In order to create a new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in the dark, fragmented basement of a vernacular Chicago workers cottage, our design focuses on the strategic use of light, materiality, and improved spatial clarity. The existing hodge-podge of rooms, cobbled together over decades, offered little functionality and were at odds with our client’s desire to host large gatherings with friends and family. Through selective demolition and custom millwork, the layout was reimagined around openness and flexibility. A generous living and dining area now anchors the unit, which also includes a new guest bedroom/office, and a reconfigured kitchen and bathroom.
Material choices reflect the client’s interests and aesthetics, crafting a warm modernism that draws from Scandinavian interiors and mid-century detailing. Medium-stained oak slats and millwork bring a bright warmth to an exposed concrete floor. Screened behind the oak slats, ambient LED lighting, creates a soft, enveloping glow throughout. Textured wall finishes, in a rich color palette inspired by Alexander Girard, help tell the story of the new space, and handmade ceramic tiles with natural variation add visual and tactile depth to the bathroom and kitchen. Beyond simply creating a functional ADU, this renovation offers a cohesive, inspiring environment tailored to the client’s practical spatial needs and aesthetic ambitions.
Project Information
Clients: Confidential
Size: 800 SF renovation
General Contractor: Jackson and Green
Team: Josh Mings, Katia Astudillo, Jason Pion
