7933 Long Avenue is a custom 3,100 square foot, single family residence which was built along with a companion speculative home in Skokie, Illinois.
The design intent was to create a home that was different in style, but appropriate in scale and materials to the post-war tract neighbors; to work within the suburban paradigm while expressing an urban sensibility. Small in scale and unrevealing, the front elevation sets up a procession from compressed entry space to expansive and light filled interior.
The stair is comprised of reclaimed red birch planks found at the bottom of one of the Great Lakes, and stainless steel mesh.
With neighboring homes in close proximity, exterior side walls are expressed monolithically in masonry, while the end walls facing the front and rear yards of the property were clad in light cedar and glass. A south facing courtyard was placed to provide focus, light and ventilation for center rooms. A two story curtain wall defines the courtyard which is visually protected with a high garden wall.
Interiors:
The interiors of this home were completely designed by Nicholas Clark Architects with careful consideration for incorporating previously owned articles as well as environmentally sound products.
Flooring material throughout the main living spaces on the first floor is cork tile, a renewable product. Living room sofa was custom designed by Ann Clark. Dining room furniture includes reuse of vintage dining chairs with a new lacquer finish and new upholstery and a vintage rosewood console from the Paris antiques market.
The master bath includes floor to ceiling walls of porcelain tiles which evoke a wood grain texture without the maintenance and care of such material.
All cabinetry and built-ins were designed by Nicholas Clark Architects.
Location: | Skokie, IL |
Design: | 2004-2005 |
Construction: | 2005-2006 |
Design Principal: | Ann Clark |
Project Architect: | Lane Fowlie |
Project Team: | Peter Nicholas, Erin Bahrke |
General Contractor: | NCA Build Ltd. |
Structural Engineer: | Hutter Trankina |
Photography: | Linda Oyama Bryan |
Cabinetry: | McGrane Woodworking |
Metalwork: | Iron and Wire |
Upholstery: | Shoppe de Lee |
Bathroom Porcelain Tile: | The Fineline Showroom |
Fireplace Stone Tile: | Stone Source |