dSPACE Studio is responsible for the complete overhaul of this modernist brick house that was constructed in 1979, located in Chicago, Illinois. The new owners had a lofty vision for their urban family home, which stands in striking contrast to its neighboring historic row homes. They desired a full-scale renovation with an open floor plan and an abundance of natural light.

Additionally, they wanted a new third-floor addition with an owner’s bedroom suite that includes a spa-like bathroom, and sundeck. On the exterior facade of the third-floor addition, you will find custom charcoal-metal panels sourced from Heritage Sheet Metal. The front door was custom fabricated by Portella Steel Doors & Windows. Continue below to see the floor plans!

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT dSPACE Studio INTERIOR DESIGN Hickman Design Associates BUILDER Goldberg General Contracting LANDSCAPE DESIGN McKay Landscape Architects

The program requirements of this 5,800-square-foot dwelling included five bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, a contemporary kitchen, a children’s play space, a media room, and ample space for art.

The goal of this new home design becomes apparent once one steps inside this home — capturing natural light. An original design for an urban lot, the footprint of this structure continually steps back from the south property line to forsake square footage for views of the sun and sky. Note: The walls are painted in Dove Wing OC-18 | Benjamin Moore.

The open-plan design emphasizes clear sight lines from front to back. Throughout the home, custom walnut cabinetry and millwork detail many of the rooms. This creates harmony throughout the home while helping to conceal everyday necessities such as the television, pantry, desk, and wardrobe in the main bedroom.

Sustainable design elements include a green roof, high-efficiency mechanicals, durable finishes, a new thermal building envelope, along with energy-efficient LED lighting throughout.

Above: In the kitchen, custom walnut cabinetry is topped with white quartz countertops from Stone Source and plumbing fixtures by Dornbracht. The appliances were sourced from Abt. The wood and leather counter stools are from BDDW. The exquisite light fixture over the island is the 5-globe Branching Bubble from Lindsey Adelman Studio.

Hickman Design Associates thoughtfully curated the calming interior furnishings throughout this home.

What We Love: This modernist brick house provides a family with a cool new living environment. It has been cleverly devised to bring in plenty of natural light and views despite its compact lot constraints. We are loving the concept of the suspended staircase steel and wood staircase and the open atrium to flood the interior living spaces with natural light. Material selections, finishes, and furnishings were thoughtfully curated to produce a luxurious yet comfortable home for urban family living.

Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this home? Please share your feedback in the Comments below, we enjoy reading your feedback!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other magnificent home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Illinois: Lincoln Park home is a stunning display of French-style architecture and Multi-level townhouse in Chicago showcases urban-chic interiors.

With a completely reimagined interior, the circulation was organized around an atrium spanning three levels and topped with a triangular-shaped skylight — sourced from Imperial Glass Structures — that drenches the spaces with natural light.

A sculptural steel and wood staircase is suspended in the atrium, and a custom chandelier, engineered to hang from the skylight, floats in the full height of the space.

In order to fully maximize space, every square inch was thoughtfully considered. For example, standard 5-inch thick walls were reduced to half an inch of frosted glass from Illinois Glassworks between the main bathroom and the hallway. The glass is illuminated by concealed LED lights from Luminii. The artwork in the hallway is by Banksy.

Above: In the bathroom, the shower tiles are from Lea Ceramiche, while the floor tiles are from Stone Source. The walnut cabinetry features dual sinks and faucets by Kohler. A mirror was custom designed to conceal medicine cabinets by Robern. The freestanding tub is by Victoria + Albert. Illuminating this space is a light fixture sourced from The Urban Electric Co.

Above: The bed is by Holly Hunt featuring a custom upholstered headboard for warmth and texture. The bench is re-covered in shearling from Keleen Leathers. Hovering above BDDW side tables are pendant lights from Lindsey Adelman Studio. Adding plush texture underfoot is an alpaca-hide rug sourced from Watson Smith.

PHOTOGRAPHER Tony Soluri