2602 · Housing

Alley
House

A compact timber home above a garage that treats the Chicago alley as a second address.

Location
Chicago, Illinois
Year
2026
Type
Housing
Status
Design study

A second
address.

Chicago’s alleys form a quieter network behind the city’s residential streets. The project places a small home within that network and gives the alley a deliberate architectural face rather than treating it as the back of the property.

Because one side sits at the property line, light and openings are studied carefully. A high roof, perimeter glazing where permitted, and framed views make the compact interior feel unexpectedly generous.