House 1909

Single-Family Home

Location: Chicago, IL

Photos: Marty Peters

 

Project Description:

House 1909 occupies a sub-standard lot in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. Nestled within a rich architecturally diverse neighborhood, the residence is unapologetically open to the street and its neighborhood.

The residence is comprised of a series of stacked metal building boxes; a first floor “public” box, a second floor “private” box and a third floor “green” box. The first floor is clad in full height glass on both ends with glass slots on the sides. The second floor cantilevers over the first floor providing shade and balance for the main level. At the third floor are front and back carved out terraces with lush landscaping.

Due to the site’s small footprint and tight neighbors, it was necessary to create as many sources for natural light as possible. In the rear is a two car garage that is pushed tight to the residence but sloped at the intersection. This provided a direct angle of sunlight into the residence while still allowing vehicles to fit underneath.

In front, the entry sequence starts through the cor-ten steel gate, landscaped paving, up stone treads, past board formed concrete walls and planters to the recessed stone landing and walnut door. Throughout the entire journey are constant and changing glimpses into the open main floor level. Past the board formed concrete wall extending from the exterior into the foyer, the interior is clad in white to contrast the exterior and allow light to spread. Glass partitions and a two story space are used to help natural light expand.

The third floor with front and back landscaped terraces has full sliding glass walls that open up to blur the line between the interior built and the exterior natural environments. Separated from the street, this level provides a calming experience complete with views of the city skyline.