TAKING THE LEAD FROM NATURE TO MAXIMIZE VIEWS AND TRANQUILITY

After years in a beautiful, LEED Platinum-certified house we built for them on a corner lot in Glencoe our second build with this family was focused on finding a more private, larger lot that could allow them to spread out a bit. After looking at seven or eight potential properties – all the way from remodel opportunities to teardowns – we found a truly unique lot on a Glencoe Ravine that offered stunning proximity to nature and a wonderful opportunity to design and build a custom home.

Designing the house to follow the natural curve of the surroundings and including an expansive first floor with a separate wing for guests, we were able to provide each primary space and bedroom with ample privacy, natural light that travels across the spaces and a view to the ravines. Table land was maximized to include a large outdoor entertaining area and meticulous architectural gardens that play off the overall modern Tudor design of the home.

HARMONIOUS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DESIGN

A clean white stucco exterior frames limestone window headers and sills as well as multiple, overlapping, steeply pitched rooflines that follow in the Tudor tradition. Conscious design decisions such as a pervious paver driveway to handle runoff and a long-lasting, solar-repelling standing seam metal roof add to the respect of nature that is this family’s touchstone.

The homeowner, an interior designer, envisioned a home anchored by neutrals and naturals with an emphasis on crisp black and white, in everything from materials to finishes. Floor-to-ceiling windows welcome the blue of the sky and green of the trees as accent colors enhancing the spaces. Doors from France hung as sliding doors to the primary suite bath add to the vintage-modern mix. The spectacular interiors and a stunning home office on the main floor provide wonderful opportunities to showcase her talents to visiting clients.

When you get to collaborate on a second design and build with talented clients the result is something that looks as if it grew out of the landscape and feels like it has always been there.

Interior design credit: Natalie Slotnick Design
Exteriors and hardscape credit: Midwest Arbor
Photography: Stoffer Photography

The project was also featured in Better in September 2020!