Challenge:

Design a house for a Northwestern civil engineering professor with two kids. The program called for a 2,500 sq. ft house on the site at 617 Haven Street. 

Solution:

The house seperates the private and public quarters of the house between the two floors. The first floor houses the living room, kitchen, dining room, and connects the family to the second floor through a stairs at behind the kitchen and at the front of the house that opens up to a large family room facing the street.

Inspiration:

The original inspiration for the house was actually a bookcase-staircase hybrid which was incorportated into the design of the house. As a civil engineering professor, I felt the idea of cantilivering the more private quarters would also fall in line with the user's interests and expertise.