ZIGGY, a two-flat, is a response to the typical Chicago two-flat. Typical Chicago two-flats are composed of two units stacked one on top of the other. This organization forces a choice between living on the lower level for ease of access and a direct connection to the landscape, or living on the upper level for more privacy and quiet. ZIGGY resolves this dilemma with two identical homes next to each other. This allows the homeowner and their renter (or extended family) to enjoy the benefits of both the lower and upper levels. ZIGGY goes further and proposes a stepped design that supports a variety of spaces: horizontal and vertical, open-plan and delineated rooms. ZIGGY provides both residences with ground level access and outdoor space; private patios; and good light and ventilation. ZIGGY supports an expanded set of possible lifestyles for its residents,

ZIGGY is flexible over time: by putting up or taking down non-structural walls and thresholds, the homeowner can choose two identical units, or expand into the rental unit, or open at points to create a multi-generational home with connection and privacy for all generations. The homeowner, over time, can have one, two, three or four bedrooms, a home office, a home studio, parents or grandparents or adult children move in, and make a supplemental income by renting a one bedroom or a two bedroom unit.

ZIGGY is simple wood-framed construction that can be stick-built or panelized off-site and assembled quickly on site. The site-extruded metal facade can be a variety of colors per the homeowner’s taste. The many windows are a variety of sizes: the larger ones frame views of the sky and the neighborhood; the smaller ones are operable and located to allow cross ventilation that passively evacuates heat in the hot summer months. ZIGGY is 19’ wide x 70’ long x 32’ tall.

ZIGGY is a collaboration with David Brown and The Available City, and one of 42 entries to the City of Chicago’s Come Home Chicago initiative organized by the Chicago Architecture Center. The results of the competition is currently on view at the CAC.