Crabtree Farms Residence
Lake Bluff, Illinois
2025
The residence reflects strong cultural tethers venerating the local history of land use and artisanship. As a subplot of Lake Bluff’s historic Crabtree Farm, the new design and site approach uphold a tradition of deference towards - and synergy with - the natural landscape.
The design integrates original craftworks from the artisans and millworkers in residency at Crabtree Farms. A tree taken down for construction found new use as a new front door. Much of the home’s furniture is similarly built with wood from the adjacent forest, reflecting a tradition of craft alongside the client’s tasteful collection of antiques.
The building’s form takes cues from the massing of the original farm buildings designed by famed architect Solon Beman
