Featured in Chicago Magazine, this 8500SF new construction, Lincoln Park Mediterranean home resides on two wide lots and was designed for a young family. BGD&C designed a modest home emphasizing an expansive side yard and terrace. The front of the home was kept simple, infused with a traditional Italianate design.
The entry door is a custom fabricated walnut door with a glass transom. The lack of sidelights maintains privacy from the street while the stained walnut compliments the exterior palette of red clay roof tiles, brick, and creamy limestone. Opening onto the terrace, the French doors allow light to drench the interior family room.
The clients did not want to walk into their foyer and have the stair be the first thing one sees. As an alternative, the stair is central to the floor plan, not visible from the foyer, allowing for a more fluid layout.
Instead of maxing out the size of the home, the clients preferred a smaller home with more emphasis on an expansive side yard and patio. They wanted all bedrooms on a single floor with no third floor or roof deck. The clients are world travelers and spend a lot of time in Europe – so traditional European design influences were integrated throughout.
BGD&C balanced more traditional elements such as dark wood in the study with modern accents, leather panels and an abstract light fixture by Hubbardton Forge. The end result-an elegant and timeless home with a European feel.
The generous side yard provides a welcomed respite from city life. Without leaving home, the family can enjoy both quiet moments in the structured gardens as well as active play in the open yard.
A third lot was added near the end of the project which became a large side yard, garden and wishing well. The outdoor space includes: a 30-by-100ft lawn where the kids play, a vegetable garden, and a traditional English garden complete with a limestone wall.
- Architecture: BGD&C Custom Homes
- Design/Build & Construction: BGD&C Custom Homes
- Landscape Design: Scott Byron & Co.
- Exterior Photography: Lambrose Photography
- Interior Photography: Tony Soluri