Knight Residence Renovation and Addition

In 1974, Jack Sherman Baker, FAIA, designed this striking residence for Gertrude “GiGi” Robinson, a sociology professor at the University of Illinois. The house features three unique units – a studio apartment and guest bedroom on the ground floor, and a large, light filled dwelling unit on the second floor. Unfortunately, years of neglect have taken their toll on the exterior envelope and grounds. The objective of this phase was to revitalize the exterior with new cladding, resolve structural problems, and restore and upgrade interior finishes and details. These new elements are introduced with sensitivity for the existing design, maintaining and enhancing the concepts powerfully executed in the original design. The objective of the second phase is to add three unique elements to the originl composition: a reflecting pool in the entrance courtyard, a lap pool along the western edge, and a rooftop terrace and pavilion. These new elements are introduced with sensitivity for the existing design, maintaining and enhancing the spatial and proportional concepts powerfully executed in the original residence.