Oak Brook Residence

This project involved the gut rehabilitation of a 4,000 square foot single family home built in 1984 and located in a subdivision designed by Paul Butler. Collaborating with SMNG-A Architects, our scope included the replacement of HVAC and Electrical systems, a new roof, all new windows, a new luxury master bathroom ensuite including two vanity areas, new finishes throughout the building, a new kitchen showcasing custom cabinetry and professional-grade appliances, replacement of a fireplace hearth, the finishing of approximately 1,200 square feet of attic space, and the coordination of a comprehensive home automation system. We also poured approximately 5,000 square feet of concrete for a new, curved driveway.

Recently retired, our clients were ready for their next era of life and sought to maximize their lifestyle with state-of-the-art technology and luxury finishes while accommodating the physical realities of their future. They wanted to grow old in this house.

The primary challenge of this project was to accommodate the unknown necessities of the future - would a wheelchair be needed? Would a shower seat be needed? These potential scenarios required us to think about functional utility in its most literal state. We also did not want to compromise any luxury in the design while accommodating potential needs in the future.

First, we widened or eliminated doors entirely throughout the building as this may be difficult to maneuver with handicapped equipment. Then, we eliminated all potential obstructions in walkways. Specifically, in the Master Bathroom, by strategically building the shower wall the length of the freestanding tub and creating a recessed niche for the towel warmer, we created a seamless walkway that still boasted the elegance of a luxury retreat. Representing a strong attention to detail, we built the shower shelves tall so that its contents could be reached from a seated or a standing position. Additionally, instead of installing a curbless shower which would require a step down into the shower area, we poured a concrete ramp which organically flows through the tub and shower area, nearly invisible to the sweeping eye.

Anticipating decades of use, all existing carpeting was replaced with oak hardwood flooring. The original staircase was refinished; the handrail and balusters restored. In the Family Room, we built a sound-insulated theater to accommodate a state-of-the-art Savant surround sound and home automation system including remote-operated draperies providing sheer or black-out shading capabilities. In the Attic, we installed two fully automated stair lift systems and two electronic scuttle staircases. The Kitchen focused on maximizing storage and ease of use, optimizing cabinetry with hardware systems that improved their functionality.

While looking to the future, our clients also respected their past. Coming into possession of a family heirloom light fixture, Integro repurposed the electrical components and mounting mechanism so that it could be installed and displayed with the elegance it deserved. It now hangs behind a glass door in the Foyer where family and guests pass to the main areas of the home.

Our final product was a display of serene luxury - boasting over 8,000lbs of marble tile, luxury fixtures, professional-grade appliances, and important subtleties. This project seamlessly combined a timeless functionality with lavish elegance for our clients to enjoy for the next era of their lives.