Project Description Built on a small irregular lot on the edge of Chicago’s notorious Cabrini Green neighborhood, this 1,200 square foot house consists of two principal components: a four-story exposed steel structure on a 13 foot plan module and a 10 foot square, 40 foot tall concrete block stair tower connecting the four levels of the steel structure. The first and fourth levels of the steel structure are open, and the second and third levels are fully enclosed.
Inspired by a comprehensive view of Chicago’s skyline, the house is vertically inverted with the principal outdoor space occupying a fourth level roof terrace, the living, dining, kitchen spaces the third level, and bedrooms the second. The first level provides space for parking and covered access to the front door at the base of the concrete block tower.
The Site
The geometry of the site results from its proximity to Clybourn Avenue, which cuts across Chicago’s street grid at a 45-degree angle. Being at the junction of these two axes, the house favors the angled one to maximize superior diagonal views back toward the city.
Of interest, structurally The steel frame is structurally mandated by the height and proportion of the structure. Since Chicago codes do not allow unprotected steel, the Firetrol columns consist of 4" x 4" structural tubes wrapped in 1" of fireproofing under an outer steel shell, resulting in a total column width of 6" x 6". Beams are structural "[" channels (flanges turned inward) and exposed "[" channels (flanges turned outward) sandwiching the required fire-rated 5/8" drywall. Because the structural component of the Firetrol column is only a 4" tube, the concrete block tower is doubly reinforced, providing most of the racking support for the entire structure. Structural principles of high-rise construction come into play even at this small scale. The presence of the concrete block tower allows the steel frame to be minimal, giving it lightness and delicacy, even after adding thickness for fireproofing.
Of interest, peripherally Retractable translucent awnings provide optional sun protection on the roof terrace. An exterior circular stair provides a second means of egress required by the city. Heating is in-floor hydronic set in lightweight concrete under slate floors. Windows are painted steel by Hopes, and concrete block is ground-face, polished Trendstone-plus by Trenwyth Industries.
