Midwest Residence

Illinois, USA

Photo © Scott Shigley

Photo © Michelle Litvin

Photo © Scott Shigley

Photo © Michelle Litvin

Photo © Scott Shigley

Photo © Michelle Litvin

Photo © Scott Shigley

Architects: Dirk Denison Architects

Year: 2007

This renovation and addition to a country house outside Chicago, Illinois provides generous and contemporary living spaces to accommodate both large and small family gatherings within the context of the existing traditional structure. The renovation allows for clear and open circulation throughout the main living spaces, while several new volumes add space and light while connecting the house with its surrounding landscape. A series of windows overlooking a central courtyard establishes a rhythm of opacity and transparency that connects the new and old sections of the house.

At the back of the house, a new structure extends beyond the main volumes of the house into the courtyard and surrounding landscape. Open in varying degrees to the outdoors, this structure provides alternate possibilities for circulation and encourages the use of both indoor and outdoor spaces.