For nearly 15 years, architectural principal and director David Strand saw a piece of St. Paul slowly transition from Ford Motor grounds into the Highland Bridge development. He became an active player in the transformation when he teamed up with Detail Homes and chose Marvin for the project’s custom windows and doors, creating the first single-family abode to be completed within this new neighborhood, setting the tone for homes yet to be built on the storied site. Homeowners Charlie Sellew and David Fiocco were also eager to evolve into their next era — one that connected their modern style and young family with the beauty and convenience of Highland Park.
Photography provided by Marvin | Photography by Ben Colvin / Spacecrafting
The Mississippi riverside has a rich architectural vernacular, and it was important that this home reflected that traditionalism while introducing a modern sensibility. “We took in the context of the site surroundings and asked, ‘What’s the new reality around it?’” reflects Strand. A red brick exterior and gable roof tie the 5,390-square-foot home to traditional roots; meanwhile, industrial materials like bonderized metal relate to the former Ford factory and establish a dialogue with the townhomes and commercial spaces in the Highland Bridge development. “It’s important to us that the architecture tells the truth,” he explains. “We made sure that every material we used was an authentic extension of the forms.” His team utilized large expanses of glass to complete the palette, bringing a hallmark of modernism to the forefront of the abode.
Sunlight was a critical consideration throughout the design. Keenly aware of how the sun moves throughout the Minnesota seasons, the team oriented the rooftop terrace to maximize daylight. “You can always add shade, but you can’t create sunlight,” says Strand. For more protection and comfort, the design team selected Marvin Ultimate windows and doors with Ebony exterior, wood interior and triple-pane glazing; the layering increases UV protection while helping to reduce energy loss and noise pollution. The windows encase the sun-soaked living room, which has proven to be a highlight for the homeowners. “There’s a real sense of place,” shares Fiocco. Throughout the day, natural light enhances the warm, white oak interiors, which are beautifully balanced by a dark and moody stone fireplace surround and dramatic, soaring ceilings.
Photography by Ben Colvin / Spacecrafting
One of the challenges of building on a highly traveled road is ensuring privacy without sacrificing natural light. “We wanted to create a home that felt protected from traffic and passersby but opened up to the views and the sun,” says the architect of the bustling boulevard. The solution was to push the primary suite to the back of the house and create a courtyard in front of it, while pulling more public spaces to the front. From the street and sidewalk, public spaces like the living room and kitchen are more visible, but city and river views, light and total privacy can all be enjoyed from more intimate spaces. Additionally, rather than positioning outdoor space toward the river, where privacy would be compromised, the team designed a central terrace that seamlessly connects to the kitchen.
Each space is designed with intention. “When the clients asked us to create multiple living areas and offices, we didn’t want them to feel interchangeable,” explains Strand. “Each space should naturally draw you in at different times of the day, based on your mood and needs.” The living room is bright and social, while just above it, a lofted lounge space acts as a primary hangout for the kids. It’s thoughtfully designed to be open to the kitchen and living room below to maintain togetherness. As their children grow, Fiocco and Sellew can see this space easily evolving into a homework destination or a place to hang with friends. Downstairs features a lower-level media room and is all about winding down.
Photography provided by Marvin | Photography by Ben Colvin / Spacecrafting
The winding down is much warranted after a day of hectic business schedules for the couple. Fiocco, who works primarily with international clients, needed an office space that could comfortably accommodate his off-hours schedule. Strand and team positioned a primary office at the front of the house, not to disrupt the bedrooms, and outfitted it with a sleek palette of blackened steel, walnut cabinetry and roaring fireplace. Upstairs near the bedroom, a multifunctional laundry/craft room serves as a more casual workspace for quick tasks.
As the family settles in, the true magic of the design reveals itself. “One of the best parts has been experiencing the house in each season,” says Sellew. In the winter, the fitness room and sauna were more important than the couple could have imagined, while in the sweet months of summer, the entire family spends time on the rooftop terrace and courtyard. Ultimately, this home is a reflection of the family who lives in it — a place that is rooted in history yet designed for the future, where every element serves a purpose, and every space tells a story.
Architect: Strand Design
Builder: Detail Homes
Windows and Doors partner: Marvin
