In the era of so-called McMansions and “bigger is better” home design, architect Sarah Susanka pioneered a new approach to residential architecture: something maybe not so big.
Rather than designing sprawling homes void of purpose, Susanka thought homes should utilize techniques that lived large rather than being literally large, and flexed as the needs of occupants changed. Her “Not So Big House” philosophy and book series resonated with thousands of homeowners and architects — even landing her a spot on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” It also resonated with the owners of 210 Sunnyridge Circle, who are now asking $1.29 million for their not-so-big-house in Golden Valley, Minnesota, outside Minneapolis.
The owners tasked Susanka and architect Michaela Mahady of Minneapolis-based SALA Architects to design a home that could shift as their two young children grew up but also provided ample space for their art collection while maximizing their proximity to the large Theodore Wirth Regional Park.
“The owners gave her some challenges she was excited to take on,” said listing agent Sara Kranz of Edina Realty in an interview. “It was a combination between family-focused and friendly, entertaining, but also almost like a museum showcase.”
The home is 4,070 square feet with four bedrooms and 3-1/2 bathrooms.
Embodying the ‘Not So Big House’
The Not So Big House principles focus on the usage of space, the abundance of light and plenty of opportunity for order. These manifest in ceiling height variety, changes in level, implied walls, window positioning, art glass and geometry, to name just a few.
The home was built in 1990, a few years before Susanka had a name for her architectural approach. It’s been featured in the 1998-published “Not So Big House” itself as a prime example for the philosophy’s principles.
At Sunnyridge Circle, the intentional usage of space looks like split levels to add variance and dimension between gathering spaces, the kitchen and the breakfast nook. A step-down sunken living room adds a layer of comfort while the room’s swaths of open wall give opportunity for art, and a perfectly measured square section atop a built-in stone fireplace fits a square piece of artwork. Recessed lighting surrounding the living room perimeter acts like gallery lighting for the owner’s special pieces.
The “order” principle is most notable with the abundance of wood built-ins found throughout the home, from television nooks to bookcases of all heights and sizes, and built-in seating off a large rounded window.
These artful built-ins were sculptural in their design at Sunnyridge, seen in the placement of the television. Susanka writes, “The family who owns the house … recognized that the television was the true hearth of their home. Rather than hide the television, they decided to make a sculptural statement with it.”
Light comes in though a range of window sizes and shapes, such as the home’s half-column that serves as a lower-level office and an upper-floor breakfast nook. The house has its own piece of art glass nestled into the kitchen that adds privacy from neighbors.
Functionally, the home has rooms on the lower level with walkout access that provided a private entry for the family’s nanny. The lower level also has its own living room and additional rooms. The primary bedroom and three additional bedrooms are all on the same floor, but on opposite wings.
“When they got older and no longer needed a nanny, they would spread out and have sleepovers in the lower level and could have Friendsgivings if they wanted in separate spaces,” said Kranz. “It allowed them to be flexible and have their own space but also be in the house.”
The primary bedroom has 12-foot windows with a curved wall, a custom bookshelf with built-in seating and a large cedar-drenched soaking Jacuzzi bath, a touch commonly added by Susanka to connect the wellness space to the outdoors.
