This house museum is available for events.
Regular tours Fri, 11am and 1pm
The Schweikher-Langdorf Home's Modernist design is constructed entirely of brick, wood, and glass. It features redwood siding, Douglas fir trim, large exposed beams, and cantilevered construction. Completed in 1938 on the rural boundary of Chicago in Roselle, now part of Schaumburg, it also features the early use of passive solar technology.
Schweikher-Langsdorf Home & Studio
645 South Meacham Road, Schaumburg, IL 60193, USA847-923-3866
Architect Paul Schweikher’s 1937 home and studio is a masterful integration of brick, glass, and wood, situated on seven and a half acres with gardens designed by the noted landscape architect Franz Lipp. Among its many features, the iconic Modernist home includes a massive brick fireplace, passive solar room, cantilevered construction, exposed wood beams, built-in furniture, Japanese soaking tub, and Zen Garden.
Interior
Exterior
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ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
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HEARTH
A massive brick fireplace along the east side of the living room is the focal point of the room. This working fireplace still warms visitors today.
HISTORIC FIGURES
The avant-garde architect Paul Schweikher designed this Modernist residence as his private home and studio in 1937. It was purchased in 1953 by renowned artist Martyl Langsdorf and her husband, Manhattan Project nuclear physicist Alexander Langsdorf.
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NATURE
The Schweikher-Langsdorf Home is situated on several acres of grounds which include perennial gardens, an orchard, and Zen garden designed by the noted landscape architect Franz Lipp. Another five acres of woods, restored prairie, and a creek surround the house and are connected to the house via a walking path.
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PRESERVATION
Thanks to the Langsdorfs’ thoughtful 60-year stewardship, the home and studio have remained unaltered from Paul Schweikher’s original vision. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized by The American Institute of Architects as one of the top 150 architectural sites in Illinois. Current conservation is overseen by the Schweikher House Preservation Trust and the Village of Schaumburg.
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BATHROOMS
The west bathroom of the Schweikher House includes a traditional Japanese soaking tub as well as an innovative sink and counter design, which divides the bathing area from toilet area.
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FINE ART
The house exhibits many pictures, sculptures, and paintings. These include the art studio and original paintings of Martyl Langsdorf, former resident and artist.
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KITCHEN
In the kitchen, architect Paul Schweikher sought his vision of modernist efficiency through his design of open cabinetry and pass-through food service.
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POLITICS
Despite the fact that resident and physicist Alexander Langsdorf worked on the Manhattan Project, he remained opposed to using nuclear weapons, eventually helping to form the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. His wife Martyl designed the famous Doomsday Clock for the bulletin's June 1947 issue, which counts down the time to nuclear annihilation.
WOMEN
The Schweikher-Langsdorf Home was the 60-year residence of famed artist Martyl Langsdorf, designer of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Doomsday Clock. She was also an influential board member of many organizations, including the Arts Club of Chicago and Ragdale Foundation.
Interior
image credit: James Caulfield
Exterior
image credit: James Caulfield