RS2 Architect, Chuck Seen RA, NCARB, has completed design and construction documents for a new modern single family residence that will be built in Itasca Illinois. The project was designed for a young family that has an appreciation for modern architecture, and will house their collection of modern furniture.  The design is inspired by the works of Le Corbusier, Richard Meir and Mies van der Rohe. The final design seen here in model form will feature several “Fineline”, by Unilux of Germany, glass curtain walls, one of which spans nearly 20 feet in height. The exterior will feature a fiber cement open cladding rainscreen system. This system of open joint cladding significantly reduces moisture penetration into the wall cavity, reducing the possibility of mold and deterioration.  Additionally, a thermal break is also created reducing heat transfer from conduction and thermal radiation into and out of the building envelope. The site where the house will be located is gently sloping from front to back and will look out on a large meadow with mature trees and a small park and lake in the distance. Currently the project is out for bid, construction is expected spring of 2013. More updates will follow as construction commences.

Recently, construction was finished on this basement remodel for a family in Naperville. Our client approached us with the goal of creating a family entertainment area, as well as a dedicated workout space. Features of this project include a state of the art home theatre, and a  projection system with a massive 8′ screen, as well as a thumping ,bone crushing  sound system. In order to isolate the sound from the rest of the house, two layers of 5/8″ drywall were hung on the ceiling with special clips, along with sound attenuation insulation batts in the space between the ceiling and floor. The projection system was also hung on its own engineered beam that spans the width of the room and rests on the concrete foundation, this was done so that walking on the floor above would not vibrate the projection system. Other features include a dedicated gaming room with its own flat screen TV. A mirrored work out room and private bathroom and shower. Space for Foosball, ping pong and pool tables, as well as a kitchen with bar seating and  all the necessary appliances for preparing snacks and beverages that are required when having too much fun!

RS2 Architects recently completed exterior renovation of the Streams lll, located in Wheaton Illinois, and the unique design and use of CertainTeed’s siding materials, has caught the attention of CertainTeed’s marketing group from Philadelphia. They recently made a trip to Wheaton to have a look at the project and also to interview RS2 Architects Principal, and Streams lll project architect, Erick Roldan. The video crew shot footage of the project, interviewed members of the home owners association, and was on site at RS2 Architects office for approximately 3 hours. The finished video is to become part of CertainTeed’s social media marketing campaign and will be placed on Youtube in January 2012. Please visit the Residential / multifamily section of RS2 Architects website to see project photos and description.

This project was recently finished in Elmhurst. The entire first floor of this 1950’s home was gutted. The goal was to create an open floor plan, and replace the dated kitchen and expand the kitchen. Several walls were removed to accomplish the new kitchen layout, and create a view to the backyard from the family room. The exterior kitchen entry which blocked half of the driveway was removed and relocated. Some of the features include new hardwood floors, additional windows in the kitchen, a new door to the backyard, soapstone counters and backsplash, and new recessed lights throughout.

This project is typical of what we are seeing lately. Projects are staying within the footprint of the existing home. Most of the time there is space within the home available, the floor plan just needs to be thoughtfully reconfigured in a way that reflects the needs and lifestyle of the homeowner. This home  originally had a very small kitchen with rooms isolated from each other. It was easily adapted to typical modern requirements of a spacious kitchen and visual connections to other parts of the home, while still maintaining and developing the traditional details.

Recently this project in Lagrange was finished. The program involved a complete interior remodel and updating. At the start of the project the home consisted of a first floor of rooms mostly separated from each other, and a limited second floor that was tucked under sloping roof rafters. Both floors were completely gutted, new openings were made on the first floor to create an open floor plan and better connections between the kitchen, dining and family rooms. On the second floor a larger dormer was added to accommodate a master bath and more usable space for the second bedroom. In other space tucked under roof rafters, a dormer was added to create a third bedroom. The master suite received a  new bathroom with a walk in shower and two large skylights to let in natural light and a view of the mature trees.  Spray foam insulation with a high R value was added so that the current roof structure could be left in place and current enegy and insulation codes could be met. This project is a great example of what can be done within the existing foot print of a home, without any site work or additional foundations, the existing back yard was maintained, and the cost of remodeling was efficient.

RS2 Architects has finished construction documents for work on this Greek Revival home in Wheaton built in 1897. New additions to the residence include a new front porch, screened in porch and private office off the master bedroom, and a new garage. Also part of this project was a complete exterior makeover. The new design scheme, shown above, includes stronger details appropriate to the homes original style.

Rs2 Architects has finished an adaptive reuse project in downtown Wheaton. The two story brick building originally housed a retail farm implement store which dated back to Wheaton’s agricultural past. Recent tenants included a retail furniture store. Rs2 Architects has converted the occupancy use from retail to office space. The interior has been completely renovated. The original tin ceiling has been completely restored. Underneath soffits and exterior signage, the original leaded glass windows were uncovered and restored. A new custom fabricated kitchen for employee convenience was built by Mike Wilson of Hummingbird Woodworks. The second floor also has been completely renovated, new bathrooms and extensive restoration of the original mill work and flooring. The exterior has received a new bluestone patio, stone fireplace and ADA compliant entrance.

Construction continues on our adaptive reuse project in downtown Wheaton. This structure began its life over 100 years ago as a farm implement showroom, an indication of what was an agricultural Wheaton. Most recently it was occupied by a retail florist with two upstairs apartments. Our plans call for re-occupancy classification to office space for a financial company. Plans include an exterior walled bluestone patio with a wood burning masonry fireplace,  new electrical mechanical and plumbing  systems,  an emergency power generator and private parking in an expanded garage. Interior spaces will include the restoration of  the original hardwood floors as well as the recently uncovered original tin ceiling and leaded glass windows. The facility will also become ADA compliant with the addition of a ramp and new restrooms. Amenities for employees will also include a handcrafted kitchen by Hummingbird Woodworks of Glen Ellyn. Construction is expected to wrap up before December. 

Recently one of our smaller additions completed construction in Woodridge. The addition was designed to replace a dated kitchen and provide a little extra space for a growing family. Some of the features include custom cherry cabinets, granite counter tops, double ovens, and site finished Brazilian cherry floors. The addition was only 4′ wide, but involved the removal of about 20′ of load bearing wall.  We used a steel C channel to carry the second floor and roof above. This type of structure creates a neat appearance, the beam is completely hidden in the structure. And even though this is a small addition we were able to create a little bit of drama with the sloped ceiling and skylights to let in some natural indirect light. This project is a great example of a  smaller project that can have a big impact. In many cases small additions like this or simply reorganizing some of the spaces can dramatically change the quality of life in a positive way.

Work continues on one of our residential projects in Glen Ellyn. It has been almost two years of design, drawings,  models and construction. But it looks like it will be wrapping up soon. Siding and trim has been installed on the exterior. Mike Wilson’s custom made, furniture inspired, kitchen cabinets have been installed. Most of the tile work has been completed. All the interior trim has been installed and painted and the walls primed. Just a few more months and this vintage four square will have been completely transformed while still retaining the character and language of the original home that was so loved by our clients.