Denton House by Martin Fenlon Architecture: A Modern Reimagination of a Highland Park Classic

In the historic Highland Park neighborhood, Martin Fenlon Architecture has transformed a 1920s residence into a contemporary family home for a local designer and artist. The project, completed in 2022, blends modern functionality with a deep respect for the original structure, preserving the existing framing and foundation while incorporating new expansions and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

The renovation reimagines the house not only as a living space but as a sustainable and biophilic environment, integrating natural elements that enhance daily living while connecting the home to its lush surroundings.

Architectural Expansion and Site Integration

A significant feature of Denton House is the seamless expansion at the back, which includes a new kitchen, dining, and living area. Unlike the previous layout, which sat half a story above the backyard, the new design aligns with the yard’s level, creating a continuous flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. This transition emphasizes open-plan living, ideal for family life and entertaining.

The new primary bedroom suite on the second floor is cantilevered, minimizing the project’s footprint while adapting to the property’s irregular boundaries. Its strategic orientation maximizes scenic views and natural light, demonstrating thoughtful attention to both form and function.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The house’s exterior is clad in durable fiber cement siding, chosen for its longevity and cost efficiency. The variegated siding pattern pays homage to the Craftsman-style bungalows in the neighborhood, while the owner’s daughter selected a soft green hue that allows the home to merge harmoniously with the surrounding foliage. High-quality materials, including Fleetwood windows and James Hardie siding, reinforce both aesthetic appeal and sustainability.

Sustainable and Biophilic Design

Denton House embraces sustainable principles throughout. Large north-facing windows fill interiors with natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. In the south-facing front yard, shade trees and a thriving garden create a rewilded urban oasis, softening the transition between street and home.

Inside, nature is brought into daily experience: carefully framed views of greenery, wallpaper mimicking outdoor foliage in the central stair hall, and the integration of rainwater harvesting systems. Roof rainwater is collected in barrels painted to match the house, then channeled to an oculus where it filters into a planter near the front entrance, transforming a practical solution into a visually striking feature.

Harmonizing Modernity with Context

The project successfully merges modern residential architecture with the historical character of Highland Park. By respecting the original house structure while introducing contemporary spatial flows, sustainable features, and biophilic elements, Denton House exemplifies sensitive urban renovation.

This home demonstrates how thoughtful design can create functional, beautiful, and environmentally conscious residential architecture, enhancing family living while engaging with its natural and urban context.

All photographs are works of  Eric Staudenmaier