John R. Jacobs
Residential Architecture Projects
Lake Superior Camp
Inspired by artist Andy Goldsworthy, this second home in Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Superior presupposes an existing stone wall on the site. Clean, modern interpretations of primitive lean-to shelters are designed to create a feeling of contentment in nature.
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Ravine House
This wonderful building site nestled on a ravine in Highland Park remained empty for years. This custom home is a composition of smaller structures that fit the unique, undulating shape of the table land.
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Ranch to Bungalow Conversion
Most additions take their cues from the existing home. What is the approach when the clients want a whole new architectural treatment? While I appreciate that the recent interest in mid-century modern architecture has re-invigorated the ranch house market, these particular clients are attracted by this home's location, price, size, and condition, but not its architecture.
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Victorian Revival Addition
The challenge in creating this addition was to respect the existing 1860′s Victorian Revival home on the Chicago North Shore. However, “respect” doesn’t always mean adding on in such a manner so that you can’t tell what was original and what is new. This award-winning design helped the homeowner obtain property tax relief on the landmarked property.
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Hilltop Breezeway
Sitting atop a windy hill in New Hampshire, this aptly named breezeway was designed to connect a 1920’s Colonial home to a new detached garage. The breezeway along with the garage are designed in the “connected barn” tradition of New England.
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1950s Modern Addition
The existing home, a mid-century contemporary Colonial on the Chicago North Shore, had a very cramped kitchen, breakfast, and family room, which is a common problem in older homes. My mission was to open up these smaller spaces into a great room without the meaningless volumes. A screened porch and mudroom addition completed the project.
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Island Home
Located on Savannah’s prestigious Skidaway Island, this custom home is beautifully situated with golf course views. Through a series of sculptural setbacks, the modern home relates to its undulating natural setting. Geometric forms inside and outside the home play off each other and focus the energy out towards nature.
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