O’Brien-Iriye Residence
Urbana, Illinois

The rural subdivision location for this residence with its south and creek facing slope suggested a design largely oriented to the views with passive solar benefits.

This family was faced with a common dilemma. They loved their vintage arts and crafts house and its highly desirable neighborhood, but had outgrown its small spaces and limited square footage. They decided to augment the house through a sizable addition, nearly doubling their living space.

The program called for a Living space, a Bedroom, a Study and a Screened Porch. Additionally, a new rear Entry/Mudroom with a Patio connection to the detached Garage was incorporated. Reorganized Dining and Sunroom spaces create more usable Living space.

The addition is deferential to the original house from the street, but opens to the rear yard with a series of setbacks facilitating an abundance of natural light and a strong connection to the outdoors. The cedar shingle siding complements the original brick structure and gives the addition an identity of its own.