Starter Home

Starter Home reconstitutes the classic stacked composition of a Chicago two-flat and instead situates two-units – one three-level and one four-level – in a front-back orientation on a single foundation. The units are shifted in both plan and section to provide direct access to the street and shared carport while allowing each homeowner a visually distinct and contextually sensitive façade. A harmonious living arrangement is created between the two units by mitigating floor noise transmittance and providing each unit with “top floor” access to roof decks and natural light. The stacked-and-staggered unit logic results in efficient modern living spaces arranged on compact floor plates with double-height interior volumes. The principal living spaces are elevated above a flexible live-work ground floor designed to accommodate additional income generation opportunities, aging-in-place and changing family living dynamics over time.

Client: Chicago Housing Policy Task Force (AIA Chicago, Neighborhood Housing Services, LISC Chicago, Northern Trust, CNI Group)
Location: Chicago, IL
Size: 3,655 SF (Block House: 1,920 SF; Tower House: 1,735 SF)
Status: Concept Design 2019 Publications:
Architect Magazine, “Next Progressives,” September 2022

Two homes situate themselves on a typical Chicago residential lot in a front-back arrangement in sharp contrast to the typical Chicago Two Flat’s stacked arrangement. The Tower House (shown in black) is consists of four floors and faces the rear yard; the Block House (shown in white) consists of three floors with roof deck and faces the main street. The differentiated massing, roof forms and materiality provide a sense of individual identity to each home. Minimal interior partitions reduce material costs and on-site construction time while giving the home an open floor plan. Both homes have direct access to the street and garage/alley.

Double-height spaces increase access to light, air and passive ventilation strategies in each home. The “piano nobile” concept elevates the main living spaces to the upper floors to create a first floor flex space which is adaptively designed to accommodate a commercial office space, additional family space, an in-law suite or income-generating tenant.

Plan Operations

Section Operations

First Floor Plan
Commercial Office / Extended Living / Income Unit

Second Floor Plan

Third Floor Plan
2 Bedrooms / 3 Bedrooms

Fourth Floor Plan & Roof Deck

Roof Plan

The “piano nobile” concept elevates the main living spaces to the upper floors to create a first floor flex space which is adaptively designed to accommodate a commercial office space, additional family space, an in-law suite or income-generating tenant.