Honored to be considered among this talented group of friends and contemporaries.
Cary B. Kerbel 1957 - 2015 - A Patron of Architecture
I met Cary Kerbel 17 years ago in the back yards of his brother and my neighbor in Skokie at that time, Darrell Kerbel. Cary was trained and licensed as an architect with a degree from the University of Illinois but had spent the majority of his career building and developing buildings. He had a passion for building and good design. When I met him, he was looking for a property in Chicago to develop and was looking for an architect. We had a long and detailed conversation of the profession, what we both had been doing and he was aware of a multi unit project that I had designed which had won several design awards.
Shortly after that afternoon, I received a call from him, asking if I would be interested in designing a 12 unit residential/commercial mixed use project on a property that he had purchased in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago. We came to an understanding on price, we moved ahead on the design. It only dawned on me the other day that on all the projects in which we worked, Cary never tried to negotiate me down on price. Either I have never charged enough on his projects, or perhaps he was just a nice guy. I tend to think it was the latter. One thing I am sure about Cary, he wanted to create great buildings.
5501 N. Broadway, Edgewater , Chicago IL
This was the beginning a great working relationship between two people who cared deeply about design and had the good sense to listen to and respect each other's opinion. It worked out very well as I designed and he tweaked (not twerked) and adjusted our work. Every meeting was a critique and although we didn't always agree, we always were able to work things out. His final question on most decisions was "Is this what you want to do?", and "Do you feel this is the best design?", and "Would you change anything?" and "Are you sure?". I never felt as if I had to serve his ego, there was only respect. During the course of construction, I saw another quality that I came to admire about him: hard work. He was the owner and developer of the project but on most projects, he also acted as general contractor and chief laborer. At the end of each work day, he was the one picking up trash and sweeping the floors without complaint. The margins were tight and he knew if he was to get out of the project without losing money, he would need to perform multiple tasks. It also helped to have a trained architect with a keen eye managing all of the details on the site. His attitude and work ethic paid off. When the project hit the market at about the same time as the start of the gulf war, when other projects were not selling, he sold, 9 of the 12 units sold in the first two weekends it was on the market. He went on to sell the project out in short order and it also won a design excellence award from the Illinois Chapter of the American Licensed Architects.
Following that project and recognizing an excellent working relationship, we both saw the value of doing more things in the future. We spoke of working on future projects together and perhaps co-developing projects. Following the success of the Edgewater project, Cary went on to work with other partners developing larger projects, and like many other developers I know was caught off guard when the great recession hit. This curtailed his development activities, as it had for so many others for several years while he and his development partners regrouped and re-positioned their equity in the market to more stable endeavors.
Flite Series, Heritage Harbor, Ottawa, IL
In 2013 Cary approached me again about in a marina development called Heritage Harbor in Ottawa, Illinois where he had the opportunity to purchase waterfront property that could support 4 townhouse units. We visited the site and the land cost was reasonable, so he decided to move ahead. We agreed that the product should be compatible to what existing already in the marina, but would be a modern interpretation of a farmhouse vernacular. He wanted the project to be distinctive and in scale with single family residences nearby. The townhouses are mostly complete with sitework and interior finishes on two of the units yet to be installed but the form is complete and it is distinctive and accomplishes his vision without being confrontational. He labored and obsessed over the details and the results are spectacular. It just recently went out to market and unfortunately, he was unable to see it completed.
Case Study Houses 2111, North Front House
The last project I worked on with Cary is the Case Study Houses 2111 in Highland Park, Illinois which is a 4 single family house complex organized around a common autocourt. it is in close walking distance from downtown Highland Park and the Metra train to downtown Chicago. It is also within a short walk of all schools from K-12. Cary had been keeping an eye on this property for the past couple of years as it had gone under contract and fell out of contract several times as buyer after buyer would try to build out the maximum amount of units. Our approach was to do what would be the most comfortable fit for the property which although surrounded by multi unit properties to the north and south, was located on a block with several other single family residences. Our project acts as a hybrid between multi-family and single family, tightly organized around a main public space but with private outdoor walled spaces. Cary loved this project and was instrumental in asking all the right questions and helping to guide the vision of the project to the best possible solution.
Chase Study Houses 2111, North Rear House
It had become so comfortable working with him that even when he didn't feel well and didn't have the energy or time due to treatments, we were able to accomplish a tremendous amount regardless of the brevity of our meetings. The Highland Park project is located right on the road that Cary and our group of road cyclists rode past hundreds of times over the years. We visited the site for the last time together a few weeks before he passed, on bikes. He had the kind of spirit that although he was weakened, he still wanted to get out on the bike and walk the site with me, ask all the questions he liked to ask, be the devils advocate to get a reaction, imagine how it would sit on property, look to the future when it was built. Unfortunately for all of those who were fortunate enough to have their lives touched by the wonderful, elegant and generous man that day will not come for Cary, but his spirit will definitely be present and we continue to work hard in seeing that his legacy is complete. The City of Highland Park asks for and accommodation of "public benefit" from developers who ask for zoning relief when applying for Planned Unit Developments, which our project is. We offered as our public benefit a custom designed bike rack in Cary's memory. The proposal and the project was accepted unanimously.
Peter Nicholas
peter@nicholasdc.com
Urban-Suburban - Innovative Single Family Homes planned for Highland Park
Project Entry
We are currently working on a new project near downtown Highland Park, Illinois which is a unique house type for the area. The name of the project is Case Study Houses 2111, inspired by the ground breaking program initiated by Arts and Architecture magazine in 1945 which produced experimental modern prototypes during America's post-World War II housing boom. We share the spirit of these visionary thinkers and are committed to a reductive, yet experimental residential design and construction. We are also committed to energy efficiency, sustainability and durability. The project contains 4 single family residences in a tight configuration around a center auto court.
Private Courtyard - Rear House North
The project consists of 4 single family residences constructed of low or no maintenance materials, manageable and usable gardens, and ease of access for both residents and visitors. The houses are pushed to the edges of the site, and private outdoor rooms are created and extend adjacent interior spaces. These private indoor/outdoor spaces are protected by an 8' tall brick wall which protect these spaces which allows for expanses of picture windows and doors and free flowing open plans. Views are directed toward controlled space, while screening view from adjacent neighbors.
Floor plans are designed for all walks of life, but with special attention paid to the aging in place population. first floors are located at grade level for easy access and contain the usual living, dining, kitchen and mudroom that one would expect, but also the laundry room and master suites with double bathrooms and closets. Additional bedrooms and bathrooms are located on the upper level. The houses are between 3,300 and 3,500 square feet with an additional 1,200 square feet of unfinished basement.
Front House North from Autocourt
Located within two blocks of downtown Highland Park and the Metra Link to downtown Chicago, all goods and services imaginable are located within a short walk. Use of the automobile is minimized, however plenty of resident and visitor parking is provided with a 2 car garage per house and 6 additional open visitor spaces.
Front Houses, brick privacy screens
The project is being developed by Domain 3 LLC, which consists of myself and my good friends Cary Kerbel and Candace Casey. Both Candace and Cary have a long track record of producing successful and well designed residential developments. I have worked with both Candace and Cary for decades while they were working for other companies and their vast knowledge brings a tremendous amount of depth to the development team.
Rear Houses from Autocourt
We are currently in the process of gaining zoning approval for the project, so we cannot disclose the exact location as of yet, but we will be releasing more information over the coming weeks as the design is being refined.
If you are interested in the project and would like to be contacted when more information is available, please contact
Diane Karpman
dkarpman@KoenigRubloff.com
Peter Nicholas
peter@nicholasdc.com
Overall Site Plan
People That Make Our Projects Great
An increase in new work at NDC has allowed us to recently bring in new staff. Our current roster of staff has brought an incredibly talented, qualified and dedicated staff who understand what a team effort looks like. Not only that, they couldn't be nicer or more pleasant to be around. We look forward to our clients meeting and working with our fun and interesting group.
Peter Nicholas peter@nicholasdc.com
Gavin Bardes
Gavin Bardes
Gavin joined Nicholas Design Collaborative in 2014. Leading up to this position, he was a member of the Loewenberg Architects and Magellan Development team that developed and built the Jeanne Gang designed Aqua Building at Lakeshore East Park in Chicago, among other high-rise residential buildings in Chicago, Miami, Minneapolis and Nashville. Before moving to Chicago, Gavin worked for KMD Architects in San Francisco and Alexander Gorlin Architects, Lindy Roy Design and Open Shop in New York City. Gavin also collaborated on the design of a video game titled Ornament & Crime, where he explored 3-dimensional experiences that he now translates into 3D architectural models.
While a student at Columbia University in New York City, Gavin served as a teaching assistant and was the recipient of the L. Smyser Lowenfish Prize for his final semester design. Following graduation, he taught design studios at the University of Pennsylvania and the Parsons School of Design.
Outside of work, Gavin enjoys spending time with his wife and traveling to new destinations when he can. As a college undergraduate, Gavin was a varsity letter winner on the nationally ranked University of Wisconsin rowing team. You can often find him on the Lakeshore path and commuting on a bicycle to and from work, while he trains for the annual American Birkebeiner cross-country skiing marathon in his native state of Wisconsin.
Education
Columbia University GSAPP, Master of Architecture
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bachelor of Arts, Economics and English
Lori Day
Lori F. Day - AIA/Leed AP
After graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Environmental Design from Ball State University, she worked at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill where she developed her technical and design skills by working on projects through all phases of design and construction. She later transitioned to Perkins & Will where she gained valuable experience designing learning environments in their education studio. Although she enjoyed K-12 design, her interests shifted to modern residential design which drew her to firms such as Wood +Zapata in Boston, Booth Hansen & Brininstool + Lynch in Chicago. While at B + L, she worked on several AIA award winning projects including the Claremont Residence and Coffou Cottage. Joining Nicholas Design Collaborative realigns Lori with her true passion of designing, developing and detailing modern residential projects.
Education
Ball State University, Bachelor of Architecture
Zafiro Papastratakos
Zafiro Papastratakos
Zafiro Papastratakos joined NDC in 2015 to focus on residential design and construction after gaining experience in multiple project types. Originally from Chicago, she moved to Portland, Oregon ten years ago in order to work within a culture steeped in the value of ecologically sustainable design and construction. While there, Zafiro authored a comprehensive sustainable strategy that anticipated carbon neutrality by the year 2030 for the master plan of a five block, mixed use development in downtown Portland. She coordinated an integrated design process among design professionals, consultants and contractors for this and other mixed use projects to facilitate the production of architecture that works synergistically with its environment. While earning her masters degree, Zafiro conducted building daylight research at the Energy Studies in Buildings Lab at the University of Oregon, and worked as a design team member in Athens, Greece, on the Museum of the Hellenic World, a project subsequently published in Art Center Basel's "Museums in the 21st Century". As an undergrad, she served as president of the American Institute of Architecture Students.
A cycling aficionado, Zafiro bicycled solo across 3 continents. She also entered an urban design competition to promote inclusion of a high speed rail network in the U.S. transportation fabric. Having danced semi-professionally with a Chicago based folk dance troupe for years, she now teaches dance to young children. She enjoys riding bicycles and rollerblading with her 4 year old son.
Education
University of Oregon - Portland, Urban Studies Program, Master of Architecture
University of Illinois at Chicago, Bachelor of Architecture
Erin Srebinski
Erin Srebinski
Erin started at Nicholas Design Collaborative as the Office Manager in 2014. Prior to NDC, Erin worked for Blick Art Materials as a Retail Merchandiser and traveled all over the country to open new stores. She also worked for a few start-ups in Boston and Chicago in business development which is a huge passion of hers. She graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in Advertising. Following graduation she attended Northwestern University's Pre-Medical program. Ultimately she chose not to attend medical school and pursued her business interests.
When she's not working, you can find her spending time with her husband and toddler, running through the city or testing a new recipe always with her camera and a cup of coffee in hand.
Education
Michigan State University, Bachelor of Arts, Advertising
West Town Mixed Use Project encounters opposition
Corner View at night
Our West Town Mixed Use Project, formerly referred to as Mystery Project 01 has been presented to the presiding neighborhood organizations and has been recommended not to proceed to City Council for a zoning change. The project is located in the Grand Avenue Design District, which has been organically developing on Grand Avenue for the past several years. This block now contains several design oriented businesses and stores. Many of these businesses are located in buildings that are zoned as Manufacturing, including our proposed project, which would need a zoning change from manufacturing to mixed use in order to move forward.
The location of this project on Grand Avenue is adjacent to the rapidly changing Ukrainian Village Neighborhood to the north and the Kinzie Planned Manufacturing District to the south. It is our belief that Grand Avenue should be allowed to develop as a higher density, mixed use zone. This will provide a critical mass of residents who will require conveniently located goods and services which will support the retail spaces that currently exist as well as enhancing those businesses with new businesses. Unfortunately the Chicago Grand Neighborhood Association (CGNA) and the Industrial Council do not share our view.
The neighborhood where this design is being proposed just happens to be near my office. It is close to downtown, but not in downtown. It is far enough away from downtown that you can park on the street without having to feed a meter or have a zone sticker, which is one of the reasons we like it here. Although there are some 3 and 4 story buildings on the block, but most of the older buildings are 1 and 2 story. What we are proposing is 5 stories, so we felt the need to break down the scale of the building to work better with the scale of the surrounding area.
Grand Avenue Facade
Grand Avenue is the mediating commercial street between manufacturing and residential and ideally should provide goods and services that provide for the surrounding area. In the 13 years I have had my business on this street, it has slowly been changing to include some restaurants and some new businesses.
I have found in my many encounters with neighborhood groups that typically, they fight any increase in density. I believe that people are scared of change, in whatever form it takes. Parking and traffic is always their bellwether and although I understand their concern, I am left to wonder why they chose to live in a major metropolitan area in the first place. Surely the suburbs would be better if what you are looking for is lower density and abundant parking.
Personally, I live in a city because I prefer to walk to get what I need. Having a vibrant, dense environment with goods and services located in close proximity is not only convenient, but also environmentally friendly. I am typically frustrated to hear residents who clearly attend meetings for their own self interest. It is rampant and it is changing the shape of our cities. Ironically after the project was presented to the community groups, members approached me afterwards and told me that they loved the architecture. This was a reminder of what I can control. I can control the architecture but not the politics.
Peter Nicholas
peter@nicholasdc.com
Grade Level Plan
Typical Residential Plan
Top Floor Plan - Office, Green Roof and Tenant Amenities
Flite Series soars with the Eagles
Project view from north east
I took a short 90 minute ride from Chicago down to Ottawa, IL with my friend, business partner and client Cary Kerbel to check the progress of construction. It is eagle season downstate and it was fun to see the eagles soaring about despite the frigid conditions.
Exterior Volumes close to be clad, all the windows are in and entry bays are looking great.
Entry bays from the west
The project is progressing well, despite the Siberian temperatures. Many thanks to Matt Juntannen and David Krupp of Juntannen Construction, for being great General Contractors and stewards of the design. David studied architecture in college and comes from a legacy of architects, so the details are carefully built. Matt is an expert field general with many years of experience and has kept the project moving despite a dearth of skilled labor, a byproduct of the great recession in the area.
Balcony framing is in place, projecting towards the view of the water.
Water side of project
The Project is coming together well with drywall under way. Unfortunately due to the winter conditions, the site improvements are pending. Finished grading, landscaping, and fencing will be starting once the ground thaws. We are looking forward to these improvement which really enhance the look of this distinctive project.
East end of the project
Intersections at landings of open stair
Landing at top of stair
Steel stairs are coming along, light and skeletal, beautifully working with the two story volume.
Stair hall entry looking toward street
Living room looking south west towards mouth of cove
Units are now for sale. For more information, call Tammy Barry at (815) 433-5000.
Peter Nicholas
Nicholas Design Collaborative wins "Best of Houzz 2015"
Nicholas Design Collaborative of Chicago, IL has been awarded “Best Of Houzz” for Design & Customer Satisfaction by Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The 25 year old holistic design practice was chosen by the more than 25 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 500,000 active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals. “We’re delighted to recognize Nicholas Design Collaborative among our “Best Of” professionals as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”
We are thrilled with the recognition and will continue to strive to be the "Best" at design and serving our customers as we move towards our 26th year in business.
Mystery Project 02 - A great site by the river
We have the privilege, and are in the process designing a custom house on a property that fronts the north branch of the Chicago river in the only area where a homeowner is allowed to maintain a private dock. Sounds good, right? Being right on the river unfortunately comes with baggage, mainly soil that is has the compressive strength of quicksand. Most people don't know that some areas in Chicago, including the loop, are a filled swamp, and when you go to build a building, you sometimes have to extend the supporting piers down to China. In this case it is not quite China; we don't actually get to hard packed soil for 35'. That's a lot deeper that 42 inches, which is the minimum to get below the frost line. Bummer. Especially for our client, who has to pay for it.
View of front with neighboring bungalow
The property is much larger than the neighboring properties, so although we are complying with the zoning requirements, the house is going to be something like 3 times the size of the the neighboring properties on the block. That is not to mention that the majority of the other houses on the block are Chicago Bungalows which people are rightfully protective of.
Street Elevation
Being good neighbors, we feel that it is necessary, as much as possible to reduce the apparent scale of the house from the street. This is achieved by reducing the bulk of the building in the front, and pushing the third floor towards the rear of the site, where it is largely hidden from view at the street.
Side yard view with neighboring house dashed in
Riverside Perspective
Fortunately, he is committed to the project and the beautiful wooded piece of land on which it will sit. It's a pretty rare situation to have a riverfront property in Chicago, so the client understandably wants to take advantage of the river view. We love that guy and his commitment!
View from Alley
Because the soil conditions are so poor, what would normally be basement functions are placed on the third floor, which is a nice place for a recreation room; with a sweeping view of the river and a large roof deck with an outdoor fireplace.
Fall Perspective
This project has just been submitted for zoning review, so its fate thus far is indeterminate. We are positive and like our chances of it getting built. Time will tell. We will keep you posted.
Peter Nicholas
peter@nicholasdc.com
www.nicholasdc.com
Perspective view from Street
Mystery Project 01- Mixed Use Project near Downtown Chicago
We have been given the opportunity to create a building that is energy efficient in an effective way. It provides the buyer with great reduction in their energy bills while not killing the developer on the front end. Each unit not only has great views to the north, south and east, but also has outdoor "rooms" with wood burning stoves. These spaces range in size from 100-150 square feet and with the wood burning stoves make it usable for most of the year.
Elevation/Perspective
North-South Section
The top (5th) floor provides office space for visiting professionals that work with the project owner as well as a green roof and patio area for tenant use.
The project is in the very early stages of development and has several governmental approvals, construction analysis, cost analysis and market analysis before we get the green light to move forward. Look for updates in future blog posts.
Peter M Nicholas
peter@nicholasdc.com
I am happy to report that new construction, urban infill projects are back in Chicago. The black plague of the great recession is waning and some developers are starting to stick their toes back in the water. Having been the architect on several projects for this type of project, this is good news indeed. One of the reasons I landed in Chicago from my native San Diego (besides the weather of course!) is the opportunity to contribute to the Urban Environment.
Fixing holes in the urban fabric, reinforcing a retail presence in an area that is adding residential units as well as new retail and business concern is the intent of this project.
Second Floor Plan
A large light well and communal garden starts on the lowest residential floor, provides light for hallways and some units and a peaceful respite for tenant. This reduces the need for lighting in common areas and avoids the dark hallway issue we have all experienced in many multi family projects
Fifth Floor Office / Roof Deck
View from Southwest
Flite Series Update: Tweaking on the Fly
Not only is the building itself striking, but the water views of the adjacent "conservation cove" and the Illinois River beyond are spectacular. The presence of the cove is commanding and peaceful.
The Flite Series at Heritage Harbor is speeding along towards a late fall delivery and I had the opportunity to see the progress a few weeks ago. The form that we developed in plans is as strong in person as it was in drawing form.
View from Unit A to southwest
Original proposal from east
Revised
Original Proposal from west
Revised
One of the nice things about working with Developer Cary Kerbel of Entre' Partners is that he is not just a developer but is a licensed architect as well. Cary is also a longtime friend and is not shy about expressing an idea or difference of opinion about a design. We are respectful of his point of view and are always open to his thoughts.
In an effort to keep the scale of the project in keeping with the buildings around it and also to create a protected courtyard on the street side of the project, the garages were separated from the main building and placed as close to the street as allowable, creating visual protection for the private courtyards that lie between the main building and the garage. The challenge of this concept was to create a feeling of privacy for the occupants, but some view from the street. It is a difficult task to try and create both privacy and visual access at the same time. Most projects along the same street have more traditional and formal front yards and either an attached garage or a paved and open car pad, but we didn't want to do that either. So, being architecture geeks, we kept looking for a better solution.
Cary was losing sleep on this one and couldn't stop thinking about it. So, not being able to leave well enough alone, Cary came up with a compromise that gave the buyer a covered parking space and some additional storage by providing a 12' wide closed garage, but also providing an additional car pad paved with a green paver product that alows grass to be grown in open spaces designed for that purpose. The result is privacy and appropriate storage for the Owner's, more openness for the neighborhood and a green, permeable product that limits harmful runoff and promotes retention of water in the soil below
Cary's site plan sketch
Cary's Garage Sketches
View from the Illinois River
As in all projects we work on at NDC, the best idea always wins, whether it comes from the Architect, the Developer or the Contractor. We want the best solution that has the best chance of success on all levels.
Windows have arrived and are being installed as the building shell approaches being sealed up. Siding starts soon and completion is immanent. We will keep you informed.
Peter Nicholas - NDC
Designing Your Dream Home an interview of Peter Nicholas by Illinois Homes
Check out my interview, Designing Your Dream Home on Illinois Homes, one of the top sites for Illinois real estate, including Evanston, IL homes for sale. Illinois Homes also services Wisconsin homes for sale and Michigan homes for sale.
Waterside elevation
Flite Series takes off
Livng / Dining with views towards water
The Flite Series, a 4 unit townhouse project in the Heritage Harbor resort community of Ottawa, Illinois started construction last week with delivery of the finished product projected for late fall. Located 75 minutes for downtown Chicago is a planned marina based community, the project is perched atop a bluff overlooking an inlet feeding from the Illinois River. Each unit ranges in size from 2,500 - 3,100 square feet on 3 levels. All levels have views directed towards the water.
Street view from the northeast
The units are placed as close to the water as allowable and the two car garages for each unit were placed as close to the street as allowable which accomplishes two things; it creates a protected semi-private outdoor living space between the garage the main building and separating the garages reduces the scale of the main buildings in respect to its single family neighbors.
Entry at courtyard
Drawing on the language of the traditional farmhouse, this telescoping geometry breaks the project into identifiable volumes which correspond to individual units
LIving/Dining looking towards entry
Two story glass entry spaces contain a open steel stair with wood treads invites visitors to each unit and from the courtyard, allows views through the interior to the water beyond.
Detail of end unit with main level master bedroom facing water
Unique street side courtyards provide a protected intimate outdoor living space
We would very much like to thank my friend Cary Kerbel of Entre' Partners and Heritage Harbor for allowing us to push the envelope a bit on the project and for being so kind and easy to work with. For Sales information, contact Tammy Barry of Heritage Harbor at tammyb@heritageharborottawa.com or (815) 252-3113
Raised Rear Patio and kitchen
Announcing RoscO2
We are excited to announce that our newest custom single family residence design, located in the heart of Chicago's Roscoe Village neighborhood is now available for purchase. The house offers the latest in green technology as well in our signature comfortable modern style with a perfectly designed floor plan that meets the needs of the modern family. Construction is expected to begin this summer.
For detailed information go the project website at project website 3437seeley.com
Are we having FUN yet?
Who says that Hardie Panels are boring? The installation of the rear elevation at the Periscope House proves otherwise. Using ordinary materials in an extraordinary way is something we always try to do. Charles and Ray Eames had that philosophy, so why not us? Not one to be too demonstrative, it seemed like a good opportunity to put in something surprising into one of our projects. Primary colors will make the rear of the property a festive place and very different from the more sophisticated material palette in the front of the house.
Primary colors enhance the rear of the Periscope House
Concrete Floors can be beautiful too! Vera Floor Systems just finished grinding, staining, and polishing the entire first floor of the house and it has a wonderful depth and shine. Owner Tony Vera worked hard with us to get the color right and it has a nice warm grey tone to it and our buyers could be more pleased with the results. I have searched for years to find the right concrete company that could achieve this result and Tony is the guy!
Polished concrete in the Living Room
It going to get even more fun! Tile starts tomorrow followed by wood flooring upstair and cabinetry. Stay tuned!
Peter Nicholas
peter@nicholasdc.com
Old Friends, New House
Front Facade - Natural stone, stucco cladding, slate roof and copper gutter and downspouts
Old friends Mary Beth McGinnis and Vance Scott of Skokie, Illinois, (where my children were raised) have a new house that we designed for them. Well... it is actually a couple of years old now, it just took a while for us to get around to shooting it! Many thanks to my Filmmaker son Andreas Nicholas and his willingness to do something that is outside of his normal line of work. Mary Beth and Vance are successful, but modest people and we wanted the image of the building to be an expression of their personalities. This did not call for a challenging design expression, but a studied and comfortable use of high quality materials that fits its site like a glove. Or goal was a building that articulated strength, solidity, and quiet character. It also needed to open, informal and welcoming; an environment that responded directly to the way that they live and who they are. The house also needed to be a backdrop of their lives to be filled with the artwork and artifacts of the three generations of family members that would be occupying it. This is a family that cooks, paints, makes music, when they aren't breaking swimming records at the local high school.
View from above, Lorel park to the left
Located across the street from Lorel Park where their children Konner, Edan and Erik liked to spend time with their friends spending afternoons playing vigorous games of Ultimate Frisbee. Mary Beth and I worked together on her vision of an "L" shaped footprint that both directed views toward the Park (and a watchful eye towards the kids in the park!) and embraced the expansive side yard of this generous property. I admittedly didn't immediately love the idea, but kept an open mind to my client's vision. After looking at the way it addressed the site, framing the side yard and focusing on the park, I realized that she was correct and we started developing the project from there. The functional diagram is the first step of every house that we design and this was one turned out to be a good one. Its always good to listen, especially if it is the client who is speaking to you!
Entry Foyer
The Entry Foyer is the pivot between the 2 legs of the "L" shape. It is defined by floor to ceiling glass on the front and back, creating a through-building view from the front to the side patio and side yard. The flanking walls are covered with anigre wood panels, strenthening the openness of the ends with the solidity of the sides. The floor is covered with a flamed finish, Lagos Blue liimestone and antique copper mosaic, bordered by a honed finish of the same stone, providing the effect of a throw rug and giving the space a nice texture. The Foyer also separates the guest suite (from the Dining Room and the rest of the first floor. The Guest Suite is occupied by Mary Beth's mother and we provided a nice level of privacy for her.
Dining Room and Stair
Moving from the Foyer to the Dining Room, the stair provides a dramatic backdrop. The Dining Room is the most formal room in the house due to it placement in the front of the house, separated from the Kitchen and Family Room. Wide plank walnut floors give a rich base for lighter anigre panels and the stair tread and risers provide a material flow from the first to the second floor. The stair picks up on the material choices of the Foyer with anigre panels, and an antiqued copper rail, but also adds patterned silk screened glass and a solid walnut top rail. An expansive modern chandelier anchors the dining room table and defines the space.
The stair separates the Dining Room from the more informal Kitchen,Family room and informal eating areas
Kitchen with Family Room beyond
Kitchen and Family Room face a wall of glass oriented to the yard the Lorel Park beyond. The kitchen palette consist of German made cabinets with a light vertically grained hardwood, manmade quartz countertops a linear limestone mosaic backsplash and stainless steel and aluminum accents. Kitchen, Breakfast and Family Room share one large open space tied together with large format 24" x 48" porcelain tiles floor tiles which is hydronically heated below the tile. The hard floor surface resists scratches from the nails of the big dogs and the heated floor is always a big hit during the brutal winters here.
Master Bathroom
The Master Bedroom suite is an expansive and sequestered environment conceived as an appropriate escape from the hectic life of raising 3 active, opinionated, wonderful, but all consuming children. The Master suite contains to the expected large bedroom, bath and closet that is standard for a house on this level, but also Vance's office and recessed balcony, tucked int the shadows with a view of the yard the park beyond and an eye on the activities of those kids.
Side view from the park
Tremendous gratitude goes out to Vance and Mary Beth for their vision, intelligence, patience, resilience. kindness and grace to handle the pressure of building a family homestead during an economy that did a back flip in the middle of the project, staring down that beast and making it happen. Did I mention grit? And grit.
Side Patio - Park to the right, kitchen and Family Room to the left, Entry Foyer straight ahead
Peter Nicholas peter@nicholasdc.com
Nicholas Design Collaborative named as "Best of Houzz 2014"
We are pleased to announce that we have been selected as "Best Of Houzz 2014" in both Design and Service Categories.
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Houzz provides homeowners with the most comprehensive view of home building, remodeling and design professionals, empowering them to find and hire the right professional to execute their vision,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of community for Houzz. “We’re delighted to recognize Nicholas Design Collaborative among our “Best Of” professionals for both customer satisfaction and design as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”
We are happy for the recognition and will continue to strive to be the "Best" at design and serving our customers as we move towards our 25th year in business.
New Project - Rosc02
Nicholas Design Collaborative in conjunction with our Design Build entity, NCA Build are embarking on a new project, Rosc02 in the Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago. Known for its high quality schools, thriving commercial district and convenient location, Roscoe Village is an ideal place to raise a family. Our property is located less than a block from Roscoe Blvd., within a few blocks from the Brown Line El and less that a block from the outstanding Audubon Elementary School. This is just a teaser, but it will be available for purchase within a month or two, so stay tuned. We will be posting more details as they become available.
Rosc02 - Street Elevation sketch
The building exterior will be unlike anything found in the area, but will be respectful on the context in which it sits. We have bay windows, porches, entry steps and covered porches, they just don't look like the ones next door, but there is definitely and thoughful connection. We will mix traditional materials (brick, wood siding) along with more contemporary ones (aluminum, fiber cement board panels) and all materials specified will be utilized using the most advanced and logical methods, ensuring the health and safety of the occupants and their guests. One of these methods is rain screen technology which allows exterior walls to be ventilated, resisting mold and providing clean and healthy interior air.
Roof Deck and outdoor dining - Urban - NDC 2010
As in many of our projects, Rosc02 will place an emphasis on a connection to the outdoors and the incorporation of functional, usable outdoor spaces with interior spaces.
Rear Deck - Urban Residence - NDC 2010
Rosc02 will have a rear deck that will be raised to connect seamlessly with the kitchen and outdoor dining as well as allowing a closer connection with the outdoor living space on the garage roof deck
Kitchen - Roscoe Village 01 - NDC 2010
The house is designed for the lifestyle of the modern family with the kitchen as the epicenter of house. Gone are infrequently used formal dining, living spaces and sequestered servants spaces.
Kitchen Pantry and Desk - Roscoe 01 - NDC 2010
Need storage in the Kitchen? You will have it in this house, more than you can imagine.
Living/Dining Room - Long Avenue 1 - NDC 2006
What will be included are consolidated elegant but casual spaces for people that love to entertain, cook and involve all of their guests and family members in the process. Beautifully open and uncluttered spaces not only allow for easy communication but also allow for open sight lines for parents to keep track of the activities of their children.
Persicope House - Forecourt, Master, Family Room, Living Room - NDC 2013
Unique? Need something that speaks to you? Want to live in the house that all your friends what to be invited to? Yep, that's what we do, its all we want to do.
We do custom houses and you won't find one on the market that comes close... More details to come!
Peter Nicholas
peter@nicholasdc.com
Periscope Crew Forges Ahead Despite Arctic Conditions
Happy New Year Readers!
Below zero temperatures cost us some days but did not stop progress on the framing of the Periscope House.
Head on view from the west of the Master Bedroom
View from North
The Floating cantilevered piece is an appropriate counterpoint to the surrounding masonry buildings. The thing that I have always found to be interesting is the shift of the new piece to the west of the garden wall (which was done to be within zoning compliance) and space between the garden wall and the piece, which will be filled in with windows and a leaning skylight on the north edge that spans the offset.
Roof sheathing on the addition
All the exterior walls and the majority of the roof sheathing is in place, and the form of the house is rapidly nearing completion.
Junction of fireplace and master bedroom piece
The chimney was extended and reclad with new brick due to the fact that the existing brick is impossible to match. I like the way the fireplace is allowed to go from inside to outside with windows on the edge to allow one to see edges of the brick mass penetrate the exterior plane
The rear of the project has changed significantly. The addition of a large beam is not providing support so that we could remove the back wall at the new dining room when a floor to ceiling sliding glass door will fill that opening. the projecting south bedroom box is cantilevering at the second floor and the walls for the mudroom, also projecting form at the first floor is in place.
Rear Elevation
View from the Master Bedroom
View of Front from the South
The weather this week has been less than cooperative and coupled with the holidays made it a bust, but the windows are ready to be delivered and the framing crew ready to jump on it as soon as the weather gets a little warmer and less snowy.
Peter Nicholas
peter@nicholasdc.com
Periscope House Construction Report - Now the fun starts!
In a race against the elements, the construction team is making significant progress in an effort to achieve an enclosed structure by the end of 2013.
pouring the new slab in the family room over the radiant heating tubes
With underground plumbing complete a coordinated effort was needed between the concrete and heating trades. Slab areas needed to be prepared by the concrete crew, followed by the heating crew placing their heating tubes in the slab. The existing floor will have a 2 1/2" layer of concrete poured over the existing slab while in the new areas, we poured a 4" slab the matched the level of the topping slab.
Heating tubes are laid on top of the existing slab awaiting the topping pour. Tubes are evenly distributed to provide an even level of heat
Heating tubes are run to a common manifold. Tubes will be split off into six separate zones to provide fine tuning for in separate areas on the first floor
In preparation for insertion of the cantilevering "Periscope" piece off the front of the house, a large portion of the existing roof needed to be removed. In addition to this, the existing chminey and fireplace was reclad with new brick
The Steel Framing also went up this week, which is very exciting. This piece of the construction will form the backbone for the signature cantilevered "Periscope" piece on the front the on project
Framing has started in earnest, which has been a lot of tearing out of the bad old lumber and insertion of heavier laminated posts and beams that can handle the longer spans we have designed to achieve a more open feel. More to come soon?
Peter Nicholas
peter@nicholasdc.com
Ottawa Townhomes design rounding into shape
Our design of a 4 unit townhouse project in the Heritage Harbor development in Ottawa, Illinois is nearing completion and is proving to be a unique product for this resort community.
View from street
A major decision in the design was our attempt to create a courtyard and to activate outdoor space on the street side of the main structure. By detaching the garage and pushing it as close to the street as possible allows that space to exist between the the house and the garage. A 4 foot high cedar fence with 1" spaces between the planks provides a measure of security for the Owners while allowing passersby on the street to get a glimpse of activity within the courtyard. It is a fine balance to strike between privacy and community.
Courtyard View
From a sales perspective, the courtyard adds a space that exists nowhere else in the Heritage Harbor. The one story, flat roofed garages add scale to the street and helps to break down the mass of the complex and provide a frame of view leading to the entry of the townhouse itself. The screen porch for each unit is oriented towards the courtyard and visually support the entry piece. The entry piece is a two story, glass faced rectangular mass that reveals a open rail metal stair and a glimpse of the view to the river beyond. It will look like a beacon at night.
On the river side of the project, each unit steps back to follow the profile of the property along the lake and orients the view of each unit through a corner window towards the mouth of the cove to the Illinois River to the east. The profile on the land drops 10 feet from the street side to the river side, providing the opportunity to add a lower level walkout. The main living level presents panoramic views through continuous bands of floor to ceiling windows and access to an adjacent projecting balcony. The two end units have first level master bedroom suite that also in directed towards the river view. All other bedrooms are located on the second floor and also face the river.
River side view
We are still working on and making adjustments to the project, but at some point we have to stop designing, finish the drawings and build it! City of Ottawa is currently reviewing the design, which is a departure for anything that has preceded it in the development, thus a little challenging for them. We are getting full support on the design from Rich Bridges and the entire Heritage Harbor team, who see this as a positive progression from the first generation of development.
Peter Nicholas
peter@nicholasdc.com