Skokie< IL _Environmental Design

by  CHLEBEK Architects, Ltd. 

One of our recent project located in a downtown of Skokie, IL 60077 was a traditional 

Tudor style house. 

Existing building was built 1932 in traditional Tudor style having a steeply pitched roof, brick and stone components including original slate roof tiles.  

      Skokie, IL 60077 (courtesy of CHLEBEK Architects, Ltd.) before renovation 2014

What is Tudor architecture, Tudor style

You probably hear many people identify this asymmetrical style of architecture by one word—Tudor—but Tudor Revival may be more accurate.

 However, in the United States, this style of home first became popular during the late 19^th century and the first half of the 20^th century—then again in the late 20^thcentury. These homes feature elements 
inspired by the medieval architecture of 
Example of Tudor architecture details



Tudor England in the early 16^th century—thus, the term Tudor Revival characterizing steeply pitched roofs most of the time covered by stone slate including decorative half-timbering, embellished doorways, windows typically have multiple panes and often clustered together, large chimney with decorative chimney pots,   

When referring to the architectural style in the U.S., the term "Tudor" is historically imprecise. It refers not to typical buildings of Tudor England (early 16th century) but instead to a style popularized in the United States during the end of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century.

Furthermore, the style is more of a catchall term based loosely on a variety of elements from medieval English architecture, from humble cottages to stately manors.

It’s one of the most recognizable features of a Tudor home. Medieval homes in Europe featured walls in which the spaces between the supporting timbers were filled, leaving the structure exposed on the facade.

Modern-day houses typically conceal that structure with cladding. The decorative half-timbers on Tudor homes are an effort to mimic authentic medieval structures

All Tudor houses have steeply pitched roofs, usually with side gables, meaning the gables “open” on the sides of the house. The steep roofs are often punctuated by dormer windows, like those next. The facade usually features a portion of the house that juts out and is topped with a cross-gabled roof, also with a steep pitch.

A pitched roof means there’s more space underneath for storage or extra bedrooms. Adding dormers is a great way not only to boost curb appeal but to bring in natural light. In our project, these existing pitched roof areas have been used for future dormer construction by bringing more light and future use of existing space under roof. 

This existing attic space has been converted from unused storage area, into future office space including private elevator access. Adding roof windows and additional floor area, not only increased area of existing attic living space but boosted entire curb appeal by bringing in natural light, fresh air, and connection with the exterior environment.   

Although some Tudor homes feature include double-hung windows, they most of the time (I would say always) have at least one set of casement windows. The windows also are usually tall and narrow, typically have multiple panes and are often clustered together. Truly authentic in our project owner decided to use a triple pane glass casement windows around the house.

  Tudor houses usually feature at least one set of leaded glass windows, in which metal casings hold together the individual panes as in the window above. Stone or lead mullions, like the ones on the left side, often separate a different piece of glass.

decorative shower area window,

Tudor entries are celebrated. Everything about them says solid. The doors are often made of board and batten wood, generally arched (sometimes with a Tudor, or pointed, arch like this one) and typically boast some sort of medieval-looking hardware like strap hinges. Statement-making door surrounds, like this one surrounded by stone, call even more attention to the entryways.

Tudor houses are built with several siding materials. Although brick and stone are the most common types, stucco wall cladding plays a significant role in the Tudor style as well.

In Tudor Style house, not only are the chimneys large, often with multiple shafts but they also commonly feature decorative chimney pots (the top part of the chimney), usually either round or octagonal. There’s something about the chimneys, like the squatty doorways, that conveys a sense of permanence.

 construction picture

 Design

 & Build Services

(courtesy of CHLEBEK Architects, Ltd.)

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 Design and elevations including floor plans reflecting rear addition with private elevator (above 6,000 sq.ft. of a total construction area.

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