Illinois News Index

Wilmette Life (Wilmette, Illinois), 29 Apr 1927, p. 51

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April 29, 1927 WILMETTE · LIFE 51 ENGLISH NORMAN HOME . I COMMANDS AnENTION Olsen and Urbain, Architects, Build Attractive· Residence in Glencoe By E. T. Selby The house which forms the subject of this article, under construction at 439. \Voodlawn avenue, Glencoe, stand5 forth as an example of the eminently satisiactory results that come from a sincerity in building. Those heritages oi comfortable and sturdy-looking h~nH:s which still remain throughout England and France arc ~traight - for \ranl and simple, expressions of actual need s. in t~rms dictated hy actual conditions. They were built to make the mo. t of their site. the materials at hand. and to withstand the rigors of the climate. The problem of planning the modern hou se is similar. It is a question of site. location and utilitv. For the exterior there is a \\'eaith of tradition and precedent, and a certain "stYle" and "mode" of the times to follow.· In orch:r to achi<:\'C a fine result even· element of planning and de'signing mu:-;t be utilized t~ the utmost. The architect has today a glorious command of almost every kind oi buildingmaterials to choose from. Simplicity a "Fact" In this admirable house, thcrl' 1s a simplicity that is a fact, not a fad . .Materials. design. planning, and landscaping all reflect a new sincerity, a freedom from affectation. Broad, quiet face brick walls, simple shutters, and quiet roof treatment, all bespeak a peaceful homelike dignity, far away from all ginger-hrcadv fuss. and anv attempt at grandeur. - The bricks ar-e mingled shades of reel and brown laid in natural mortar. All wood surfaces are stained old ~nglish brown, and the .r oofs are stained in weather brown. Steel casements are used thrc..aghout. The fine large Norman chimney at the front of the house is a charming feature which recalls the ·comfort of a large glowing fireplace in the livi.n g room. The porches all are treated with pitched roofs to insure comfort and to turn away the hot sunrays in summertime. They can be glazed for winter use. Emphasize Spaciousness This home has living room and main porch to the south. Entering through a minor porch one finds himself in a large spacious hall with stairs to upper story and la.rge arched openings to living and dining rooms. The walls in these first floor main rooms, are m tinted cement sand plaster which does not dust, with an ornamental plaster rope molding as a cornice. All floors are stained in mild dark oak color at~d waxed. Two guest closets are off this stair hall and a lavatory is accessible. This lavatory also can be used frmn rear hall which is desirable with children. The kitchen and breakfast roor.1 are finished in apple green with toned linoleum on floors. Green and yellow cream are the predominant colors used throughout. The steel cas em e n t s swing out and are trimmed wit~1 bronze hardware. All woodwork in first story is stained walnut and tinished dull. Wealth of Closets The features of the second floor are the cross ventilation in each room <md the wealth of closets. The bedrooms are placed at the four conie.rs and the baths are easily accessible from each room. The southwest room wonJd Glencoe Site to Have English Norman Home ,' ' ...· ·; \-{ tF , ,..l.J .. . ·-~ , ... .· -,, !P Olsen and Urbain, well known Chicago and north shore lustratcd above at 439 Woodlawn avenue, Glencoe. Tht architecture augmented bv all of the most modern features. "heritage of comfortable- a: . .: sturdy-looking homes whic straig-ht-forward and simple. an expression of actual needs probably he tbP~ as the ~faster's room. :,ath roums are tiled in green and yellow cream tiles. A stain,·ay leads up to a very large attic, which can be divideJ into additional .rooms if desired. This feature is invaluable atHl not obtainable in most houses. If not needed for sleeping rooms or servants' rooms, playrooms for the children and storage rooms can be provided. A sleeping porch can also be added over the breakfast room. The bed.r ooms are papered in ·new colors and enameled to match paper. A medicine casr over the lavatory in the main hathroom has an engraved Venetian mirror and green colored bathroom acces~or ies a.re installed. A two-car ·garage faces the driveway which is conveniently placed so that the entrance · porch become a portecochere. The site is blessed with a nice lot of trees and the landscaping has been carried out in a simple manner to form a setting for the house. A winding flagstone walk leads up to the front door. Open For Inspection This houst can he inspected during con s t r u c t ion any day. It is the thought of the architects that it may be the cause of serious consideration by those contemplating building, of those things necessary to preserve the dignity and ideals of a home of good taste. Even the larger houses of t0day are beginning to assume this new kind of good taste, a new architectural and social integrity. There is less p.r etense and far more straight forward expression of honest needs and preferences. Country houses, in general, are taking on more the aspect of dwellings. This house was designed and built Th~ architects are constructing the beautiful residence iT-home adheres faithfully to the English Norman type of The structure is fittingly described by the · architects as a: h still remain throughout . England and France, beingin terms dictated by actual conditions." I . I by Olsen & Urbain, architects, 134 N. HOLD ANNUAL MEETING LaSalle street, Chicago, and Hubbard The Woman's society of the Wil· Woods, in collaboration with J. D. mette. Baptist church is to hold its an· Austin and company, Hubbard Woods. It is offered for sale and is open for nual meeting at the church Thursday. afternoon, May 5. inspection. ·

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