House, Some of This, Some of That by Kwong Von Glinow, a forest retreat with innovative T-shaped volumes
House, Some of This, Some of That is both the formal name of a forest retreat and an architectural philosophy that defines its unique spatial organization. Designed by Kwong Von Glinow, a Chicago-based architecture firm known for its forward-thinking and explorative approach, the home reimagines conventional spatial planning by utilizing nine T-shaped volumes.
These structural elements house utility, storage, and wet spaces while forming the foundation for a fluid, open-plan living environment. Arranged on a precise grid, the rotated T-shaped volumes carve out distinct yet interconnected spaces for communal and private activities. This deliberate organization creates an interplay of openness and definition, offering a seamless spatial experience where each area maintains its own identity without the confinement of traditional walls.
Through this design approach, the house achieves both functional and aesthetic harmony. The unique arrangement of the Ts not only organizes back-of-house functions but also fosters uninterrupted visual connections throughout the interior and outward to the surrounding landscape. The absence of conventional walls allows natural light to permeate every corner, emphasizing the home’s integration with nature.
The floor plan further enhances this connection by adopting a subtle sectional shift that follows the natural slope of the site. A cast-in-place concrete floor rises gradually by two feet over the length of the house, with discreet six-inch steps delineating spaces while maintaining fluidity. This design choice by Kwong Von Glinow blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor movement, allowing residents to experience the home as an extension of its environment.
Reinforcing this seamless integration, the retreat’s cinder-block façade extends into the interior, fully enveloping the T-shaped volumes. This continuity strengthens the dialogue between inside and outside, while expansive openings frame dynamic views of the forested surroundings. The house’s circular footprint and an extended corrugated roof further accentuate this relationship.
The sloping roof extends outward, forming sheltered patios on all sides, enhancing the connection to nature and providing covered outdoor spaces. Distinctive volumetric skylights punctuate the monolithic roof, channeling daylight into key living areas and crafting a variety of atmospheric experiences.
Designed by Kwong Von Glinow, a practice founded by Lap Chi Kwong and Alison Von Glinow, the retreat reflects the firm’s commitment to architecture that is both innovative and deeply attuned to human experience. With a portfolio spanning residential, cultural, institutional, and urban projects, the firm consistently explores new ways of creating spaces that are both clear in intention and transformative in experience. Their work embraces an optimistic vision of design, where architecture is meant to be enjoyed and engaged with dynamically.
All images courtesy of Kwong Von Glinow
