Best known for sustainable, institution-shaping designs like Northwestern University’s El Centro satellite campus, architect Juan Gabriel Moreno of JGMA brought his bold brand of modernism to an unexpected setting in 2013: suburban Chicago. Now that striking 6,300-square-foot residence has hit the market for $2,399,000 in Naperville—a rare architectural statement for the area.
Set on more than 1.5 wooded acres just minutes from downtown, the estate was built by Jeff Muellner and showcases JGMA’s hallmark mix of rigor and artistry. Its exterior combines Brazilian Ipe and Teak Cumaru woods with a custom Rheinzink zinc roof, a sophisticated blend of natural warmth and durability. Colombian-born Moreno is often celebrated for dramatic, curvilinear forms—some of his structures have even been described as “Hadid-like.” His practice is typically seen on an institutional scale, most famously with El Centro, the angular, striped “spaceship” campus along Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway that shifts from yellow fins in the morning to blue in the evening, creating a daily optical illusion for hundreds of thousands of commuters.
This private commission in Naperville is uncommon, yet not entirely out of step with the city’s roots. Naperville has a legacy of mid-century modern homes, built during its postwar boom, that similarly embraced bold, forward-looking design. Here, Moreno took advantage of an atypical triangular lot, designing a home that seems to rise organically from the surrounding vegetation while framing serene views of preserved wetlands and mature foliage. A rare third level—dubbed the “tree house”—immerses residents in the tree canopy for a true sanctuary-like retreat.
Inside, 16-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows heighten the sense of drama and dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. The chef’s kitchen is outfitted with top-tier appliances, while a second full kitchen on the lower level enhances the home’s flexibility for entertaining or multi-generational living.
The five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath layout balances scale with comfort. Thoughtful details like radiant-heat flooring, zoned climate systems, and dual laundry rooms reflect practical sophistication. Outside, the wooded grounds provide privacy and serenity, while the address falls within Naperville’s acclaimed District 203 schools.
Listing agent Walt Burrell, who co-listed the property with Bridget Salela of Coldwell Banker Realty, Naperville, calls the estate “a true private sanctuary blending world-class design with everyday comfort.” For design-minded buyers, it is a standout opportunity: a rare work of contemporary architecture from one of Chicago’s most visionary architects, seamlessly integrated into the suburban landscape.
