Modern woodland home that echoes the embrace of family
Location
Bannockburn, Illinois, USA
Project type
Single Family Home
Project team
MX3
Owners
Project size
6,000 sq. ft.
Design time
4 months
Construction time
12 months
A challenge beautifully met
At the time, Bannockburn had an unwritten policy of allowing only traditional homes to be built. We expected to be challenged, but we went ahead with our modern plans anyway.
We were prepared for questions at our Appearance Hearing. But when we made our case, the commissioner surprised us by making the recommendation to approve the project because it was “just too beautiful.”
When it feels right from start to finish
This was one of those rare projects that changed very little from its initial conception. When we presented the plan from our Schematic Design Phase, the owner thanked us for capturing her vision, including desires she couldn’t put into words herself.
Between this true believer of a client, an amazing site, and our Enermimetic Architectural approach, we created a breathtaking home. The Bannockburn residence remains one of our proudest accomplishments to date.
Where trust meets intuition
When a family of five found the perfect wooded property in Bannockburn, they came to us with their vision.
They wanted a modern home that would be comfortable for a family of five, honor their heritage, and feel inspiring at every turn.
The client was involved from the start, offering thoughtful ideas while trusting us to lead the process. We had creative freedom with one primary constraint: the village’s strong preference for traditional architecture.
A gathering place shaped by earth’s energy
We organized the home’s design around the prevailing site energy. A circular family room sits at the center with panoramic views of the pool and wooded surroundings.
Wings curve outward from this point, forming a layout that feels like the embrace of family. An oval, two-story skylit entry leads you through an art gallery. Meanwhile, other portions of the home start to reveal themselves, offering moments of surprise, calm, and connection throughout.
The palette and materials honor both place and heritage. White stucco with a blue accent reflects the owner’s Greek Island roots. Mature trees shield the home from harsh light, while the pool takes advantage of the southwesterly sun. From entry sequence to sun orientation, we designed each detail to feel deliberate, intuitive, and alive.
