Chicago architect lists spectacular glass house in Northfield for $2.9M

Though the terms “modernist glass house” and “family friendly” might appear completely at odds, the five-bedroom home of Chicago architect Thomas Roszak makes a valiant effort to reconcile these two seemingly disparate concepts.

Completed in 2002, the suburban Northfield, Illinois, property features a modular layout comprising twelve transparent cubes stacked two high. While the glass walls and sleek lines appeal to a Miesian “less is more” sensibility, many aspects of the interior are surprisingly private and practical.

Roszak described the residence to Curbed Chicago in 2017 as a “working house” suited for a real family and not just “some single guy with an art collection.” As a testament to the versatility of the design, the architect and his wife Justyna raised three children in the glassy home.

Situated on a one-acre lot lined with mature trees, the 5,500-square-foot living space feels bright and airy. The liberal use of primary colors on its walls and yellow-painted overhead steel beams lends a degree of playfulness and warmth to the modernist residence.

Looking to downsize, the Roszaks listed the striking home in April of last year, seeking just shy of $3.1 million. Pulled off the market earlier this year, the one-of-a-kind Northfield property returned last week with fresh photography and an updated price tag of $2.9 million.

Roszak’s firm was behind downtown’s JeffJack and Linea apartment developments as well as 20-story office tower currently under construction at 145 S. Wells Street. Roszak and business partner Dan Moceri are also mulling plans for a roughly 400-foot-tall residential tower to replace a parking garage at 50 E. Randolph Street.

• 5 Rolling Ridge Road, Northfield IL [@properties]
• See a Chicago architect’s glass house [Crain’s]
• Architect asks $3.1M for glass house [Curbed Chicago]