Welcome to Casina, a remarkable example of intellectual architecture designed by the late architects Alfred Swenson and Pao-Chi Chang. Constructed with concrete, metal, and glass, Casina is built to endure well beyond our lifetimes. Alfred and Pao-Chi studied under Mies van der Rohe at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and Mies' influence on modern architecture is evident in this masterpiece. The home is named Casina, derived from the Latin word for "small cabin," and took several years to complete. Set on 10 serene, rolling acres, the house is intentionally positioned to maintain a sense of detachment from its surroundings, allowing the landscape to be admired from a distance. The architects drew inspiration from a Yuan Dynasty scroll depicting two scholars contemplating the vast landscape from an open-fronted pavilion. Spanning 1,500 square feet, the home is bright, open, and breathtaking the moment you step inside. It features dramatic vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows on both ends, seamlessly blending the indoors with the surrounding nature. The second-level open bedroom loft includes dual porches on each side, a full bathroom, and discreet built-in cabinetry. The loft comfortably accommodates a king-size bed. The kitchenette, fully electric, sits adjacent to the dedicated living area, where additional hidden storage can serve as a pantry or extra space as needed. The living room, designed to impress, offers spectacular, unobstructed views of the expansive 10-acre property. A cozy fireplace adds warmth, while the carefully arranged PAR lighting on the ceiling mimics a star cluster. A partial basement houses the utilities and provides additional storage, with exterior access via a stairwell. This is a rare opportunity to own a historic, architecturally significant home-perfect as a unique Airbnb stay, a charming getaway, or even a modern hobby farm. Contact us today to schedule your private showing!
Welcome to Casina, a remarkable example of intellectual architecture designed by the late architects Alfred Swenson and Pao-Chi Chang. Constructed with concrete, metal, and glass, Casina is built to endure well beyond our lifetimes. Alfred and Pao-Chi studied under Mies van der Rohe at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and Mies' influence on modern architecture is evident in this masterpiece. The home is named Casina, derived from the Latin word for "small cabin," and took several years to complete. Set on 10 serene, rolling acres, the house is intentionally positioned to maintain a sense of detachment from its surroundings, allowing the landscape to be admired from a distance. The architects drew inspiration from a Yuan Dynasty scroll depicting two scholars contemplating the vast landscape from an open-fronted pavilion. Spanning 1,500 square feet, the home is bright, open, and breathtaking the moment you step inside. It features dramatic vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows on both ends, seamlessly blending the indoors with the surrounding nature. The second-level open bedroom loft includes dual porches on each side, a full bathroom, and discreet built-in cabinetry. The loft comfortably accommodates a king-size bed. The kitchenette, fully electric, sits adjacent to the dedicated living area, where additional hidden storage can serve as a pantry or extra space as needed. The living room, designed to impress, offers spectacular, unobstructed views of the expansive 10-acre property. A cozy fireplace adds warmth, while the carefully arranged PAR lighting on the ceiling mimics a star cluster. A partial basement houses the utilities and provides additional storage, with exterior access via a stairwell. This is a rare opportunity to own a historic, architecturally significant home-perfect as a unique Airbnb stay, a charming getaway, or even a modern hobby farm. Contact us today to schedule your private showing!
© 2020 Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. All rights reserved. Listing courtesy of Redfin Corporation. 
