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.