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PRACTICE HOUSE

date: ?

city: Shafer, MN

architect: Gar Hargens, AIA

The oak post and bean frame of The Practice House was an experiment by original property owners Lois and Neil before constructing a permanent house on their Shafer, MN property. Originally sheathed in rough cedar and asphalt shingles, the Practice House had decayed and was welcoming native critters when new owners, Gar and Missy, decided to rescue it. Intended as a Study/Retreat, the house first got a proper foundation and electricity. Original cedar siding was reinstalled as the interior finish. The house was wrapped in Super Insulated Panels then covered with red, ribbed metal siding and a standing seam aluminum roof to relate to nearby agricultural buildings. Carpenter Steve Schrank of K-M Building Co. did the renovation “heavy lifting” including the addition of a new toilet (composting) room and entry. A small wood stove does the heating. Lofts w/descending stairs overlook the main floor which is made of oak plywood. The Practice House (or The Little Cabin That Could) is featured in Michelle Kodis’ new book Modern Cabins by Gibbs-Smith Publishers.

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