CASE STUDY:

THE CREATIVE

THE Creative Brand

beautiful dining room table and large pendant light in front of built in bar buffet made of walnut upper cabinets and white lowers

Chicago based architect Robert Muller saw an opportunity. 2015 he purchased a bank-owned property in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago. It is a corner lot at the intersection of Ridge and Hermitage Avenues in what is known as "The Wedge".  The lot is large but oddly shaped, nearly triangular. The existing house was built in 1895. It had a rather small footprint, but the foundation was deemed in good condition and able to support new construction. There is a garage on the property, and numerous weeds and landscaping made the lot look deceptively small.

The challenge the team gave to themselves was to compose a plan that would take advantage of the triangular shape and the existing foundation while addressing the issue that there is no true backyard, limiting private space outside.

bright naturally lit kitchen made up of white slab style lower cabinets with contrasting black countertops, floating shelves and rift walnut upper cabinets

The Plan.

The plan they came up with is a T-shape, with a two story house atop the existing foundation and a one story wing projecting into the central area of the triangle. The wing serves to divide the yard into a lovely triangular backyard patio and a generous side yard facing Hermitage. The yards are overlooked by a welcoming great room inside the wing. A tall horizontal slat cedar fence surrounds the yards, offering privacy. The fence does not extend all the way across the front of the house, allowing entry from an open front yard that welcomes visitors.

The Work Begins.

The two story house has numerous windows facing south and an open stairwell that allows southern light into the center. The L-shaped kitchen has a window wall that faces the back patio and it is visually connected to the great room. The master suite is located on the ground floor and next to an office/parlor/nursery at the front of the house. There are 3 bedrooms and a full bathroom upstairs and a rec room, guest room, laundry room and full bath downstairs. The house is just under 3,600 square feet, including the basement.


He stressed the importance of natural light. The spaces in the house are bright, spacious and right sized. There is an open, roomy feel throughout the house due to high ceilings, flowing layout, and the size and organization of the windows.  The design of the exterior reflects the commitment to maximum light and simple, clean detailing.

spacious modern bathroom with floating rift walnut vanity and above counter porcelain sink

MODEL HOME CREDITS

DESIGN

THE Creative

Robert J Muller, AIA, LEED AP

PHOTOGRAPHY | Matt Driscoll Photography

SUPPLIERS

Windows | Weathershield

Exterior Cladding | James Hardie

Roofing | Peterson Aluminum

Entry Door | Therma Tru

Patio Paving | Unilock

Light Fixtures | 2Modern.com

Stone and Tile | Tile Shop

Engineered Wood Floors | Duchateau

Cabinets | Kokeena

Mechanical Equipment | Carrier

Plumbing Fixtures | Ferguson

Shower Trim | Faucets Hansgrohe

Sinks Duravit | Kohler

Kitchen Faucet | Blanco

Appliances | Coles

Refrigerator | Cooktop Thermador

Oven | Microwave Bosch

Dishwasher | Miele

Washer | Dryer LG

Range Hood | Best

Beverage Cooler | Marve

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