© Todd Remington 2006

A Private Retreat

Placemaking
"Architecture always has danced a line between art and pragmatism, providing necessary shelter while occasionally transcending commerce to become art . . ."

Project Description below

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" As such, architecture is the most powerful and influential of all art forms as it shapes our lives in innumerable ways. We gain a sense of place through architecture." Eric Kudalis, Editor of Architecture Minnesota wrote these words as introduction to an article about Todd Remington's design for a Private Retreat in the Western hills of Wisconsin near Lake Pepin. Read entire text of feature article or scroll below for a brief description.

Photo at Top: Wow

Photo Lower Left: The husband's implement barn (red) has plenty of storage for snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles and other motorized toys on the main level. Also included on the main floor is a large well outfitted shop. Upstairs overlooking the implement storage and above the shop is an exercise area. A short walk across the covered bridge into the silo reveals a full office with panoramic views of the valley and retreat. The horse barn (white), built into the hillside, is a real working barn with 12 well outfitted stalls on the lower level and tack room. A side shed building with arched door houses the carriages used for hay rides. The upper levels are for hay and grain storage, and also include a chicken coop. In front of the horse barn in the Architecture Minnesota cover photo can be seen the corral and horse training area

Photo Lower Center: Goats and Ducks rest in the shade to relieve the midday heat. Within the real working horse barn (back drop), temperatures are moderated using a sophisticated passive ventilation system invented in the late 1800's and researched by Todd at the University of Minnesota Agriculture Department. Note the lower flaps are open which provides cool shaded air to the lower level. The photo at top also shows the roof top cupolas which provide draft for the venting system.

Photo Lower Right: Todd Remington also remodeled the existing modest farmhouse. The small kitchen was expanded to become this large "farm" kitchen allowing family and guests to eat together.

Photos by Peter Kerze

Specializing in Residential Architecture: Homes, Cabins and Retreats