Marcia Talkovich

The couple partnered as the architects and contractors for the majority of the project. Xin currently works as a Project Manager at DBI Projects, while Matthew has led his practice, Rauch Architecture, since 2017.

The family wanted a new structure that would provide coverage for their vehicles, but also support a multi-purpose family room and workspace. Personalizing this broad goal to suit their specific interests and activities is what helped take this project somewhere special.

Steel columns support a wood-framed structure.

Cedar panelling clads the wood-frame building. “Originally we’d planned on painting it, but it looked so right, we kept it natural,” says Lim.

A cedar screen slides in front of the picture window to keep the glass protected during driveway basketball games.

Though the other buildings in the neighborhood are more traditional, “the neighborhood has latched onto this home,” says Lim. “It’s been a really pleasant surprise.”

BEFORE: The carport was nothing to write home about.

Designed by 25:8 Architecture, the high-flying addition provides a couple with an elevated lookout—and space to stretch their wings.

A graphic wallpaper by Kate Zaremba wraps the kids' bathroom with sconces by Allied Maker.

Custom white oak cabinetry defines the open plan kitchen, which also features a stone-topped island and breakfast nook, where Ricks and his family spend much of their time.

Benjamin Moore's Barberry paint accents a wall in the living room, which it lit by a chandelier by Andrew Neyer. The ottoman is by Muuto.

“I really wanted to recycle the original blue Boffi kitchen that came with the house to avoid unnecessary demolition and waste,” says architect Helena Rivera. “So, I designed the unit layout in a way that allowed all of those carcasses to be re-used, and intentionally ‘filled the gaps’ with three new joinery pieces—a larder, an island for our cookbooks, and a high-level appliance unit—that match the American walnut of the timber screen in the arrival hallway.”

The home features its own dock and private access to the lake.