norsman architects, ltd.

St. Croix Falls Library

Completed Fall 2009

Consultants: Structural Engineer - Louis Shell Engineers, MEP Engineers - IBC Engineering

Sustainable Highlights: Super insulated roof, solar thermal rooftop array for primary radiant heat, local materials, recycled building, reduced impermeable site, recycled building materials, Solatube skylights and sunlight monitoring lighting controls, low-flow plumbing fixtures, etc.

The project entailed the adaptive re-use of a vacant grocery store that serves as a gateway building to the historic downtown of this northern Wisconsin community of just over 2,000 residents. Studio NA took design cues from the community's interest in developing a progressive, sustainable vision for the community's future. Local prehistoric volcanic trap rock was included in the concrete mix for the plaza pavement and retaining walls in addition to the polished concrete floors of the Library's interior. The primary heating source for this cold climate locale is a solar thermal rooftop array that provides primary heat for the building's radiant floors. Sound absorptive hanging ceiling panels are cut from a topographic survey of the community's river valley.

St. Croix Falls Public Library and Public Plaza - St. Croix Falls, WI

Completed Fall 2009

Consultants: Structural Engineer - Louis Shell Engineers, MEP Engineers - IBC Engineering

Sustainable Highlights: Super insulated roof, solar thermal rooftop array for primary radiant heat, local materials, recycled building, reduced impermeable site, recycled building materials, Solatube skylights and sunlight monitoring lighting controls, low-flow plumbing fixtures, etc.

The project entailed the adaptive re-use of a vacant grocery store that serves as a gateway building to the historic downtown of this northern Wisconsin community of just over 2,000 residents. Studio NA took design cues from the community's interest in developing a progressive, sustainable vision for the community's future. Local prehistoric volcanic trap rock was included in the concrete mix for the plaza pavement and retaining walls in addition to the polished concrete floors of the Library's interior. The primary heating source for this cold climate locale is a solar thermal rooftop array that provides primary heat for the building's radiant floors. Sound absorptive hanging ceiling panels are cut from a topographic survey of the community's river valley.

Lincoln Square House, Chicago, IL

Begun through the sustainable process of deconstruction, this North Side house will achieve LEED-Gold Certification upon completion. In addition to the piece-by-piece disassembling and recycling of the existing house, the Silver Maple trees that were cleared for construction were repurposed into furnishings. Remaining flowers and plants were also donated to be replanted elsewhere.

The operational system also promote the objective of reusing and replenishing. Using low-demand LED lighting while drawing power from rooftop photovoltaic panels, the homeowner plans to become a net-zero electric home within a short time. Heating and cooling the house is done through a closed-loop geothermal system feeding both radiant floors and a high-efficiency furnace for cooling. Combined with high-performing windows and a building envelope that doubles the performance of the LEED standard, this building pushes the sustainable envelope by providing for a 500 square feet rooftop fruit and vegetable garden.

Potomac House II, Chicago, IL

Completed Fall 2013

Built around a sunken gathering space, this Wicker Park home delivers an indoor-outdoor living environment on a densely urban site. The concrete floors on the first level are complemented and warmed by the walnut kitchen and sunken living space. The vibrant seating of the 'conversation pit' helps to enliven the house with just the right amount of color. Lowering the gathering space between the kitchen and the dining room provided a visual connection from front to back as it pulls family and guests out of the usual gathering space of the kitchen to a more central location.

Carried throughout the second level, the walnut floors and cabinetry maintain a clean aesthetic while the pine ceiling treatment provides a visual and physical break in the typical all white ceiling plain.

Fairbanks Penthouse, Chicago, IL

Consultants: Structural Engineer – Louis Shell Structures, MEP engineers – Environmental Systems Design, Inc.,

Photography: Nikola Zlatkovic, Norsman Architects, Ltd.

Located in Helmut Jahn’s signature condominium building in the Streeterville neighborhood this penthouse unit was designed around the owner-bachelor’s lifestyle. Highly customized black walnut paneling and cabinetry create a common theme throughout the unit and include a floor to ceiling paneled cigar room, a hallway gallery with in-laid LED floor lighting, a master closet specifically designed for his clothes and his preferred method of storage. The entire floor was raised with an air-floor and finished with custom terrazzo flooring to eliminate ductwork, provide a radiant floor and permit window line integrated floor diffusers. It also provide an opportunity to integrate art metal in the floor in discreet locations.

A glass walled master shower at the window line with carefully placed window etching completes a very unique approach to high rise living.

1800 Ridge, Evanston, IL

Consultants: Structural Engineer - C.E. Anderson & Associates., MEP Engineers - Building Engineering Systems Photography: Michelle Litvin

Sustainable Highlights: Passive sun shading, decreased impervious surfaces, stormwater detention, a ventilated facade and sustainable materials.

This 34-unit residential loft building sits on one of the oldest streets in Evanston at the juncture of an historic landmark residential neighborhood and the edge of the city’s urban center. The design sets out to ease this juncture by terracing the two story addition away from residential district with 20 ft. setbacks creating expansive roof yards. Additionally, the existing residential tree canopy continues across the building with 24 roof top trees and a continuous balcony covered with a vegetated wall created with Green Screen. The building acts as an architectural green berm to the urban center.

In contrast, the city facing elevation addresses the urban core taking cues from the existing street facade as well as the prehistoric shorelines of Lake Michigan on which it sits. This city facade floors cantilever over the existing building with an undulating facade that is derived from the city’s historical shorelines.

1765 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL

1765 N Elston

160,000 s.f. adaptive re-use

Consultants: Structural Engineer – Louis Shell Structures

This adaptive re-use of an existing 100,000 s.f. abandoned steel cylinder factory in the heart of Chicago’s DePaul neighborhood has been repurposed into a centrally located office incubator. With nearly 70’ of clear height in the central bay, two new floors were able to be added adding an additional 60,000 s.f. of work-space. Essentially building a building within a building.

Through Chicago’s Building Board of Appeals we were given license to leave exposed the historic steel and heavy timber roof structure creating an aesthetically rich mix of new and historic building fabric in the interior spaces. The nearly 7 acre site sits on the Chicago River and at the terminus of the now under construction 606 Trail (Bloomingdale Trail). An indigenously planted storm water detention pond sits at the banks of the river providing an urban landscape retreat for the employees of the businesses.

Caffe Streets, Chicago, IL

Completed 2010

Located on Wicker Park’s vibrant Division Street, Caffe Streets balances a “social” coffee house atmosphere with a highly functional Masters Barista bar designed for craft coffee making.

Reinforcing the owner’s belief that the street is a vital component of our urban community, elements of the street are brought into the cafe. As you enter, a seven foot tall photo light-box of the neighborhood’s famous six-corner intersection greets guests. Above the chrome and dark wood of the coffee bar, the baristas’ work is illuminated by retrofitted Chicago streetlights while a wide storefront displays to the street the intimate 1,000 square foot interior space and backlit coffee bar. The polished concrete floors underfoot physically and visually connect with the city sidewalks.

Marbled bamboo plywood also gives the space a sense of warmth reminiscent of the shop’s inspiration. The plywood material is carried throughout the space, on the custom communal tables, chairs, wall paneling and the CNC-sculpted ceiling. The layered ceiling is inspired by the baristas artistic pouring of steamed milk into coffee. The seating plan maximizes occupancy and circulation. The traditional walk up espresso counter further encourages interaction and reaffirms the cafe’s symbiotic relationship with its community.

The coffee equipment that aids in brewing the perfect cup is further accented by the custom stainless steel “pour-over” bar counter while the unusual brewing devices on display create a laboratory setting. The notion of perfecting the product is a recurring theme in Caffe Streets.

Leavitt House I, Chicago, IL

Completed Spring 2008

Consultants: Structural Engineer - Louis Shell Structures, Solar - Solar Service, Inc., Geo-thermal - TDH Mechanical

Sustainable highlights: Geo thermal heating and cooling, solar thermal hot water, radiant floors throughout, recycled building, rooftop rainwater cistern, siding milled from existing buildings salvaged joists.

The adaptive re-use of this mixed-use building arose from the client's desire to build a single family residence in the city for their growing family. The building footprint was reduced with a cantilevered master suite to maximize the yard. With an abundance of cubic feet to work with, two story spaces were carved from the existing building to bring light deep into the building and create an open plan. The floor plan itself radiates from the kitchen core of the home, a gesture to the frequent entertaining and cooking of the owners and his previous experience as a chef.

Potomac House I, Chicago, IL

completed November 2007

Consultants: Structural Engineer - C.E. Anderson

Photography: Norsman Architects, NIkola Zlatkovic

Sustainable Highlights: Habitable green roof, passive solar strategies, rainwater harvesting, and highly insulative building envelope.

This new construction home was the first to participate in Chicago’s Green Permit Program and provided an opportunity for a comprehensive exploration of sustainable design and construction practices. These included obvious items like natural light, energy efficient walls, and non-toxic building materials which create buildings that are physically and mentally healthy as well as less obvious items like green-roofs, strategic landscape design and ventilated facades which offer additional amenities to urban living.

Potomac House II, Chicago, IL

Completed Fall 2013

Built around a sunken gathering space, this Wicker Park home delivers an indoor-outdoor living environment on a densely urban site. The concrete floors on the first level are complemented and warmed by the walnut kitchen and sunken living space. The vibrant seating of the 'conversation pit' helps to enliven the house with just the right amount of color. Lowering the gathering space between the kitchen and the dining room provided a visual connection from front to back as it pulls family and guests out of the usual gathering space of the kitchen to a more central location.

Carried throughout the second level, the walnut floors and cabinetry maintain a clean aesthetic while the pine ceiling treatment provides a visual and physical break in the typical all white ceiling plain.

Hoffman Estates Clubhouse, Hoffman Estates, IL

Completed Spring 2008

Consultants: Structural Engineer - Louis Shell Engineers, MEPFP Engineers - The Engineering Studio, Inc., Landscape Architect â€“ Wolff Landscape Architecture

The client's business model for apartment complex acquisitions is to re-position tired properties with a dynamic clubhouse, apartments and landscaping. Studio NA has assisted with many of their new clubhouse designs including this clubhouse that was shoe-horned between existing apartment buildings. The building was sited to maximize circulation and access points by the complex tenants and opens up to both the entry and the pool deck yard area with higher structures including a king-truss framed tilted roof plane. The new clubhouse is fitted with custom components including an exposed structure, polished concrete floors, free form pool, birch bark inspired wall panels, pixilated floral wallpaper, a perforated leaf inspired ceiling cloud over the bar. Many finishes and fenestration decisions were driven by the literal greening of the property.

(Sub)Urban Farmette, Green Lake, WI

Completed 2008

Located in Green Lake Wisconsin, this historic farmland was acquired by a Chicago native for their family’s vacation retreat. NA assisted with components of the historic barn structures conversion to a residence, site planning including a new tennis court and bocce and horseshoe arena and the design and construction of a new hobby barn.

The hobby barn was designed in a modern vernacular and includes a club room and porch at either end. Garage doors were added on both sides for drive-thru accessibility of numerous toys including a flying machine and a fleet of go-carts. Indigenous plantings surround the structure and the man-made pond adjacent to the residence.

Leavitt House III, Chicago, IL

Completed Summer 2013

Consultants: Structural Engineer – Louis Shell Structures

A courtyard building on a double lot, this residence transformed a derelict 4-unit apartment building into a modern home for live, work, and play. The original pine floor joists were salvaged and reused as structure, stair stringers, and even a custom exterior fence. By creating additions at the front and the rear, the interior spaces now open onto a protected outdoor room to be enjoyed by the growing family. Strategic incisions in the original structure allow for horizontal and vertical connections through the entire 5000 SF house.

2136-2150 W North Ave., Chicago, IL

Completed Fall 2008

Consultants: Structural Engineer - Louis Shell Structures

The project includes the adaptive re-use of Association House, an existing 100-year old structure in Chicago's landmarked Wicker Park district and the development of seven adjacent lots with new construction mixed-use buildings.

Situated a block from Wicker Park's primary commercial intersection, the site has strong commercial value as well as strong residential potential. To respect the historic integrity of Association House and the neighborhood, a voluntary front yard zoning setback was created to preserve the historic site line of the existing building and to provide public green space.

An interpretation of the hip roof was employed to soften the presence of a fourth floor, reducing the street wall effect and to further assimilate with the neighborhood.

Historic materials such as zinc coated copper and red brick are used in a decidedly modern approach to be contextual without replicating the surroundings.

NA saw the construction of these three new buildings as an opportunity for a collective experience. To add vitality to each building and create a distinctive whole, IIT Architecture Professor, Randy Kober and Sarah Dunn and Martin Felsen of Urban Lab were invited to serve as design architects for the 3-unit and 6-unit building.

Situated a block from Wicker Park's primary commercial intersection, the site has strong commercial value as well as strong residential potential. To respect the historic integrity of Association House and the neighborhood, a voluntary front yard zoning setback was created to preserve the historic site line of the existing building and to provide public green space.

Potomac House II, Chicago, IL

Completed Fall 2013

Built around a sunken gathering space, this Wicker Park home delivers an indoor-outdoor living environment on a densely urban site. The concrete floors on the first level are complemented and warmed by the walnut kitchen and sunken living space. The vibrant seating of the 'conversation pit' helps to enliven the house with just the right amount of color. Lowering the gathering space between the kitchen and the dining room provided a visual connection from front to back as it pulls family and guests out of the usual gathering space of the kitchen to a more central location.

Carried throughout the second level, the walnut floors and cabinetry maintain a clean aesthetic while the pine ceiling treatment provides a visual and physical break in the typical all white ceiling plain.

Potomac House I, Chicago, IL

completed November 2007

Consultants: Structural Engineer - C.E. Anderson

Photography: Norsman Architects, NIkola Zlatkovic

Sustainable Highlights: Habitable green roof, passive solar strategies, rainwater harvesting, and highly insulative building envelope.

This new construction home was the first to participate in Chicago’s Green Permit Program and provided an opportunity for a comprehensive exploration of sustainable design and construction practices. These included obvious items like natural light, energy efficient walls, and non-toxic building materials which create buildings that are physically and mentally healthy as well as less obvious items like green-roofs, strategic landscape design and ventilated facades which offer additional amenities to urban living.

Wabash Pied-à-terre, Chicago, IL

Photography: Michelle Litvin

Situated on the 23rd and 24th floors of an historic building in Chicago's downtown Loop, the custom interior design and addition to this penthouse apartment create a distinct vocabulary between the public spaces and the private spaces within. The first level is existing and has gothic-inspired windows, exaggerated moldings and is used primarily for formal entertaining and living. Finish materials, including black slate, ebony floors and dark grey painted walls, create a formal but muted backdrop to the owner's modern furniture and architectural rendering collections.

The second level addition is reached via a custom two-piece spiral staircase. As the steps progress, the staircase inverts itself, creating a literal transition from the exterior to the interior of the staircase, suggesting the more private nature of the second level. Here, the historic materials of the first floor give way to light-colored materials, including white resin, teak floors and fiber cement wall panels. Interior sliding glass dividers enable the space to transform from two bedrooms to an open, airy loft in addition to a 12' x 35' skylight and north facing wall of glass that leads to the roof deck and stationary lap pool.

Fairbanks Penthouse, Chicago, IL

Consultants: Structural Engineer – Louis Shell Structures, MEP engineers – Environmental Systems Design, Inc.,

Photography: Nikola Zlatkovic, Norsman Architects, Ltd.

Located in Helmut Jahn’s signature condominium building in the Streeterville neighborhood this penthouse unit was designed around the owner-bachelor’s lifestyle. Highly customized black walnut paneling and cabinetry create a common theme throughout the unit and include a floor to ceiling paneled cigar room, a hallway gallery with in-laid LED floor lighting, a master closet specifically designed for his clothes and his preferred method of storage. The entire floor was raised with an air-floor and finished with custom terrazzo flooring to eliminate ductwork, provide a radiant floor and permit window line integrated floor diffusers. It also provide an opportunity to integrate art metal in the floor in discreet locations.

A glass walled master shower at the window line with carefully placed window etching completes a very unique approach to high rise living.

Leavitt House III, Chicago, IL

Completed Summer 2013

Consultants: Structural Engineer – Louis Shell Structures

A courtyard building on a double lot, this residence transformed a derelict 4-unit apartment building into a modern home for live, work, and play. The original pine floor joists were salvaged and reused as structure, stair stringers, and even a custom exterior fence. By creating additions at the front and the rear, the interior spaces now open onto a protected outdoor room to be enjoyed by the growing family. Strategic incisions in the original structure allow for horizontal and vertical connections through the entire 5000 SF house.

Leavitt House II, Chicago, IL

Completed Spring 2010

Consultants: Structural Engineer – Louis Shell Structures, MEP Engineer – BES Engineering

Photography: Nikola Zlatkovic, Norsman Architects, Ltd.

This adaptive re-use of a former VFW meeting hall with apartment above created a 6000 s.f. custom single family home for a recently married couples and their merged families. The home participated in the Chicago Green Homes permit program and employs sustainable strategies including a solar thermal hot water heating system, extensive green roofs and a super-insulated building envelope. Custom interior finishes throughout were defined by the owner’s collection of artifacts and manner of living. A custom walnut office that includes a secret door to the bamboo clad bar/club in the lower level. It also created a buffer from the buildings corner sidewalk site line condition. A basement spa includes an illuminated rain shower head and LED light star system. Antique Thai door archways were integrated into the building plan and the primary living spaces radiate around a central light court that was cut from through the historic building.

Marion Court House, Chicago, IL

Completed Spring 2012

Consultants: Structural Engineer – Louis Shell Structures

This 5,700 SF adaptive re-use single family residence includes a substantial rear addition to house a new great room/ kitchen area, a lower level playroom and additional 2nd floor bedrooms for a growing family. A contemporary neutral dark palette was chosen to quietly play off the existing building construction. A custom plate steel, glass and wood slab riser stair sits at the juncture of the new and old providing a sculptural circulation space for the home. The rather substantial Chicago backyard is the focal point of the first floor great room.

Bucktown Retreat, Chicago, IL

Completed Fall 2012

Consultants: Structural Engineer – Louis Shell Structures

This backyard sanctuary was derived from the client's wish to add living space and a garage to their home without losing the quiet retreat of the back yard. The project extends the existing kitchen into a family room that ascends to an outdoor deck and living space. Modern forms are articulated in a palette of weathering Accoya wood, steel, and lush plantings. The continuous enclosure and built-in seating provides flexible use and privacy for the family on a tight urban lot.

Polish Triangle, Chicago, IL

Studio NA was asked by a local neighborhood planning organization to re-imagine a historic intersection in Chicago. The theoretical design included a round-a-bout, outdoor urban farming, a reconceived subway station, an exterior landscaped plaza and a multi-level bicycle garage.

Elston Market Proposal - 1765 N Elston Ave., Chicago, IL

Consultants: Structural Engineer - Louis Shell Structures

This existing 120,000 s.f. vacant steel cylinder factory was acquired with the intent to convert it to a year round city-market for Chicago similar to the great markets of Europe. Centrally located between strong residential Chicago communities within a historic Chicago manufacturing district and with a existing 3-story, football field long atrium, it proved to be a perfect venue for an airy year-round market. Our client hopes to attract local and national chains for a one-stop shop market.

Hoffman Estates Clubhouse, Hoffman Estates, IL

Completed Spring 2008

Consultants: Structural Engineer - Louis Shell Engineers, MEPFP Engineers - The Engineering Studio, Inc., Landscape Architect â€“ Wolff Landscape Architecture

The client's business model for apartment complex acquisitions is to re-position tired properties with a dynamic clubhouse, apartments and landscaping. Studio NA has assisted with many of their new clubhouse designs including this clubhouse that was shoe-horned between existing apartment buildings. The building was sited to maximize circulation and access points by the complex tenants and opens up to both the entry and the pool deck yard area with higher structures including a king-truss framed tilted roof plane. The new clubhouse is fitted with custom components including an exposed structure, polished concrete floors, free form pool, birch bark inspired wall panels, pixilated floral wallpaper, a perforated leaf inspired ceiling cloud over the bar. Many finishes and fenestration decisions were driven by the literal greening of the property.