Double A for Renovation

Change can be traumatic, even when it’s necessary and for the greater good. Case in point is the double A-frame that’s long been the northwoods pride of Twin Citians Oliver “Bud” and Jeannette Peterson, their children, grandchildren, and countless acquaintances. As I wrote here in September 2006, the venerable getaway, designed by the Petersons’ late architect friend John Rauma and built more than forty years ago near Walker, Minnesota, needed to be updated and expanded to accommodate both a growing number of visitors and the structure’s current year-round use. But the prospect of renovation, while inviting, was also daunting for Petersons of all ages, who worried about the loss of precious memories, character, and charm.

Nevertheless, the changes went forward. My design included the addition of four dormerlike “saddlebags” that would “ride” on three of the cabin’s four roof/sides. One new bedroom (for a total of four) and two new baths (there are now three) were added and the kitchen, dining area, and cozy, windowed sitting space dubbed “Bud’s bay” were expanded and upgraded. All told, the usable interior space was increased by about a third. Outside, the basic A-frame design was preserved and not one of the beloved pines was sacrificed to the addition.

For all the promised enhancements, I had a difficult time persuading Bud and Jeannette to take that first look at the changes. They were so clearly afraid of what they would see, I called the builder and warned him about their impending visit. But everybody—not least yours truly—was relieved when the Petersons inspected the new reality before them. “Oh, this is so right!” Jeannette exclaimed. Daughters Lucy and Lynn, eager for improvements but worried about a possible suburban-style monstrosity, were tickled by the wider vistas and fresh space the renovation provided within the still-compact footprint. “There are woods out there I never saw from inside before,” said Lucy. Added Lynn: “I used to walk around unconsciously listing to one side. Now I can stand erect with ample shoulder room.”

The “new” place was quickly christened and in full use last summer, even serving as the wedding reception site for a long-time cabin neighbor and many lakeshore friends—all of whom seemed to agree with the Petersons that, yes, change, while stressful, is good.

Dale Mulfinger is a partner in Sala Architects in the Twin Cities and teaches architecture at the University of Minnesota. His latest book, Cabinology, will be published this fall by The Taunton Press.