Perforated Living

Located along the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, this single-family residence is situated on a sub-standard lot only 17.5’ wide, directly adjacent to a Metra Commuter Rail Line and less than a block from the CTA ‘L’ Brown Line. The use of solid masonry construction not only dampens the sound of the nearby train line and maintains privacy, but also compliments the industrial context of the surrounding red brick industrial buildings that define Ravenswood Avenue. Due to the narrow lot size and construction type, the interior of the home is only 15’ wide requiring innovative programming solutions to address the clients’ desire to maintain a spacious interior contrasted with a highly private exterior.

 On the exterior, a two-story perforated brick screen defines a transitional space from the public way that reveals a glass-encased courtyard upon entry. The brick screen creates interesting shadow play, allowing the exterior architecture to express itself within the interior of the home. The interior light court acts as the project’s central hub visually and physically, providing light throughout the home and housing the decorative staircase & circulation that connects the home’s two distinct volumes.  Sleeping areas are located in a private volume towards the front of the home, where privacy is maintained with limited openings towards the street. However, at the rear of the house the public areas are highlighted with an open floor plan and generous glazed doors create a seamless flow between the home’s gathering spaces and a spacious backyard.

Year: 2018

Type: Single - Family

Project Size: 2,300 sq. ft.

Structural Engineer: SP Engineers

General Contractor: Tercon Builders

Photographer: Mike Schwartz