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Lincoln Park Transformation

bba ARCHITECTS on Oct 24, 2019

Last year, architects Gary Beyerl and Jack Callahan began working on the Lincoln Park Transformation project.  Their vision was to transform a conventionally built Chicago two-flat into custom single-family residence with a modern, open floor plan.  The cost-sensitive design maintains the existing exterior walls and floor framing structure.  It modifies the existing interior bearing wall that formerly defined the “shotgun plan’ layout and replaces it with a floor plan organized by its strong cross-axial relationships.

The existing building included a structurally substandard rear porch and a rear yard less than 7 feet deep, all on smaller than average sized lot for the area.  We saw this challenge as an opportunity for a creative solution at the rear yard.  Our concept seamlessly integrates the rebuilt porch structure into the respective spaces at the rear to allow more generous room sizes.  By rebuilding the garage roof, we can provide an abundance of open space via the new roof deck.  We also include an integrated planter about 4 feet above the first floor at the garage rear to create a sense of openness between the primary living spaces and roof deck.

Floor to ceiling window and door systems are included at the rear spaces to maximize the interior connection to the outdoors.  Supporting this primarily glass wall presented a potential issue with lateral forces, so we worked closely with a structural engineer to design a steel moment frame system for stability.

Connecting the house to the garage, rebuilding the rear porch, and relocating the rear yard open spaces required zoning relief.  Given our clients’ unique circumstances, we successfully guided them through the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals system to obtain approval for these items.  This zoning relief afforded a seamless passage from the first floor to garage roof deck.

Architects: Gary Beyerl, AIA & Jack R. Callahan, AIA  (bba Architects)
General Contractor: Leader Construction
Interior Designer: Kira David Design
Structural Engineer: Hutter Trankina Engineering

Products featured in this project: 
*Jeld-Wen Windows & Doors supplied by Bricks Inc.
*”Aspen White” Glen-Gery Bricks supplied by Illinois Brick Co.
*Steel front door by Arte de Arquitectura de Mexico

To view progress on this project, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

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