Residence for Two Collectors | Wheeler Kearns Architects

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Residence for Two Collectors | Wheeler Kearns Architects

Information

  • Completion year: 2017
  • Project Location: Chicago, IL
  • Country: USA
  • Structural Consultants: Halvorson and Partners
  • MEP Consultants: BES Engineering Systems
  • Interior + Furniture: Sharlene Young with Wheeler Kearns Architects (founder of Symbiotic Living)
  • Photo Credits: Tom Rossiter Photography
  • Others: Millwork: Glazebrook Woodworking, Acoustical Consultant: Threshold Acoustics, Lighting Design: Mitchell Cohn Lighting
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Excerpt: Residence for Two Collectors, designed by Wheeler Kearns Architects, is a penthouse that is comfortable to live in with simple elegance. The first essential decision was the non-directional end-grain walnut floor, providing a factory’s visual weight and durability. Machined, patinaed steel fabrications were subsequently “inserted” as operative/functional elements to toughen the space.

Project Description

[Text as submitted by architect] After a lengthy search, a full penthouse floor of a Chicago high-rise was discovered that afforded 11 foot high ceilings, a double height space looking south to the city, and 360 degrees views. The site was gutted to a shell condition, awaiting the new interventions. The owners’ brief was “a home we love, have pride in, are comfortable in; ability to entertain graciously with simple elegance”.

Residence for Two Collectors | Wheeler Kearns Architects
© Tom Rossiter Photography
Residence for Two Collectors | Wheeler Kearns Architects
© Tom Rossiter Photography
Residence for Two Collectors | Wheeler Kearns Architects
© Tom Rossiter Photography

Lifelong collectors, the brief included also finding space for numerous pieces of mid-century (to present day) furniture, sculpture, art. It was to feel comfortable for the couple and their dog, their immediate family, and philanthropic events for 75 people. The process was truly collaborative, with the owners intimately knowledgeable, fascinated in construction; the way buildings, things are made. Discussions often led to Jean Prouve and Pierre Chareau, who offered the precedent of machined elements that could operate, and transform spaces of long views and openness to ones contained, and in between.

Residence for Two Collectors | Wheeler Kearns Architects
© Tom Rossiter Photography
Residence for Two Collectors | Wheeler Kearns Architects
© Tom Rossiter Photography
Residence for Two Collectors | Wheeler Kearns Architects
© Tom Rossiter Photography

The first essential decision was the non-directional end-grain walnut floor, providing the visual weight and durability of a factory. Plastered perimeter walls for art; perforated metal, slatted wood, and floating planes of fabric provide acoustic absorption. Machined, patinaed steel fabrications were subsequently “inserted” as operative/functional elements: barn/pocketing doors, shelving/storage/mezzanine loft and stair, doors and jamb-liners, all to toughen the space. After all, the client’s father was a machinist, and what could be a greater sign of respect than selecting correct fastener size and drive, countersunk of course.

Residence for Two Collectors | Wheeler Kearns Architects
© Tom Rossiter Photography
Residence for Two Collectors | Wheeler Kearns Architects
© Tom Rossiter Photography
Residence for Two Collectors | Wheeler Kearns Architects
© Tom Rossiter Photography

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