2007 Winners of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards

Landscape

Winner - Lyndie and Matthew Sherman

Lyndie and Matthew Sherman transformed an area of their backyard once occupied by a large pool into a small hybrid English – Italian garden. The Shermans designed and planted the low maintenance formal garden themselves. Boxwoods define the geometrically patterned space and the use of flowering perennials provide the color contrast and a stopping place for butterflies and bees. It’s a peaceful, private respite where Lyndie can practice her yoga or sit in a quite place and enjoy the garden..

Honorable Mention - ken and beth martin

The Martins transformed an unimaginative front yard of overgrown yews and a concrete rear yard into a magical space and natural habitat. To begin, the Martins removed all the grass to create woodland gardens in both the front and back yards. The backyard showcases two paver patios, a copper arbor supporting mature grape vines, and two ponds inhabited by koi and goldfish. Environmental stewards as well, the Martins collect rainwater in two rain barrels, compost, salvage leaves for a winter ground cover and vermi-compost year round.

Exterior Rehabilitation

Winner - Dan and Michelle Miller

The Millers’ rehabilitation project uncovered the hidden beauty of their Chicago bungalow. A sensitive cleaning of the masonry revealed a rich golden colored brick to match the recently rebuilt chimney. The porch wing wall was rebuilt and the entire structure was re-pointed. After the removal of the aluminum covered soffit, facia & upper portions of the limestone cap, the Millers replaced the rotting wood with new wood and cleaned the limestone caps. The thoughtful restoration of their bungalow has given the Millers a new and deeper appreciation of what a Chicago bungalow was 80 years ago, and what it is today: their Chicago home.

 

Interior Rehabilitation

Winner - Alicia Alvarez 

Alicia Alverez wanted to create a modern second-floor living space while maintaining the characteristics of her Chicago bungalow. To accomplish this, the architect designed a sensitive dormer to increase the livable space of the bungalow. The upstairs master suite is a light and airy space that incorporates much of the existing first floor materials, finishes and architectural details to tie the two living areas together. Oak flooring, birch trim and new wood windows that match the existing in style and material help to achieve a rehabilitation that respects the existing building.

Honorable mention - Sam Perez and Lisa Milam-perez

The Perez family wanted to utilize the second floor of their Chicago bungalow. As a result, the existing narrow staircase needed to be redesigned. The new design widened the staircase and incorporated an arch, a prominent architectural detail exhibited throughout the first floor of the bungalow.

Small Scale Project

Winner - Jeffery and tracey kosmeder

An avid woodworker, Jeffery Kosmeder designed and built an oak storm/screen door to match the original wood front entry door. Inside the bungalow, Jeffery constructed solid oak radiator covers for the long expanse of radiators under the front windows. These projects demonstrate how attention to small details can make a big impression.

Honorable mention - gena cielak

Gena Cielak transformed her 1970s bathroom complete with mirrored tiles and a dropped ceiling into a 1920s inspired design. The bathroom was gutted saving only the existing bathtub. Gena selected a basket weave tile floor pattern and white subway tiles for the walls.  The affordable, off–the-shelf fixtures chosen also lend a period feel to the bathroom that is appropriate for her 1923 bungalow.