Five Uniquely Shaped Suburban Homes – Chicago Magazine

There are five unconventional designs on the market right now that challenge the status quo. Whether it’s six intersecting trapezoids, a dome-shaped structure, a towering geometric treehouse, or a pair of A-frames, all five of these suburban properties achieve originality in their architecture (plus, they’re all set in beautiful rural settings). Some homeowners may think that living in such a uniquely shaped space is weird or impractical, but not everyone wants to live in a boring old box. Let’s not forget that the triangular building known as the A-frame became one of the most recognizable shapes in the 1960s and 70s before losing its cool. Today, these designs are gaining popularity again among homeowners looking to revive a nostalgic 20th-century building type (though their open interiors and unvented ceilings have led to climate control issues). Even if weird shapes aren’t your thing when it comes to finding a potential new home, I think one of the following five properties might just change your mind.

On the market for the first time since it was built 50 years ago, this Palos Park home sits at the bottom of a ravine overlooking Mill Creek. Nearby, you’ll find Pallas Park Woods, McCloughey Springs Woods, and the Cal-Sag Canal. The asking price is $1.1 million, which isn’t surprising when you look around at this stunning property made with natural materials like brick, wood and boulders. Influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, the home’s original owner took six years to create this one-of-a-kind structure consisting of six intersecting trapezoids. The interior merges with the exterior, because there is a ravine all around. Living room and bedroom windows offer amazing views of trees and wildlife.

Fifty years ago New York Times article argued that “the dome as a house gains popularity” shortly after Buckminster Fuller created a geodesic dome at the Montreal International and World’s Fair in 1967. Although considered energy efficient, durable and quick to build, this type of housing never became as popular as predicted. Designed by architect Gerald Bunting in 1978, this one-of-a-kind bath house features geometric windows and a 900 sq. ft. circular deck. Thorn Creek Woods Preserve. Currently listed at $365,000, the current owner is offering a $10,000 credit for new kitchen counters and other interior updates.

This former architect’s home in West Chicago is located at the end of a private road between the Country and Golf Club of St. Andrews and Old Wayne Golf Club. This unique angular structure is elevated above the ground to take advantage of a site full of mature trees and wildlife. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence features an open floor plan with high ceilings, lofts and an impressive staircase that connects all three levels. Sliding glass doors from the kitchen open directly onto the massive covered balcony. Similar to the Palos Park property, this is another great contemporary design with a great view.

Stay in West Chicago to share this beautifully updated A-frame situated on an acre with a private pond and in-ground pool. The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home features an updated interior, including whitewashed wood beams and a brand new kitchen with quartz countertops. There are plenty of outdoor spaces with multiple balconies and patios, as well as a covered grilling area. Not only is the home just steps from the IL Prairie Path, but Timber Ridge County Forest, West Dupage Woods, and Cantigny Park are all nearby.

Here’s another A-frame for sale, this time in Woodstock. With its charming town square and a one-hour Union Pacific Northwest Line train ride to Chicago, there’s a lot to love about this McHenry County town. This three-bedroom, four-bathroom home has some great interior features like a floating staircase, exposed wood walls, and multiple wood-burning fireplaces. But the main advantage of any A-frame is the huge window that spans two levels of the house, letting in lots of natural light. The 6.6 acre rural property also includes its own private woodlands, walking trails, native prairie plants, a chicken coop (sale of owner’s chickens negotiable) and two outbuildings.