WILMETTE RESIDENCE
WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 2001

A new two story residence fronts onto a 10 acre park amongst mature oak trees. The taught, stained cedar facade is marked by ribbons of windows that have generous northern, eastern, and southern exposures.

The first floor's open plan affords ample light to all public and family spaces. The upper floor accommodates four bedrooms surrounding a daylit open stair.

Architect: Wheeler Kearns Architects
Construction Cost: Withheld at Owner's Request
Photography by Alan Shortall

Facade

Eight-inch wide cedar shiplap siding encircles the building, interrupted by rows of double hung and casement clad wood windows.

Rear Yard

The rear facade enjoys a broad exposure to the southern sun. A series of gardens occupy the court between the house and the garage beyond.

Entry

The entry is flanked by a study outfitted with floor to ceiling bookshelves.

Stair

An open steel stair was inserted into the middle of the house, daylight by west facing windows. Oak treads, stained to match the floor, ascend to the second floor.

Dining Room

The dining table occupies the center of the open first floor plan, encircled with daylight..

Family Room

A wood burning fireplace anchors a partial height mass that separates the dining room form the south facing family room.

Bedroom

Each second floor bedroom makes use of a corner window exposure and a closet painted in a bright, saturated color.

Kitchen

The kitchen and breakfast area enjoys the broadest exposure to the southern sun.

Kitchen Detail

Transluscent glazed cabinet doors with a stainless steel light rail hover over beech cabinets and honed granite countertops. A backpainted glass backsplash completes the palette.

Master Bath

Freestanding mirrors stand off from the continuous ribbon of windows behind the vanities. Transluscent glass partitions define the shower and toilet areas.