Siegel Residence

Completed in 1956, the 27-story Commonwealth Promenade apartment building, designed by Mies van der Rohe stands just west of Lake Michigan. The large 2,100 sq. ft. unit was originally two and a half units and combined it provides three fully glazed exterior walls. Unfortunately, the existing space was outdated and did not fit the client’s needs for an open, contemporary space.

We saw the opportunity to return the unit to its former glory and reconnect the condo unit to the building’s Miesian heritage. The design strategy, much like Crown Hall and the Farnsworth house, was to create mass clusters containing the more private spaces and the opposing outward faces act as a casework substrate for adjacent activities. Rather than creating rooms for private spaces, the design connects mass clusters with large concealed sliding doors. The flexibility in the system adapts to the specific activity for the specific time.

Awards:

2015 Qualified Remodeler: Whole House Gold Award

Year: 2014

Type: Single-Family

Project Size: 2,100 sq. ft.

General Contractor: Ivaska Builders Inc.

Photographer: Mike Schwartz