Timeless Design for Houses: Talk #3

Talk #3

3rd Commandment: Site Planning with Nature and Neighbors in Mind

Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Naperville Municipal Center, Rooms A&B
400 S Eagle St,
Naperville, IL 60540

Being summerit was time to start thinking about the great outdoors and how it relates to the built environment, specifically around our homes.

Site Planning with Nature and Neighbors in Mind, the third Talk in a series about timelessness for all things residential, explored the basics of residential site planning from an architect’s perspective.

The talk looked at three properties in and around Naperville’s Historic District to see how their landscapes were shaped through words, drawings and photographs from the people who designed them.  Attendees saw how native plants and historically-based hardscapes played a pivotal role in giving those green spaces a sense of timelessness and natural connection to the houses from day one.

Walk the Talk  #3

On Saturday, June 21st, Tom took attendees on a walk past two properties, with a special final stop where to hear a few words from the homeowners and landscape designer while strolling through the recently finished garden.  Attendees alse had a rare opportunity to walk through part of the house (including an unforgettable kitchen) to see how blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces truly comes to life.

7 Site Planning Basics for New Homes and Additions

1. For Midwest house planning, try to position frequently used indoor spaces facing south or west.

2. ‘Stretch’ (make it thin) your house or addition for maximum natural light to indoor spaces.

3. Design houses with wings or use outbuildings to create comfortable and private outdoor ‘rooms’.

4. Keep outdoor entertainment areas close to the house, cozy and visible through doors.

5. If a front load garage is required, set it back from the primary facade at least eighteen feet.

6. Plan your garden using historically-based hardscapes, also native and pollinator-friendly plants.

7. Plant a deciduous shade tree about halfway between your house and rear property line.

Sources of Inspiration

Book: Chapters 1 & 2 of "Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid" by Marianne Cusato and Ben Pentreath (Available Locally at Anderson’s Bookshop)

Online: ICAA Videos with Arne Maynard. These two are exceptional with entertaining stories of his process with clients.

• “For the Love of Plants: Planted Structures in Garden Design”

• “Formality & Informality”