Architecture
Designed for Innovation,
Defined by Intention
Architecture
Award-Winning Architecture
Designed by award-winning architects David C. Hovey, FAIA, and David Hovey Jr., AIA, Optima Lumina™ reflects a multigenerational commitment to architectural innovation and thoughtful, human-centered design. Distinguished by clarity of form, precision in detail, and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor environments, their work balances architectural rigor with a deep sensitivity to how spaces are experienced, resulting in environments that feel cohesive, intentional, and enduring.
Architecture
Inventive Building Forms
Inventive building forms define the architectural expression of Optima Lumina™, demonstrated by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and generous terraces that extend living spaces outward. The building’s articulated facade–designed to modulate sunlight, shadow, and privacy–adds depth, texture, and a constantly shifting visual rhythm.
Terracotta: A Heritage of Artistry
Architectural terracotta cladding lends Optima Lumina™ a sense of history and material richness, echoing a tradition that has shaped the built environment of Chicago and the North Shore for more than a century. Historically used to add both ornament and resilience to early 20th-century buildings, terracotta is reinterpreted here with a modern sensibility, offering a facade that is at once tactile, expressive, and environmentally responsive.
Architecture
High-Performance Glazing
High-performance glazing is designed to enhance thermal comfort while mitigating exterior noise, creating interiors that feel both quiet and well-tempered. Expansive windows allow for abundant natural light and open views without compromising comfort, supporting a living experience that feels bright, peaceful, and comfortable throughout the year.
Benefits
ACOUSTIC CONTROL
Advanced glazing works in tandem with the building’s construction to minimize exterior noise, supporting a sense of calm and privacy throughout the home.
THERMAL PERFORMANCE
By moderating heat transfer, the glazing system supports a balanced indoor climate, enhancing comfort across the seasons while improving overall energy efficiency.
Architecture
Signature
Vertical Landscaping
Optima’s Signature Vertical Landscaping System integrates layers of year-round greenery directly into the architecture, bringing a living dimension to the building’s design. Composed of hardy, coniferous plantings, the system enhances the visual character of the facade while supporting evaporation cooling, air renewal, and acoustic buffering. The result is a dynamic, evolving exterior that supports comfort, encourages biodiversity, and brings a sense of nature into daily life.
Architecture
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design at Optima Lumina™ prioritizes a strong connection to the natural environment and is expressed through deliberate integration of open space, rooftop environments, and private terraces that extend the living experience beyond the interior. Expansive glazing and carefully considered layouts maximize light, air, and views, supporting a built environment that feels both responsive and connected to its natural surroundings.
