PORTFOLIO: NEIL FRANKEL (CHICAGO RESIDENCE LIVING/STUDIO/WORK CENTER)

SOM colleagues often come for impromptu work sessions.
Conversation Center Kitchen Master Bath Library

Conversation Center seen
across glazed bar counter.

Plan.

Differences affecting the layout are
more profound. The present loft
occupies a full floor with window
walls on three sides. Its support
columns establish a 15-by-15-feet.
grid visually sectoring the entire
expanse into 12 bays (see plan);
each modular norm's center determines
the footprint for a function zone -
something of an anomaly, says
Frankel, since most architects plan
furniture placements from the perimeter
inward. Access to utility lines dictated locations of bathrooms; raised bays
on the western front top plumbing;
electricity comes from underground
outlets. Five-by-5-ft. flooring grids are
of poured concrete polished down to
show up sunken aggregates.

Within the open layout the designers,
Staunch modernists both, designated
focal spots for objects of importance
such as artworks, study models,
experimental prototypes et al; ordinary
furniture pieces - which, to the owners,
means classics by Corbusier, Eames,
Botta and their ilk - are considered
unobtrusive and thus noncompetitive
with the featured attractions.

Interiors forever change as components
are put into and taken out of storage.
Windows on three sides are screened
with scrim shades that filter view to
outlying buildings, many of them by
the likes of Sullivan and Burnham
(who favored, as Frankel does not, ornamentation). MONICA GERAN

Kitchen
Stainless steel kitchen.
Stainless steel cabinets:
Mielack/Woodwork.
Stove: U.S. Range.
Refrigerator: Traulsen.
Lighting: Juno.

Master Bath with open-side shower.
Lighting: Bega; Wiremold (sconces).
Lavatories: Hastings.
Fixture: Chicago Faucet.
Glasswork: Mangrum Glass & Mirror.
Ceramic tiles: American Olean.