Lincoln Park Residence

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Location

Chicago

Architects

SPACE Architects + Planners

Products

Sk1n VTB

Rooted in Innovation

After relocating from Indianapolis to Chicago, this couple was searching for a welcoming retreat—somewhere they could indulge their passions, frequently host family and friends, tend to their garden, and provide a comfortable space for their beloved dog.
Finding a move-in-ready home in Lincoln Park—one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods—that also offered a private garden at ground level proved more difficult than expected. So, when an opportunity arose to purchase a double lot, they decided to take a leap and build their dream home from scratch.

With no prior connections to local architects or suppliers, they relied on the trust they had in their real estate agent, who helped them assemble a team of professionals. At the helm was architect Jean Dufresne, founder of SPACE Architects + Planners. The expansive lot allowed Dufresne to experiment with forms and volumes, designing a home that widens toward the street and narrows toward the rear, making room for a private garden and a rooftop vegetable plot, thoughtfully crafted by landscape designer Tiffany Evans.

For the exterior cladding, Dufresne sought to pay tribute to Chicago’s architectural tradition. He selected a refined combination of limestone and Sk1n VTB tiles—materials that lend the home a sense of solidity and timelessness. The warm, natural texture of Sk1n VTB blends seamlessly with the home’s clean facade palette, which is accented by dark metal elements that add a contemporary edge. “We wanted to strike a balance between innovation and historical memory,” Dufresne explains. S.Anselmo’s materials helped emphasize that duality, creating a surface that feels both tactile and elegant, engaging in a quiet dialogue with its urban surroundings.

Inside, the entrance opens onto a central space that offers guests freedom of movement while preserving privacy for the home’s more intimate areas. At the heart of the home is a spectacular, custom-built staircase—its airy structure and floating treads evoke an Escher-like sense of wonder. The staircase was the result of six months of meticulous craftsmanship.

Materials use plays a crucial role throughout the interior, setting the tone for the serene, sophisticated atmosphere the owners envisioned. Interior designer Natasha VanScoyoc—who had collaborated with Dufresne on the exterior finishes—was responsible for the layout of the interior spaces. She worked in close partnership with Amy Kartheiser, who curated the furnishings, opting for neutral tones enhanced by rich textures like velvet, mohair, and leather. “We realized you don’t need bold colors to make a home feel unique and sophisticated,” Kartheiser shares. “It’s the quality of the materials that makes all the difference.”

Outdoors, Tiffany Evans designed a simple yet refined landscape where layers of green and varied plant textures create a sense of calm. On the rooftop, an urban vegetable garden allows the couple to cultivate fresh produce—a daily reminder of their deep connection to nature.

This project tells a story of roots and innovation, serving as a perfect example of how synergy between diverse professionals, united by a shared vision, can bring an ambitious dream to life.