Patio House / herchell arquitectos

Hoerr Schaudt, an award-winning landscape design firm, successfully transformed the outdoor living space of a historic Lincoln Park home, earning recognition as the 'Best Outdoor Living Space Winner' in Chicago's Design 9. The project, initiated by a recommendation from interior designer Michael Abrams, focused on meticulously blending historical authenticity with the practical needs of a modern family. The lead designer, Simon Prunty, emphasized craft, authenticity, and durability throughout the design process, aiming to respect the home's past while creating a livable and contemporary outdoor area suitable for a family with young children. A key aspect of the design involved a deep commitment to being 'period correct' with all detailing, which was achieved by aligning ironwork and masonry with the home’s historic architectural elements. The team utilized site-specific materials, including a carefully selected stone that harmonized with the existing structure and could be adapted for various applications. Reclaimed Chicago Common brick was incorporated, alongside inspiration drawn from other historic properties, to create a welcoming 'porch' entry. This entry features split-face curbs and hand-dressed flatwork, further enhancing the historical aesthetic. Additionally, hand-sourced and hand-selected plant materials were chosen to complement the hardscaping in every section of the property. The outdoor space features a striking fireplace fabricated by Windsor Builders, which showcases Chicago Common brick with limestone coping and a sleek black firebrick interior. This fireplace serves as a focal point, contributing to the refined elegance of the area. Furnishings such as the dining table and chairs from Janus et Cie add a sophisticated touch, while a variety of planters introduce vibrant life and color. The use of Lannon Stone for pavers integrates seamlessly with the overall design, reinforcing the commitment to high-quality, period-appropriate materials. The collaboration with Michael Abrams Interiors for interior design and En Masse Architecture and Design for architectural elements ensured a cohesive vision for the entire property. The clients expressed immense satisfaction with Hoerr Schaudt's ability to translate their vision into reality, preserving the home's historic charm while reflecting the unique character of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The final outcome is a sophisticated and versatile outdoor haven that seamlessly blurs the distinction between indoor and outdoor living spaces, offering both historical reverence and modern functionality for the family. #OutdoorLivingSpace #HistoricHome #LandscapeDesign #ChicagoDesign #HoerrSchaudt #ArchitecturalDetails #HomeRenovation #LincolnPark #LuxuryInteriors

This article highlights eight innovative renovation ideas implemented in a Victorian terrace in Carlton North. The property, previously renovated to include a modern living space, presented challenges with cramped areas, poor natural light, and a disjointed transition between old and new sections. To address these issues, the owners enlisted Techne Architecture + Interior Design for a comprehensive renovation focused on contemporary aesthetics and enhanced warmth. One key design element is the use of light-coloured timber floorboards throughout the entry hall and living areas. According to Nick Travers, director at Techne Architecture + Interior Design, these floors contribute to a fresh and bright atmosphere, creating a relaxed and welcoming feel. He also notes their practicality for family living, as pale floorboards are easier to maintain compared to dark ones, which tend to highlight dust and pet hair. Black steel-framed windows and doors are another prominent feature, injecting a contemporary flair into the home. Bianca Baldi, senior interior designer, explains that the segmented glass frames views of the back garden, effectively turning them into 'picture frames.' This design choice not only enhances the aesthetic but also connects the interior with the outdoor environment. Pale timber joinery is utilized to establish a natural flow and commonality between rooms. Travers explains that this consistency makes the spaces feel interconnected. The bespoke touch of slim metal handles with leather detailing further elevates the cabinetry, providing a unique yet familiar tactile experience. In the main bedroom, a built-in timber-veneer bedhead serves to define the sleeping area without creating clutter. Baldi describes it as stylish and restful, offering a convenient surface for artwork and decorative items while maintaining a minimalist look. The front living room features luxurious, ceiling-height curtains on a curved metal rail. These curtains, which slide across glass doors leading to the exterior and a separate study, offer both aesthetic appeal and functionality. They provide privacy when the study is used as a guest bedroom, and the curved rail softens the space, enhancing tranquility. The redesign of the open-plan living zone involved introducing a raked ceiling to increase volume and improve natural light and ventilation through highlight windows. Baldi adds that the ceiling is lined with timber to balance the room's upper and lower sections, with a partial extension outdoors to further connect the indoors and outdoors. The ensuite bathroom adopts a gentle grey and white color scheme, accentuated by bold black tapware. Baldi explains that this palette aims for a soft and light yet dramatic effect. A floor-mounted tap beside the bath provides a sculptural element, adding a touch of luxury. Additionally, a built-in shelf extends from the shower across the back wall behind the bath, connecting the wash areas and offering stylish storage. Finally, a previously underutilized small outdoor space off the living area was transformed into an inviting outdoor nook with banquette seating. Baldi notes that this area, distinct from the main outdoor dining space, is now a cozy coffee spot. The inclusion of plants trained along vines softens the area, and their vivid green contrasts dramatically with the black-framed windows and doors, enhancing the overall appeal of the space. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #VictorianTerrace #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #TimberFlooring #SteelFrames #JoineryDesign #OutdoorNook

The Garrison Residence, a 3,800-square-foot house initially built in 1987, underwent a significant rebuild to transform it from a dark and enclosed space into a bright, ultra-contemporary home. The project, led by architect Patrick Tighe, aimed to maximize natural light and ocean views given its prime beach-adjacent location. The owners, Mark and Jane Garrison, a doctor-turned-entrepreneur and an animal-rights activist respectively, desired a design that reflected their modern lifestyle and vegan principles. Tighe's design incorporated a series of hexagonal windows, which served a dual purpose: complementing the building's scale and introducing a unique pattern. These six-sided shapes were manipulated vertically and outward, culminating in a prominent, eye-catching 'eye' feature on the smooth white plaster-coated facade. This architectural element not only enhances the exterior aesthetics but also plays a crucial role in bringing ample sunlight into the interior spaces. Adjacent to the main structure, a new gray tower was added, providing a contrast to the white facade. This tower houses a staircase featuring open risers and glass circles embedded into the landings. A central wire mesh screen along the staircase contributes to the home's artistic flair by creating a dynamic interplay of shadows, adding visual interest. For accessibility, an elevator connects the garage to the various levels of the house, including the ground-level bedrooms, the public living spaces above, and a study located on the top floor. The interior furnishings were handled by David Dunn, who prioritized maintaining Tighe's minimalist aesthetic. An example of this approach is the living area's sofa, designed to be lean and low, measuring 8 feet in length with a 14-inch seat height. The upholstery chosen was vintage chartreuse velvet, providing a pop of color while adhering to the sophisticated, understated design. Reflecting the owners' strict vegan lifestyle, all fillings used in the furnishings were man-made. The project team for Patrick Tighe Architecture included Evelina Sausina, Michael Ho, and Michael Nesbit, all contributing to the successful realization of this award-winning small house design. #GarrisonResidence #PatrickTigheArchitecture #SmallHouseDesign #ModernArchitecture #HexagonalWindows #MinimalistInterior #VeganFriendlyDesign #InteriorDesignAward

Porches are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, evolving from traditional structures to essential extensions of a home's living space. Stephen Melman, a spokesperson for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), notes this trend, highlighting that the share of new homes incorporating porches increased from 42% in 1992 to 60% in 2008. This revival marks a return to a classic American architectural feature that had seen a decline in the 1950s with the advent of suburban living and air conditioning. Today, homeowners are increasingly seeking functional outdoor living areas, driving renewed interest in porches as a versatile solution. Lee Mackenzie, President of Mackenzie Design Build Inc. and a recipient of the 2010 Contractor of the Year Award, emphasizes the fundamental role porches play in fulfilling human needs for both protection and a sense of openness. He explains that porches offer a secure space while providing a broad view of the surroundings, a concept he refers to as "protection and prospect." Mackenzie's award-winning renovation of an Austin bungalow exemplifies this, where he meticulously recreated a front porch that had been previously removed. This redesigned porch integrates natural elements like river stone columns, glass mosaic caps, and timber framing that aligns with the existing roofline, featuring pegged mortise-and-tenon construction. Thoughtful lighting, including downlights in arches and along the entry staircase, enhances the porch's overall presence and appeal. Before embarking on porch construction or renovation, Mackenzie advises that the design must complement both the home's architectural style and the character of the surrounding neighborhood. He distinguishes between front porches, which foster a connection with the street and community, and back or side porches, which provide a private retreat and link to nature. Mackenzie advocates for designs that utilize materials inspired by the natural world and showcase exposed structural elements, contributing to an organic aesthetic. Several key elements contribute to a well-designed porch. Color choice for paint or stain can quickly refresh a porch, with considerations for sunlight exposure and coordination with the house's exterior hue. Solid stains offer full coverage, while semi-transparent options allow the natural wood grain to show through. For concrete porches, acid staining or acrylic coatings can update existing surfaces, while new concrete can be tinted and stamped to mimic natural stone or tile. Accents like porcelain tile, brick, or natural stone add a natural touch. These materials should have a matte, honed, or textured finish and be frost-resistant, especially if used for flooring, where they must be laid on a moisture-proof substructure and sealed if porous. Lighting is crucial for creating an inviting ambiance. Mackenzie stresses the importance of selecting fixtures that match the home's architectural style and are UL Wet-rated for outdoor exposure. While overhead lights provide general illumination, accent lighting, such as recessed lights, wall sconces, torchieres, and low-profile fixtures, diffuses light to prevent glare and shadows, enhancing the porch's visual appeal. Ceiling fans are also highlighted as important features, circulating fresh air and, when paired with a porch swing, offering a cooling effect in shaded areas. Finally, furniture plays a significant role in defining the porch's functionality and atmosphere. Mackenzie notes that the arrangement of furniture can dictate how the space is used; positioning furniture to face the street encourages community engagement, while tighter groupings foster intimacy. Given that many porches serve as entryways, maintaining clear pathways to doors is essential. For new porch constructions, Mackenzie recommends a minimum depth of 6 feet to accommodate gatherings and furniture like a small table and three to four chairs, ensuring the space is conducive to social interaction. Durable materials such as wood, plastic, rustproof metal, and fiberglass are ideal for outdoor furniture, offering both resilience to the elements and comfort. The overall selection of porch furnishings and accessories, whether traditional or contemporary, should seamlessly integrate with the home's exterior style, colors, and materials. Ultimately, Mackenzie believes a porch should be an integral design element, not merely an add-on, contributing to community betterment by serving as a gathering spot for family, friends, and neighbors. #PorchDesign #HomeImprovement #OutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalTrends #HomeRenovation #ExteriorDesign #ConstructionTips