Part mid-century modern, part farmhouse, and part split-level, this suburban home north of Chicago had lost its sense of identity after decades of additions under many different owners. Saurman Architecture was tasked with reinvigoring the exterior in a way that would present a modern statement to the street and increase the importance of the front door over the existing garage.

An example of a ubiquitous suburban archetype, “snout houses” such as this which present the garage to the street above all else are designed with consideration for automobiles over human experience. To bring back the human element, there was a need diminish the importance of the garage and driveway, while introducing an inviting front entry procession. Also, to break up the monotony of the existing white-colored house, color contrast and wood accents were included to encourage the eye to focus on the lower building forms.

By introducing a charcoal-grey colored stucco to the garage and entry, the eye is encouraged to follow the lowest roofline to a new flat roofed porch above the entry, drawing one’s eye away from the garage and to the front door. Wood accents, a wood garage door, and new plantings serve to soften the ensemble, and a new board formed concrete accent wall with address numbers helps to create a sense of protection for the occasional visitor as they transition from outside to inside.

This project is currently under development.