Tree Top Escape

Deck Addition and Remodel | Edina, Minnesota

Preservation and Growth

The clients are an empty-nester couple who recently purchased a home located on Minnehaha Creek. Their first project was to re-imagine the backyard. Specifically, they wanted a deck and screened porch with access to the landscape. However, two mature oak trees are located very close to the house, which added significant complications to constructing a new deck and porch. The homeowners wanted to protect the trees, and their roots, at all cost.

Our solution was to limit the number of vertical supports by using a structural steel frame; 4 columns for the porch, 3 columns for the deck. We did not excavate for concrete footings to avoid damaging the roots. Instead, we used helical piers - basically steel corkscrews - that could support the new structure without digging and damaging roots.

Project Collaborators: Crown Construction, Bunkers and Associates, and Marvin Windows. Photography by Alyssa Lee Photography.

Awards: 2023 RAVE Awards, Best of Houzz 2022 Winner

Publications: Featured in Midwest Home, Featured in Houzz Articles: “Screened-In Porch” and “Before and After”