The Oakbrook Project: Final Reveal!

Happy….March??? I would like to take this moment to state that 2017 so far has been moving like a freight train. March, really? I mean….really? I feel like I was JUST lecturing you on tile and two months have disappeared into thin air while we finished the Oak Brook Project, finished the Hyde Park Condo, installed 400 square feet of tile at the Winnetka Project, organized a presentation for the Urban Land Institute featuring the new Riverline mega-development designed by Perkins+Will (NOT an Integro project), organized a roundtable discussion for NARI with SafeBuilt inspectors, and collaborated on architectural design meetings in anticipation of our new projects for 2017. Phew!

While we are preparing for the future with great expectations, it is important to stop and smell the white vinegar - to appreciate what we have already accomplished. To that effect, we are so proud to debut our Final Reveal for the Oakbrook Project.

Where do I begin? We started with a call from a sweet couple who wanted “...a few upgrades before moving in…” and a written wishlist. We ended with the completion of a gut rehab, a 5,000 square foot concrete driveway, and a meaningful relationship with new friends.

As a recap, here’s what the Oak Brook Project was all about:

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. 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 custom 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.

So, without further ado, here are the Before & After photos: