HAMILTON AVENUE RESIDENCE

Situated on a classic long-and-narrow Chicago lot, this masonry single family home was extended toward the back to add space for a growing family. With a toddler a-foot and twin boys on the way, the clients sought to increase the size of their kitchen and create a spacious informal family room connected to the backyard. There was also a need for a mudroom and additional space in master bedroom on the second floor.

This two-story addition cleverly accommodates the necessary space within the constraints of the tight site. A one-story cedar clad volume extends west to house the family room and mud room. The floor level is also dropped to provide a more gracious ceiling height in the family room and enhance the connection with the backyard grade level. Finally, an exterior deck provides space for grilling while a wide stair with integrated planting and seating further mediates between the exterior grade level and the living room.