Minimalistic Villa- Beach Park, Illinois, USA

Our aim is to develop the best possible design according to environmental context, cardinal directions and, quality of living for each family member. We wanted to utilized the terrain in the best way so the architecture is connected to it, paying attention to functionality and efficiency.

The house is strategically designed to optimize sunlight exposure. Facing eastprovides a captivating view of Lake Michigan, while the south captures themaximum sunlight, and the west takes advantage of the afternoon light. Thenorth side accommodates technical spaces and areas that require less sunlight.Natural ventilation is a key consideration, promoting a well-ventilated andrefreshing living environment. The design follows the sloped terrain, extendingthe first floor toward the lake and seamlessly integrating with the landscape.

The house exudes a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic, particularly at theentrance and in a distinctive 'tower.' The integration of trusses forms horizontalspandrel elements on the exterior, accentuating the contemporary aesthetic. Theoverall concept draws inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright's philosophy, aimingfor a seamless integration with the natural surroundings. We embraced hisphilosophy—the residence isn't perched upon the hill; it harmonizes with it. Whatintrigued us was the realization that, in a way, as we developed the design anddeveloped the 3D model, this concept echoes the essence of Frank's iconicFallingwater house, evident in its cantilevered terraces and accentuatedhorizontal elements.

We didn’t incorporate the courtyard and bridge as architectural features, giventheir lower priority on your list. Moreover, we believe that fundamentally,their inclusion wouldn't significantly enhance the design or overall livingexperience and wouldn't align with the Wright philosophy of seamlessintegration with the natural surroundings. Additionally, our solution is morecost-effective, as it eliminates the need for extensive excavation.

The structure and volumetrics of the house reflect a contemporary andminimalistic approach to architectural design.

Second Floor:

The second floor, serving as the main entrance and living zone, features asignature 'tower' at the entrance, creating a timeless and luxuriousimpression. A terrace above the entrance adds to this distinctive feel. Naturallight and ventilation are optimized on all four sides. Large windows onopposite sides of the living zone (east and west) ensure consistent naturallight throughout the day.

We wanted to implement the open-plan layout which fosters fluid and continuous movementthroughout the living spaces, and you will experience that once the building iscompleted. If we analyze the entire living zone, we can see that the focalpoint resides in the center where the island, kitchen, and wine cellar arelocated, enabling fluid communication and large openings on the facades. Thewine cellar is centrally located, facilitating seamless integration into theinterior and making it a valuable feature in the interior design. Additionally,the placement of the wine cellar allows for the use of the dining table forwine tastings, enhancing the versatility of the space for frequent use,contrary to the earlier notion that the dining table is used only a few times ayear, as you mentioned.

The office, with entrances on both sides, further emphasizes this seamlessflow. Technical rooms, storage, and the garage face north, with the garagepositioned to allow more natural light into the living zone. We intentionallychose not to position the quarters on top of the garage to preserve the view ofthe house from the access road. This decision was made to avoid blocking theview, ensuring that the house remains visible and aesthetically pleasing fromthe road. Additionally, we increased the surface area slightly for the staff,providing a sofa for their comfort. Staff quarters, connected to the garage,offer direct access to the house, especially beneficial during inclementweather.


First Floor:

On the first floor, there are four main blocks: the gym, spa, bar with thesunroom, and the junior bedroom. The spa is oriented to the north, as itdoesn't require too much natural light, while the junior bedroom is positionedon the south. All spa amenities are consolidated into one block, allowing forbetter access, increased privacy, and improved overall communication.Additionally, the spa and gym are connected.

The junior bedroom'ssouthern placement ensures it receives ample natural light. We believe this positioningenhances the overall comfort of the space. Your son will have direct access tothe outside with a large terrace, making the entire living space morecomfortable and inviting. This thoughtful arrangement contributes to a morepleasant and accommodating living environment for your son.


Third Floor:

The third floor boasts excellent ventilation and abundant natural light on allfour sides. An ante room with natural light and a terrace above the mainentrance on the west side add value to the space. The office also features aterrace, and the bathrooms are generously sized, contributing to an enhancedliving experience.

In summary, our conceptdesign is a thoughtful integration of contemporary architectural principles,environmental considerations, and a commitment to providing an exceptionalliving experience. We believe this design meets the expectations for aresidence that blends seamlessly with its surroundings while offering moderncomforts and minimalistic aesthetic appeal.