Thomas Roszak Architecture - 7RR green home

Adler Planetarium Welcome Gallery Design Team

Owner: Adler Planetarium

Architect: Thomas Roszak Architecture

Contractor: Pacific Construction Services

Lighting Designer: Lightswitch

Fabric and Metal Fabricator: Fabric Images

Media and Educational Content: Snibbe Interactive; and Second Story

Out of this World

Thomas Roszak Architecture Designs New Welcome Gallery at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago

Completed in June 2011, the new Clark Family Welcome Gallery at Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL may now be added to the growing list of unique and interesting projects of Thomas Roszak Architecture, LLC.  Through smart and collaborative design, Roszak led the team to meet project goals by creating a multifunctional space that provides a welcoming gathering area while also initiating an exciting pre-show experience necessary in optimizing the planetarium’s main event, the Sky Theater.  

In order to do so, Roszak’s team considered creative and innovating ideas, most notably their use of abstract materials and the creation of space that feels different and other-worldly.  Using aluminum tubing and polyester fabric constructed walls provided a cost effective alternative while creating a high-impact, and highly dramatic design.  Roszak’s team consulted with “fabricologists”, experts in the fabric industry, sorting through thousands of choices before discovering the perfect options.  The team didn’t settle until they found a fabric with precise, clean lines embodying the desire for a seamless look. The result: a smooth textured, pure white fabric with just the right amount of transparency used in both single and double layers.  Most importantly, the fabric had to have the ability to reflect the space’s LED lighting system, but also absorb light where mixed-media video is projected on the fabric walls.

While learning about their client and astronomy as a whole, traveling through “slices in time” became an apparent fundamental concept. Roszak’s design incorporates this theme by using the carefully selected fabric on walls and surfaces shaped to mimic travel through spacetime. Roszak’s used parametric modeling techniques to design the complex shapes and surfaces of the space. The fabric surrounds the area creating rich, spatial “events” in each section.  Roszak layered the fabric in alternating areas creating darker and lighter “slices” along the visitor’s pathway with each section representing a “time slice” in outer space.  Delineated slopes of cascading sheer planes add to the design representing the surface of the present that has recorded an astronomical event over time.  Even the design’s floorplan is laid out such that by shifting one’s position in the gallery, the perception of space changes as the voids separate, join, expand, and contract.  All of the design effects add to the visitor’s experience of walking from “slice” to “slice” feeling like they are traveling through time in space.

Also included in the space travel theme shown through Roszak’s plan are the many courses of the purposely “bent” shape of the gallery.  These paths entice the adventurous explorer to wander along “shortcuts” of the free-flowing space just as a real astronaut would.  The purpose of the twists and turns is two-fold since they also create opportunities for a collage of media learning displays.  Extensive collaboration with experts in video, animation, sound, and lighting inspired interactive exhibits with layered projected images, motion- detecting light and sound effects, and unusual display technologies around every corner.  Many years of experience and past projects have given Roszak a naturally positive attitude on collaboration, knowing how to bring together individuals who are experts in their fields, and working together to maximize a project’s full potential. Most importantly, Roszak listened to the client and made sure they were involved in every design stage.

Using architecture in a way to incorporate a client’s vision, even the most “out of this world” concepts, can be in the realm of the possible.  The architectural and media contributions to the Welcome Gallery immensely enhance guests’ overall experience at Adler Planetarium.  Thomas Roszak Architecture, LLC, is proud to have their architectural and design contributions aide in reaching Adler’s ultimate goal of creating an exciting and curiosity-evoking visit sure to create buzz and desire for guests to return for more learning and space exploration!


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7RR, a green home by Thomas Roszak Architecture

Thomas Roszak Architecture and SteelGrass, an eco-design-build firm, have teamed up to design and build a new green and sustainable home on Chicago’s North Shore. The home’s design feels natural in the wooded lot and the plan’s axis rotates to take advantage of passive solar orientation. This house has many attributes of passive solar house design. Here are some additional eco-effective highlights:

At Home in Nature

With flexible, open living spaces flooded with filtered natural light and a carefully detailed arrangement of durable and energy efficient materials the green home provides a dynamic and comfortable environment made for longevity.

Green Highlights:

A) Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in

B) Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan

C) Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer

D) Open floor plan reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight

E) Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms.

F) Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers

G) Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste

H) Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated

I) Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%           

J) 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings

K) Super efficient windows have low E, argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames

L) Soy-based spray foam insulation boosts R-values by completing the building envelope seal

M) Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff

N) Countertops use recycled composite materials

O) Energy Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats

P) Furnaces are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss

Q) Energy star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water

R) Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are recommended to conserve water usage

S) No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality

T) Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use

U) Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems

V) A large food pantry to reduce trips to the grocery store

W) Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint

X) Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, no need to move as family members mature

For more information please call 312-423-7989 or email thomas@roszak.com

Click here to download a PDF with information about 7RR, a Green Home. 

Green, Modern and Affordable House

Our firm is proud to announce two new homes designed for the discerning and conscientious homebuyer. Award winning architect, Thomas Roszak and his team of builders at SteelGrass, LLC have joined forces to provide an environmentally effective home for the modern age while still remaining affordable. Buyers have the choice of prefabricated or built-on-site design depending on conditions and local codes. The new homes offer a fusion of contemporary lines mixed with necessary comforts homebuyers are looking for in today's smarter market. These include stylish and efficient floor plans, maintenance-free exterior materials, and automated interiors to maximize comfort and enjoyment while minimizing energy and waste. The interiors provide the warmth and comfort so often neglected in other green housing projects.

Observing how people live today and predicting future changes has inspired two options of environmentally respectable design. Eliminating traditional walls and offering double heighted ceilings creates spacious areas in conservative square feet. Utility without sacrifice is the new standard for today’s modern lifestyle and Thomas Roszak Architecture is offering not one, but two choices.

The 36x60 House

This 3,585 sq. ft. two story home holds five bedrooms and four and a half baths plus a two car garage and large 1,770 sq. ft. basement.

The entire first floor could be seen as one big room with flowing spaces that are simply separated by cabinetry and sliding doors to enhance the spaciousness of the home. Additionally, the smart and attractive cabinetry offers plenty of storage.

Starting with a large, welcoming entry makes an inviting first impression. The dramatic two-story living room with overlook from above is perfect for entertaining. Across the way, lies the dining room transformable for either a formal or casual setting. Both rooms include floor skylights with translucent glass allowing natural light to penetrate the basement while also creating a unique talking point as one of the green initiatives of the home. Ample space was purposefully dedicated to the kitchen to make it large and comfortable for cooking or entertaining. The family/media room sits across with shoji-like screens giving the option to close off the family room from the rest of the house.

The second floor includes a master bedroom suite complete with his and her walk-in closets and a bathroom built for comfort and convenience. This is done by a theme of separation: a steam shower and separate soaker tub, two vanities and a make-up area, plus a separate toilet room. All the elements combine to make the perfect bath fit for functionality.

Four additional bedrooms all on the same floor as the master finally allow for larger families to be together. The library is open to the hall and can double as an office. Having the laundry on this level is just another item on the list of smart design in this house.

The building’s structure including the exterior uses mostly recycled wood, steel, and metal materials. Metal wall cladding and roof come in a variety of different paint colors as well as copper and corten steel. Multi-season sun-shades are incorporated into the exterior cladding systems to block heat in the summer, but welcome solar gain from low winter sun.

The environmentally friendly initiatives continue in every aspect of the home providing attractive alternatives. Natural light pours in through the oversized windows thus reducing the need for artificial lighting. These windows use double insulated glass with a low-emissitivity coating and argon gas in between the panes. The glass is also set within a thermally-separated frame meaning the inside and outside frames do not touch or transmit heat or cold into the home.

Using larger vents allows fresh air to circulate throughout. Photovoltaic solar panels, wind turbine, and geo-thermal heating and cooling are available based on site conditions.

Atop the roof will grow locally available plants that require only natural rainfall to thrive using a rain catchment cistern.

The house will be built with state-of-the-art energy saving insulation (naturally made and eco friendly) throughout the walls and roof, which account for the most significant reason the house will be energy efficient. With the utilization of these systems mentioned herein, the house is capable of being Net-Zero, meaning the house produces all of the energy it requires and perhaps even more, which can be sold back to the grid. By utilizing naturally occurring energy from the earth and sky, a home can immensely decrease its carbon footprint.

The 28x48 House

This 2,224 sq. ft. two story home holds four bedrooms and four and a half baths plus a two-car garage and large 932 sq. ft. basement. It features the similar ideals and floor plans as the larger option.

The total project costs depend on site and local conditions plus land. Hard costs include all construction. Soft costs include the necessary permitting, architecture, engineering, insurance, surveys, and other similar expenses. Final costs can be determined once final drawings are approved and agreed upon by both parties.

Projects Costs = Hard Costs + Soft Costs + Land Costs

♫Having designed and built for five hundred residences, Thomas Roszak Architecture and SteelGrass are very pleased to present these two new exciting homes in the housing market during a time when homebuyers are searching for more options in the green, modern, and affordable sector. For more information or to start your home planning process today please contact Thomas Roszak at thomas@roszak.com.

Click here to download the architectural plans:

Green, Modern and Affordable House- 28' x 48'

Green, Modern and Affordable House- 36' x 60'

IIT students assist Lycée Français de Chicago on future school design and construction

Our firm, Thomas Roszak Architecture, worked with the Lycée Français de Chicago (LFC) and students from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) as part of a comprehensive building design studio to study the future facility needs of this private pre-K thru 12 French school. With help from LFC’s facility board we studied various sites that were proposed by Jones Lang LaSalle, their real estate consultant, to determine actual site requirement in terms of size and access. We studied and improved on preliminary programs to pinpoint space allocation between grades and support spaces. This is a school with needs for over 700 students. The book The Third Teacher was a required reading as preparation for the assignment. We studied hard and soft costs and made recommendations that will surely be implemented into the final design and construction. The 14 students, in their 4th and 5th year of their Bachelor of Architecture program also prepared plans, renderings, budgets, proformas, zoning analysis, code analysis, and detailed construction details. A final architectural crit was done in front of the LFC board and other Chicago area professionals including architects, contractors, and school officials that gave informative real world insight into the design of this school and the future of education in general. A learning experience for all...

Click here to download a PDF with more images.