Chicago-based architect Vladimir Radutny has reimagined an apartment within Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's landmark 860-880 Lake Shore Drive complex, drawing on a subdued palette to foreground both the structural language and the surrounding vistas.
The 750-square-foot city retreat marks the second project Vladimir Radutny Architects has delivered inside the modernist towers, which were finalised in 1951 and hold a place on the US National Register of Historic Places.
Following their work on Unit 3E, the studio was commissioned to transform Unit 9C for owners who treat the property as a secondary residence.
For this undertaking, Radutny selected a cooler colour scheme and reconfigured the floor plan to free up usable area and channel attention outward toward Lake Michigan.
"By eliminating every solid partition and introducing a vocabulary of cantilevered volumes and space-defining planes, we generated the spatial experiences that had previously been absent," the architect explained.
Where a solid wall once stood between the sleeping quarters and bathing area and the social zone, full-height frosted glazing now takes its place.
"The seamless glass plane offers seclusion between the two main living areas," Radutny noted. "Yet its deeper purpose is to establish a theatrical backdrop, framing the breadth of the outdoors along with the shifting atmospheric moods of the Great Lake."
The bedroom and bathroom are in turn separated by a timber storage block that reads as detached from both the ground and the overhead plane.
Near the entry, a kitchen island set against a timber-clad wall projects beyond the corner into the main living zone, serving as a casual dining surface. Its base appears to float clear of the flooring, and the rear face carries a mirrored finish.
"As it reaches further into the living area, a small reading alcove emerges at the rear of the cantilever, creating a sheltered enclave within an open layout," Radutny remarked.
A round freestanding dining table, two lounge seats, and a couple of side tables constitute the only additional furniture in the airy room, with all other belongings concealed within built-in storage.
"While honouring the refined minimalism of the building's heritage, a serene dwelling emerges, suited to quiet reflection and retreat high above the city," the architect added.
The renovation was recently recognised with an AIA Chicago Honor Award in the Interior Architecture category.
All images were captured by Bill Zbaren.
Chicago residence inside Mies tower receives refresh from Vladimir Radutny
Project credits:
Design Team: Vladimir Radutny, Blair Schmidt, Fanny Hothan, Jeremy Gentile Construction: J5th Custom Renovation
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