Willowbrook Residence
Willowbrook, Illinois
Home Remodel | 2015

Located just outside of Chicago, this project was a complete gut and remodel. Originally built in the 1970’s, the owners wanted to modernize the house. They had a vision to break down the extreme compartmentation to create an open floor plan.

Working closely with the owners, we developed a balanced plan that maintained privacy in the sleeping spaces while allowing communal spaces to flow freely into the next. By converting the under-utilized spaces into an in-law suit, a home office, and a gaming den, the spaces accommodate the large family gatherings and frequent entertaining that the owners are accustom to.

The two spaces with the highest usage in any house are the kitchen and the family room. Both spaces, in addition to the dining room, are located along the back of the house to create a seamless ribbon of gathering spaces. The more private in-law suite is located at the front of the house, mirrored by an equally private office. In an effort to break down the clear division of front and back, the stairs were opened and act as a link to allow a flow through passage.

The central focus of the project was family. Success rested heavily on flexibility and innovation.