This 1940s-era Georgian revival home sits adjacent to a beautifully landscaped backyard anchored by an old Birch tree. Commonly found in older Chicago homes, the house is characterized by disconnected interior spaces and a vintage main bedroom. The unique challenge for this home renovation involved safeguarding both a cherished birch tree and a dilapidated porch appendage. Throughout the pandemic, the porch served as an impromptu home office, effectively partitioning the main living spaces from the yard.
Our client approached us with their vision of creating a feeling of openness in their home. They wanted a more expansive gathering space, a main bedroom suite, and a better connection to their backyard. To meet their need for more space, we removed the back porch and designed an extension for the sunken family room to ground level. The extension features heated floors, a wood-burning stove, and a massive sliding door that opens up to the yard. The new spa bathroom with a skylight and custom walnut millwork defines the main bedroom suite while offering views of the garden below.