Screens of all kinds are part of our everyday lives and in this story we will illustrate how this architect, builder and homeowner discovered a creative way to integrate a large screen television and media center with a new Valor linear fireplace in this remodeling project.
Positioned adjacent to one of the most beautiful golf courses in the Twin Cities, this craftsman style home needed a new look that would complement the lifestyle of this Edina family.
Andre LaTondresse was our architect on this project.
" Andre drew up a plan that would open up the wall between the kitchen and dining room, re-design the media wall in the living room and replace worn and outdated finishes to blend with the cherry, hickory and maple wood used in this craftsman-style house."
"The challenge with any remodel is to make choices that will blend in with decisions the previous owner made that you may not have made. Some choices were modern and we wanted to move the interior design back to be consistent with the original craftsman details throughout. We replaced reflective surfaces with more subtle honed black granite and a higher-grade tile backsplash. "
Can you describe the process for me?
"We chose the linear fireplace first because we wanted the television screen to be at eye level. The linear fireplace and television became the focal point (as one unit) within the wall and the black stone around the unit defines them as such. We are especially impressed with the HeatShifttm technology that keeps the area around the fireplace cool to the touch. We placed the glass shelf above the fireplace as an added heat shield but it probably was not necessary- I can place my hand on it now and it's fine."
"We love the ease with which we can use this fireplace. When we relax in the living room we don't want to spend time making a wood fire and I just love the cleanliness of the gas fireplace and the fact that I can turn it on any time of day and for any length of time."
How did the professionals on the job collaborate?
"We scheduled conversations with everyone involved to take place on-site to talk through the project. Joe and Nick came out to plan out the gas line and venting with the construction crew at Crown. They all worked really well together. It was a 4-month project from start to finish. Crown kept the project going while I was away for a month and they kept the work area clean and sealed off from the rest of the house. The whole thing was done by labor day. "
How did you find Crown Construction?
"Several of our neighbors used Crown with good results. They do a very detailed estimate process and we paid exactly what was estimated. They even helped me save money on the granite by suggesting another resource. We were very impressed by their skill and professionalism."
Elisabeth Hoff at Crown Construction gave me some insight into why people are so happy with their work.
Transparency, timeliness, affordability and craft are the words we live by at Crown. We are very flexible and not exclusive. We provide solutions to our clients which allow a host of possibilities. A positive attitude is integral to our culture. We work with responsive and skillful professionals dedicated to their craft.
Tell me about you and your experience.
I was educated in architecture at Georgia Tech and moved to Minneapolis in 1999. I have been working with Willie as a project manager since 2005. We like to use All Seasons Fireplace because we have a good working relationship. Good relationships are vital to Crown and to our clients. We have discovered a sequence of communication between the professionals that guarantees a successful outcome.
Joe and Nick meet with the homeowner and the architect early on in the process to examine and understand the existing conditions. We think this communication makes all the difference to the outcome of the project. After the site visit, the client visits the showroom where they can see the fireplace burning and where Joe will help the client select the fireplace and the specific functions of the unit. Next, we invited Nick to collaborate with the construction crew during the installation of the gas line and venting. These discussions lead to questions about details that result in a smooth and predictable process. We just completed another job with you in the same neighborhood and it came out very well. That project would make a nice story as well.
