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Jill and Toby chose the most secluded downstairs bedroom to sleep in, yielding the two upstairs bedrooms to their daughters.

When attorney Trey Berre and his wife, photographer Maria Ponce Berre, began searching the Chicago real estate listings in 2014, they were looking for land, or at least something to tear down. They imagined building a "forever home

Lambert & Fils lights are suspended over the island.

The wood-paneled, open-plan living space features artfully-designed light panels which line the perimeter of the room.

Christine wanted the bathroom to embrace darker hues and shadows. The architect credits Japanese novelist Jun'ichirō Tanizaki’s In Praise of Shadows as her reference for the space.

The floors throughout are bleached oak.

Floor plan of Pemberton Residence by Alterstudio Architecture

The kitchen features white oak cabinetry and an island topped with Caesarstone in Rugged Concrete. The Torii stools are from Bensen and the Compendium pendant is from Luceplan, while the oven is by Wolf and the faucet is by California Faucets. The long white wall was meant for hanging art but so far remains bare. “It feels like a gallery that was ransacked,” jokes Jim, “but we’ve grown attached to the clean expanse.”

Accompanied by their dog, Gibson, in the gravel courtyard, Kristin and Jim relax on a Driade MT1 armchair and MT3 rocking chair, both by Ron Arad. “We value that modern ideal—where you can easily go outside and where small rooms feel bigger,” says Alter.

An outdoor shower extends off the main bathroom.

The wood cladding extends outside and wraps around a corner of the facade. Alemán Design Build oversaw the landscaping.

Around the corner from the kitchen, a family room sits between the courtyard on one side and the backyard on the other.

The Ramseys finished the pool after they moved in. Although Alterstudio had also designed a cabana, the couple decided not to build it in favor of keeping more outdoor space. Chairs and lounges by Loll join an umbrella by California Umbrella.

Even the bathroom grants views. Sleek wood elements complement the white-and-black fixtures and details.

Another view of the living room, which features large windows overlooking the treetops and a large opening leading to the sunroom.

From the main entrance, a hallway opens up into the large living area. The original horizontal wood paneling and stone fireplace complement refinished hardwood floors and new fixtures.

The kitchen is one of McBride's favorite architectural moments in the open-concept great room.