In Milwaukee’s Lower East Side, Johnsen Schmaling Architects has transformed a narrow, vacant lot into an innovative residential space that challenges traditional urban infill architecture. The project, named Curtain House, is situated on a 24-foot-wide (7-meter) site between two century-old homes, blending respect for its historic surroundings with a bold, contemporary aesthetic.
A Narrow Vision for Modern Living
The client, a long-time urban dweller, purchased the lot from Milwaukee’s Department of City Development, which had left it unused for two decades following the demolition of a derelict house. The new structure occupies almost the entire length of the lot, featuring a three-story, 2,700-square-foot (251-square-meter) rectangular form. At the heart of the home, a central courtyard provides light and ventilation while creating a private, tranquil space.
“The building is a long, narrow volume tightly sandwiched between two century-old homes and reimagines the typological conventions of urban infill dwellings with a respectful but unapologetically contemporary addition to the area’s aging housing stock,” the architects explained.
A Facade Inspired by Urban Drape Motifs
The street-facing facade draws inspiration from the draped curtains often seen in urban homes. Vertical wooden and aluminum louvres, arranged in gradually rotating angles, create a dynamic, textured surface. These louvres are more open in front of glazed areas and entirely closed over solid walls or the garage door, offering privacy and shading.
“The screen’s various degrees of openness respond to the building enclosure behind it, transforming seamlessly from visually most porous in glazed areas to entirely impenetrable where solid walls or the garage door are located,” the studio added.
Interior Layout and Features
Inside, the home features a deliberate separation between social and private spaces. The ground floor includes a garage, entry vestibule, and family room that opens onto a series of terraced patios. Above, two two-story volumes are connected by a glass corridor. The street-facing section houses bedrooms, while the rear includes communal spaces like a kitchen and an open living hall, which overlook the courtyard and Milwaukee River.
The interiors are defined by clean, bright finishes in white and grey, complemented by walnut cabinetry in the kitchen to create a warm, welcoming space. The glass-walled stairwell offers views of the courtyard and invites natural light into the upper levels.
Pioneering Infill Architecture
Johnsen Schmaling Architects continues to redefine urban infill with projects like the Curtain House, blending modern design with community-conscious solutions. Previous projects by the firm include a blackened-pine cabin in Wisconsin and a vibrant multi-home development in Sacramento.
The Curtain House stands as a testament to how thoughtful design can transform even the tightest urban lots into spaces that are both functional and architecturally significant.
