Zen Modern Retreat by JMAD, A Contemporary Home Rooted in Heritage and Nature
Architecture Design of Zen Modern Retreat
Description About The Project
Zen Modern Retreat by JMAD fuses Asian-inspired architecture with modern design, offering a serene, light-filled sanctuary immersed in natural woodland views.
The Project “Zen Modern Retreat” Information:
- Project Name: Zen Modern Retreat
- Location: Medina, Minnesota, United States
- Designed by: JMAD
A Modern Sanctuary Inspired by Asian Heritage
Designed by JMAD Architecture, Zen Modern Retreat is a contemporary woodland home that gracefully balances modern minimalism with the elegance of Asian architectural traditions. Located on a large wooded site, the residence was created for a client who sought a deep connection to nature and her cultural roots — a home that feels both grounded and transcendent.
“The client wanted something modern but not stark — a home that honored her Asian heritage while still embracing open, contemporary living,” explains JMAD’s lead architect. “That conversation was our north star throughout the design process.”
This duality manifests in the home’s signature elements: the roof’s dual-pitch profile with deep overhangs, the wood-look composite fascia that mimics traditional joinery, and spatial rhythms that blend enclosure with openness.
A Dialogue Between Space and Light
At the heart of the retreat lies the great room, a soaring double-height space wrapped in full-height glazing. Light floods the interior, guided by carefully positioned windows that frame the surrounding forest.
“We didn’t want to use small transom windows — we wanted the view to be uninterrupted,” notes the JMAD project architect. “That meant floor-to-ceiling glass, but with warmth and texture in the details.”
The home’s entry is thoughtfully choreographed through a see-through fireplace that acts as both threshold and connector. It defines a private moment upon entry while immediately drawing one’s gaze toward the great room beyond — establishing an intuitive, light-filled flow from the very first step.
An Architectural Staircase That Floats
One of the most striking features of Zen Modern Retreat is its sculptural stairwell — a glass-encased vertical light well that brings daylight to all three levels of the home. The floating treads, anchored on a steel frame, seem to hover weightlessly.
“We wanted the staircase to feel like an installation — something you move through, but also observe,” says JMAD’s design director. “Its transparency also reinforces our larger goal of layering light and space.”
This gesture transforms a functional element into a visual anchor, enhancing both the exterior composition and the internal experience.
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Blending Indoor and Outdoor Living
Rooted in its natural surroundings, the home offers seamless transitions between interior and exterior life. A screened porch just off the kitchen invites seasonal living, allowing the owners to prepare meals inside and enjoy them in a protected outdoor setting.
“That porch became a key element — it’s their bridge to nature, surrounded by trees and open sky,” adds the architectural team. “It’s where the modern plan opens up to something timeless.”
The material palette — composite wood accents, black steel, glass, and soft interior finishes — was chosen to endure time and weather, while staying low-maintenance and visually rich.
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Where Nature, Culture, and Modernity Meet
In every move, Zen Modern Retreat is about balance: between heritage and innovation, enclosure and exposure, gravity and light. From its custom roofline to its luminous interiors, the home delivers a quiet sophistication deeply informed by its site and the spirit of its residents.
“To us, this home reflects a life philosophy — it’s not just architecture, it’s intentional living,” reflects JMAD’s principal architect. “Every view, every material, every transition is purposeful.”
Zen Modern Retreat stands as a serene, enduring response to the client’s vision — a home that is at once sculptural and soulful, modern yet timeless.
Photo credit: | Source: JMAD
For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: Market Square 275 Market St. Suite 135, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Minnesota
– Tel: +1 877-796-5623
– Email: info@jmad.design
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