TILT / HOUSE

Tilt / House was developed in participation with the CAC’s competition for the Missing Middle housing design initiative.

Infill housing is an effort that needs to provide options for aspiring homeowners, find opportunities in neighborhoods that have a history of disinvestment, and develop solutions that evolve, expand, and respond to a diverse set of needs for a diverse set of neighborhoods throughout the south and west sides of Chicago.  For these target neighborhoods, a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work.

Tilt House offers different entry points for the variety of people, families, and new neighbors that are looking for housing. It can start with a single-story home right-sized for those needing an affordable path to home ownership and building their wealth. The design uses simple forms to create unique spaces for post-Covid living, opportunities for enhanced natural light, an engaged connection to the street, and a shared rear yard.  Through thoughtful planning and construction, the single-story home offers an easy second level expansion; creating new living space, two additional bedrooms, and heightened orientations to natural light and solar energy.

The coach house provides even more options for living on the property.  It could be someone’s first small home, a source of additional wealth as a rentable unit, or a solution for multigenerational families.  These coach houses have the potential to transform utilitarian alleys into pedestrian spaces.

When deployed, Tilt Houses become lasting pieces that fit into their neighborhoods, evolve with their residents, and evoke a sense of pride.