Flexhouse 2

Chicago, IL, United States

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747 North Clark

Flexhouse 2

Chicago, IL, United States

Firm

Ranquist Development Group

Type

Residential › Multi Unit Housing

STATUS

Under Construction

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

BUDGET

$5M - 10M

Photos

Nick Fochtman (5)

Flexhouse 2 provides affordable, efficient, contemporary living in an attached row home format — a novelty in the Windy City. This 31-unit development occupies a full-block site located in the emerging Logan Square neighborhood, just 10 minutes from the Chicago Loop. The continuous row home streetwalls inspired a simple design move to define individual units through varying angled geometries. The variety and visual texture of the facade connects the units as part of an urban block rather than separating them as a series of individual homes.

Unit layouts are tuned to the new normal of the 21st century — modest, energy-efficient designs allow for seamless transitions between live, work, and play. Each three-story home features an open first floor living level with radiant heated concrete floors and a generous backyard. Two bedrooms, a full bath, and a laundry/mechanical room on the second level are arranged for maximum usability. A full-floor master suite on the third level features a walk-in closet and an impressive open bath. Flexible, open interiors throughout respond to the needs of contemporary living.

Principles of sustainable design were integrated throughout the design process, from siting to detailing to landscaping. The compact site plan and attached nature of the homes reduce the exterior building envelope by 50%. The roof—the most significant exposure in terms of heat loss—is robustly insulated, and the radiant first floors deliver heat in a highly efficient and comfortable manner. Large windows bathe the interiors in natural light and provide natural ventilation. Energy Star appliances and furnaces are featured in every home, and the front yards are planted with native species.

The project encourages a higher density urban fabric than the typical Chicago single-family house allows, while still providing many of the attractive amenities of suburban living. Each row home has a front and rear yard, as well as two required off-street parking spaces in a private garage accessed through a rear alley. Construction on the Ridgeway Ave row homes has been completed, and row homes on Hamlin Ave will be completed in the spring of 2015.