Front Elevation at dusk highlights the brick/concrete paver facade, Fleetwood Windows, and minimal modern design - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Industrial Steel Stair Stringers - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Exterior view looking up at main entry includes steel entrance canopy with wood soffit and views to two-story modern entry with maximum glazing - Fleetwood Windows - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Modern Kitchen Elevation features orange island niche, flush panel overlay doors, floating stainless steel range hood, and giant windows with views to backyard adjacent to industrial stair - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski 3-Car Garage features horizontal wood door slats (faux), dark gray brick, and buff pavers, and black-frame modern window frames - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Kitchen view looking past giant white quartz island, flush overlay cabinet storage wall, toward modern industrial steel stair - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Floating stainless steel kitchen range hood detail - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Exterior view looking up at main entry includes steel entrance canopy with wood soffit and views to two-story modern entry with maximum glazing - Fleetwood Windows - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Exterior view of main entrance adjacent to 3-car garage - Fleetwood Windows - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Powder room features rough heavy timber wood vanity and porcelain sheet headwall with full-height mirror - Fleetwood Windows - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Reclaimed Heavy Timber used for Powder Room vanity - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Playroom at entry hall is defined by modern storage wall and full glass walls inside and out - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Playroom bordered by millwork storage wall and glazing inside and out - Fleetwood Windows - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Minimal custom millwork completes the interior - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Playroom with full-height storage wall, full-wall glazing, and wide-plank oak flooring - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Industrial Steel Fireplace surround with vertical firewood storage slot - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Living Room fireplace wall clad in industrial steel and includes wood firewood storage detail - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Wall speaker cover is removed to highlight speaker detail - White Modern Art - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Industrial Steel Fireplace surround with vertical firewood storage slot - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Vintage radio sits on modern built-in at living room storage wall - Fleetwood Windows - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Backyard View shows deck, outdoor fireplace, and covered indoor-outdoor transitional space with Nanwall sliding, bifold exterior glass doors and roof deck - Minimalist Modern - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Modern Kitchen Elevation features orange island niche, flush panel overlay doors, floating stainless steel range hood, and giant windows with views to backyard - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Industrial stair floats at main level adjacent to kitchen - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Rear Exterior Elevation includes roof deck, back deck with fireplace, and sliding Nanwall - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Modern interior open riser stair integrates steel stringers, oak treads, and stainless steel + glass railing, while allowing light to pour into adjacent spaces - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Industrial steel, oak, and glass stair detail - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Upstairs Hallway features abundant natural light from stair and two-story entry glazing + LED slot wall/ceiling accent light - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Interior Door Lever Detail (polished chrome) - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Upstairs Bathroom with full-height shower glass partition, wall tile from Turkey, and integrally-lighted vanity mirror - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Child Bedroom includes sliding steel/glass closet doors from Germany + colorful modern wall art - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Minimal Master Bedroom includes platform bed under headwall slot + Nanawall doors to upstairs roof deck - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Wood tile in Master Bedroom headwall recess is reclaimed from Chinese maritime vessels - White Modern Art - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Master Spa with double vanity, massive shower, and tub carved from solid block of stone - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Downstairs Sound Studio - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Reclaimed barn doors and hardware divide storage and studio - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Guitar Detail - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Powder room features rough heavy timber wood vanity and porcelain sheet headwall with full-height mirror - Fleetwood Windows - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski Reclaimed Heavy Timber used for Powder Room vanity - Minimalist Modern - Indian Head Park - Chicago, Illinois - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect with Joe Trojanowski

Minimalist Modern

Chicago, IL

Minimalist Modern House is located in Indian Head Park, a suburb southwest of Chicago.   Specifically, this project on Hiawatha Lane is in an area experiencing redevelopment of preexisting home-sites.

We initially met our client in 2013 where we helped design a master plan to renovate their property in Monon, IN on Lake Schafer.  Ultimately, they decided to focus on their full-time residence in Chicago rather than their weekend property.  Indeed, to begin that process, they initially engaged with a local Chicago design firm recommended by their original contractor.

Months later, client reconnected with HAUS to request design feedback and possible project oversight to completion.  We were happy to help offer some big-picture suggestions inside-and-out to help pull the initial ideas together into a comprehensive design solution.  Albeit, our client needed final design input for their purposes and also for community approvals.

 

New Minimalist Modern House


Project Info:

Client:  Svabaitis Chicago Residence
Architecture:  HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles with Joe Trojanowski Architect PC
Interior Design:  Client with some HAUS advice
General Contractor:  Illinois Designers & Builders
Photography:  HAUS


Media Links:

Photo library: 60 cozy beds for prolonged mornings (scroll to #51 for Minimilist Modern bedroom)

Design Process – Minimalist Modern House:

Once engaged, we were able to clarify an identifiable architectural concept from preliminary development provided by Joe Trojanowski Architect PC.  HAUS and Trojanowski worked together as a team with client to pull the final concepts and details together.

Accordingly, residential construction plans in Chicago area require an architect or engineer of record (or stamp).  For this reason, it made most sense for Trojanowski to remain Architect-of-Record and finish what they started with HAUS oversight as “design architect”.

Albeit, Trojanowski had already begun a very detailed technical draft of plans.  However, these drawings were more geared toward achieving permits and less geared toward a complete architectural vision.  So for that reason, HAUS focused on conceptual ideas, materials, and related details resolution inside and out.  Concurrently, Trojanowski focused on permit requirements, technical drawings, and structural coordination.

Front Elevation Rendering -Minimalist Modern House - Indian Head Park - HAUS Architecture, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect
Front Elevation Rendering -Minimalist Modern House – Indian Head Park – HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Rendering views completed above and below by HAUS included suggestions for exterior materials, exterior window adjustments, some subtle refinements to parapet heights, and wall locations.  Ironically, this design process was similar to many of our renovation projects.  This is because we already had a preexisting design that needed some review.  So, as with many of our renovation projects, our primary objective was to essentially simplify and edit.  We worked to clarify relationships and connections inside and out to help inspire decisions for material and form within the preexisting massing and layout concepts already established.

Design Details

On the inside, we made a few suggestions and refinements to master suite and other room layout details.  Later, we reviewed client shop drawings and provided feedback  on proposed interior concepts for kitchen, fireplace, stair, and built-ins for client review.

The contractor with client also had some great suggestions on how to execute some of the details along the way.

Rear Elevation Rendering -Minimalist Modern House - Indian Head Park - HAUS Architecture, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect
Rear Elevation Rendering – Minimalist Modern House – Indian Head Park – HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

 

Construction Kicks-Off:

Client did not commission HAUS for regular construction-phase consulting.  However, we did keep in-touch with an ongoing design dialogue and some limited design consulting along the way.

As HAUS is located in Indianapolis, and the project is 3.5 hour one-way drive, HAUS visited the site semi-yearly.  Without a doubt, we were happy to swing by the site on Easter and Thanksgiving while passing through for holiday family visits in the area to see progress.  Also, it was great to continue the design dialogue during the construction phase.

 

IMG_3028
Foundation Walls Set – New Minimalist Modern House, Indian Head Park, Chicago, Illinois

Our client insisted the home be durable, long-lasting, and energy-efficient.  For this reason, he built the structure with concrete foundation walls, steel beams, and CMU (concrete masonry unit) walls.  Most certainly, the home would have cost less with wood or maybe even SIPS (structural insulated panel system) walls.  However, our client wanted more heft, durability, and sound isolation.

As seen below, radiant heated floors encompass the entire lower level.  Here, trades have installed the hydronic radiant system prior to concrete slab placement.

 

New Modern House 3 - Radiant Flooring Installation
Minimalist Modern House – Radiant Flooring Installation

Exterior Details

As we can see, all exterior walls are CMU (concrete masonry unit) construction, at Owner request.  At this stage, Owner was still investigating exterior cladding options.  As our initial concepts assumed a rainscreen, non-masonry cladding, exterior details did not include any masonry bearing ledges.  For these reasons, we assumed a low area of concrete footings would remain exposed, and emphasized this feature accordingly.  For example, referring to the back rendering elevations, we continued the exposed concrete base to wrap one side of deck and provide base for the outdoor fireplace.  In comparing renderings to actual construction, team achieved portions of the original intent, while some details were added or tweaked.

IMG_5989
CMU Walls Underway

 

This photo below is one of our favorite construction views, capturing the overall massing of the house on the property.  It gives us a feel for final solid and void of exterior wall design.

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CMU Installation Nears Completion

On the backside, the sheltering porch is taking shape.  At upstairs balcony, we had suggested elimination of the wall offset for a simpler flush upper story condition.  However, this was not modified, as we would have had to add another steel beam to support the CMU.  Actual installation keeps the upper and lower story CMU bearing wall alignments as shown.  Flat roof awning is included to keep some precipitation off the Nanawall balcony doors.

New Modern House 3
Progress on back-side of home, including covered porch, balcony, and freestanding fireplace-grill

 

New Modern House 3 - camo pick-up
Camo pick-up

 

Exterior Windows

From the interior, many of the windows are full-height.  Other than sliding glass walls (Nanawall), all exterior windows are Fleetwood Windows & Doors.  Many of the operable windows are awnings.  Their size allows for emergency egress from bedrooms.  This particular view below is from Study-Playroom.

New Modern House 3 - room with a view
Room with a view

 

New Modern House 3 - tub carved from block of solid stone
Tub carved from block of solid stone

 

High-Velocity HVAC Sytem

As seen here, a high-velocity HVAC system is incorporated to supplement the hydronic radiant system downstairs.  This system requires smaller openings and shafts for air movement, and lower profile outlets and inlets throughout the spaces.  Most of the supply ducts are flexible plastic-wire wrapped in fiberglass and foil coating.  The design and installation of this type of system when combined with hydronic radiant requires a level of expertise beyond the norm to ensure optimal performance and control appropriate for the locale.

New Modern House 3 - high velocity HVAC
High Velocity HVAC

 

New Modern House 3 - high velocity HVAC
High Velocity HVAC

 

Exterior Insulation

Owner added 2×4 wood-stud furring to all perimeter walls with open-cell foam insulation.  Roof structure received minimum R24 closed-cell board insulation over deck and under roof membrane.  Underside of roof deck received minimum R30 open cell foam.  Below we can see installation of NanaWall sliding doors with access to Master Bedroom roof balcony to overlooking backyard.

New Modern House 3 - Master Suite Balcony Nanawall
Master Suite Balcony Nanawall

 

Owner maintained the two-tone exterior, but decided to change from cement board or metal cladding to masonry on both the light and darker sections.  At the time of this photo, Owner had not yet made a final decision on the lighter material (2-story volume).  Also, the outdoor fireplace base was built with CMU base instead of concrete per original renderings.  Brick appears to possibly be Queen-sized for less depth than modular.  Since we had originally designed for siding/rainscreen, we discussed adding steel lintels anchored to CMU to serve as masonry bearing since we did not include foundation brick ledges.

New Modern House 3 - Back Elevation Progress
Minimalist Modern House – Back Elevation Brick Progress

 

New Modern House 3 - Back Elevation Progress
Minimalist Modern House – Back Elevation Brick Progress

Product Details – Materials/Vendors/Manufacturers:

Interior doors:  DILA Effebiquattro Newport (Italy)
Door levers:  Serozzetta / Carlisle Brass (UK)
Main entrance door:  Doors for Builders (Poland)
Windows:  Fleetwood
Patio and Balcony Glass doors:  NanaWall
Garage Doors:  C.H.I. Overhead Doors
Floors:  European White Oak 8 inch treated with Rubio Monocoat – Smoke color
Kitchen Cabinets:  Stay-Straight Manufacturing
1st floor room dividing wall closet:  Silver Birch Cabinetry
Glass work by:  Glass Innovation
Stairs:  Europiron Group / Illinois Designers & Builders
Deck and balcony:  Azek
Exterior concrete cladding:  Techo Bloc Travertina
Driveway Pavers:  County Materials / Elements Timeless

 

Please check-back, as we will be adding more details to the story!