. The classic-meets-modern interiors are a blend of light and dark finishes, shiplap paneling, rolled steel doors and handcrafted Italian plaster walls.

2. SIDE STREET SUITE: XTRA SMALL

A 640-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) lives large, thanks to strategically placed glass on four sides to experience the path of sunlight throughout the day. Yellow-painted sliding doors open to a bedroom suite equipped with a walk-in closet, bathroom and washer/dryer. Playful, bold colors enliven the interiors, which are warmed by heated Marmoleum floors.

3. URBAN FIT

Designed by Rehkamp Larson Architects

This new home's architecture was inspired by the clapboard-sided older homes on the established Minneapolis streetscape. Yet the large casement windows and paneled front-entry porch are a nod to today. Inside, the clean white palette and minimalist millwork are infused with pops of color in cabinetry, tile and furnishings.

4. SANCTUARY IN AND OF THE WOODS

5. MENDOTA MODERN

Designed by Rehkamp Larson Architects

A dark, cramped midcentury rambler gained improved functionality and light with a reconfigured floor plan, larger windows and new mudroom. For extra storage, a built-in bookcase lines the living room wall. The exterior was updated with a new front canopy and steps, wide four-panel door, glass garage door and a fresh coat of paint.

6. COASTAL MODERN

Designed by Swan Architecture

7. SNOSKUR

Designed by Kell Architects

SnoSkur is a family cabin high on a bluff overlooking Lake Superior, which connects the family to the land through thoughtful use of material, form and structure. A ramp provides an accessible zero-clearance entry to the cedar-clad retreat. The main level is a communal gathering space and guest bedroom encircled by an exterior elevated deck. The upper level is the owners' sanctuary, boasting dramatic expanses of glass toward the lake views. The family can stargaze through skylights in the roof.

8. SUBURBAN SERENITY

Designed by Albertsson Hansen Architecture

9. HUNTINGTON RESIDENCE

Designed by Peterssen/Keller Architecture

Modern melds with tradition in this Wayzata home nestled into a hill. Two classic gable forms, clad in cedar shakes, are connected by a modern metal form. The linear open plan features a cozy sunken living room and a sleek cabinet wall. Garden light wells and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a patio create a strong indoor-outdoor connection.

10. TONKA BAY NET ZERO INFILL

Designed by SALA Architects

11. FARMHOUSE REBORN

Designed by Rehkamp Larson Architects

This farmhouse-meets-barn is practical, natural and soulful. The new house and garage are sited to complement two existing barns. Sustainability features include a steel roof, T-mass-insulated concrete foundation and geothermal heating and cooling. The homeowners added personal touches, such as a fireplace composed of fieldstone hand-picked from the property and handmade kitchen backsplash tile. The owners' pottery studio has a charming view of their sheep pen.

12. WEE-ELY

Designed by SALA Architects