We were approached by a young family of 5 looking to build their dream home within the lively Wicker Park Chicago neighborhood. Initially, the couple gravitated towards traditional Chicago-style brick and limestone homes. When shown reference photos, we encouraged the couple to push their boundaries and include a more modern take which they warmed up to. The 6,800 square foot 2-story home (with basement) consists of 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 2 fireplaces, 2 staircases, and a uniquely attached garage (more information on this below). Outdoor elements include an above ground rear terrace that opens to the main living space, 1 outdoor fireplace, rooftop garage terrace, a balcony off the master suite, and multiple outdoor planters incorporated into the design for optimal outdoor views.
The exterior form stays true to traditional design, along with the beveled limestone that surrounds the windows. Yet the house reads modern with steel wide flange banding (replacing traditional stone belt course), multiple floor-to-ceiling windows, dark brick, and a cantilevered entry. One of the special moments in the home occurs at the entry – a mass clad in wood that peaks outside. Not only does the board-and-batten clad mass add visual interest to the home inside and out, but it also conceals the powder room and closet doors. This pattern of vertical lines is carried throughout with reeded glass windows and reeded glass cabinets.
On the inside of the home, each bedroom includes an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. The master suite has the addition of an office, balcony, and two-sided fireplace. The fireplace glass was designed with a sleek shutter to obstruct any morning light that would normally seep into the bedroom. The homeowners emphasized that having a dark room in the early morning was a necessity. The on-suite office is well hidden within a feature wall clad in wood panels that completely conceals the entry door into the office space.
Another focal feature of the home is the 3 story steel and wood stair that spans from the basement level to the 2nd floor. The stair was designed to appear as though it was floating. To achieve this, we offset the stringer from the center, giving more open space to each step. The stair is accompanied by a large, expansive window and skylight above.
What were the key challenges?
Most Chicago homes are tightly spaced along the block, yet we had a unique situation with this property abutting an alley. Even though a Chicago alley is not the most sightly view, we still wanted to take advantage of all the potential light that could be brought into the home.
What were the solutions?
We designed a floor-to-ceiling window wall with an exterior planter strategically placed to block unsightly views into the alley while gaining natural light and privacy from planted trees. We used this same concept of controlling outdoor views when designing the three-story stairwell window facing the neighboring house. The expansive window system is made of reeded glass to provide privacy and skew the outside views.
How is the project unique?
One of the most unique elements of this home is the attached garage – a very rare feature to have in Chicago. In order to abide by the rear yard requirements of the Chicago Building Code, we got an approved variation from the city, and connected the garage and house underground through the basement. The home can be accessed from the garage by two means – a path outdoors leading to a rear entrance, or the staircase within the garage that leads to the basement level of the home.
What was the brief?
We were approached by a young family of 4 looking to build their dream home within the lively Wicker Park Chicago neighborhood. Initially, the couple gravitated towards traditional Chicago-style brick & limestone homes. When shown reference photos, we encouraged the couple to push their boundaries and include a more modern take which they warmed up to.
Team:
Architect: Filoramo Talsma Architecture
Builder: Eighty-Eight Design + Construction
Interior Design: Studio Gild
Photography: Mike Schwartz
