Midwestern homeowners tend to have traditional tastes, so the houses on the annual Parade of Homes generally follow suit. "Arts & Crafts has been the architectural style of choice," said Mark Erickson, president of Landsted (www.landstedco.com), a Hudson, Wis.-based design-build firm.

But modernism is gaining momentum, especially in upper-bracket homes, he noted.

This year, Landsted's Parade entry is as far from traditional as Dubai is from Delano. The homeowners, who were returning to Minnesota after 10 years living overseas, wanted their dream home to reflect the sleek contemporary style and high-tech features they'd discovered in the world's most sophisticated cities.

Here's a peek at what else is inside the $2.5 million, 6,000-square-foot home in Tonka Bay, one of three Dream Homes featured on this year's Parade.

All about the view

Clean uncluttered lines and a monochromatic color palette of white, black and gray draw the eye outdoors to expansive views of Lake Minnetonka's Old Channel Bay. The lake side of the home has floor-to-ceiling windows and faces due west, for dazzling sunsets. An open floor plan and floating stair with glass panels ensure minimal visual disruption.

Parade of Homes Dream Home on Lake Minnetonka at 4384 Manitou Road Tonka Bay

Be their guest

The homeowners, who like to entertain, chose a granite-topped center island big enough to seat a small dinner party, as well as Euro-style cabinetry with a white lacquer finish and integrated handles, deep kitchen storage drawers and extra pull-out fridge/freezer space. A custom main-floor wine cellar is just steps away, as well as a home theater with a 110-inch projector screen. When warmer weather arrives, guests can enjoy the outdoor shower and nearby locker room, lakeside patios and a stone screened porch with gas fireplace.

In-home escape

When it's time to unwind, there's a 1,600-square-foot owner's retreat, featuring a breakfast bar with appliances, luxury bath, private balcony, sitting room with two-sided fireplace and an exercise room, all with views of Lake Minnetonka.

Green?

Despite the home's size and abundant windows, it's energy-efficient enough for inclusion in the Parade's Green Path Energy Efficient Home Tour, a tour-within-a-tour, featuring 133 sustainable homes. The home also features include a state-of-the-art HVAC system, radiant in-floor heating and Marvin Ultimate Series windows with sun-resistant coating. Because the homeowners hope to age in place, closets were designed to allow cost-effective conversion to an elevator in the future.

Smart controls

Want to know what's going on at home, even when you're not there? The Dream Home's lighting, audio and technology systems are fully integrated and automated, and can be controlled remotely via an iPhone. "You can be anywhere in the world and see who just came to your door, or turn the lights on and off," said Erickson.

Kim Palmer • 612-673-4784