Wilmette House

Projects often evolve from the initial scope to what is ultimately executed. This project began with plans for a dormer addition on the second floor to transform the rear bedrooms into a primary suite. However, as the design process progressed, we discovered the client needed additional bedrooms, which led to expanding the dormer into a full second-floor addition. With the existing second floor requiring demolition during construction, a complete gut renovation of the first floor was practical since it would be exposed to the elements during the build.

We developed and presented several façade concepts to the client, ranging from a double bungalow style to a low-sloped dormer, before landing on the final design featuring a tall, steep roof. Positioned on a narrow lot, the original house was dwarfed by neighboring structures; the steep roof provided the height needed for the home to stand roof-to-roof with its neighbors.

For the façade, we selected stained black cedar boards with minimal window trim and a thin eave. The original brick was preserved, creating a striking contrast against the black cedar. To further enhance the exterior, we squared off the front windows and added two stucco dormers, breaking up the exposed side façade. This transformed the Tudor-style home to reflect the client’s modern minimalist style.

The new second floor features three bedrooms plus a primary suite, an increase from the original layout of three bedrooms and one bathroom. On the first floor, we maintained the original living and dining rooms while reconfiguring the layout to create a larger kitchen and family room.