Restored Italianate

Returning to the front of the yard, the new custom ironwork fence was designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding façades of neighboring homes. An almost liminal space was created between the fence and front wall, allowing the client to entertain neighbors and create a space for convening in the neighborhood. This foyer frames the front view of the property, integrating it with the property next door, contributing to the character of the street, and promoting this communal feeling between neighbors. Vines soften the neighborhood-facing wall, with its lannon stone veneer sourced from the same quarry as the water table of the house. The side yard masonry wall was meticulously designed to fit in aesthetically with the neighborhood while also maintaining the unique quality of the home. It was constructed in alignment with the house’s brick breaks, integrating limestone and incorporating reclaimed materials for authenticity that echoes the house’s aesthetic. The backyard retreat was designed in collaboration with ironwork and masonry artisans to create custom, period-specific elements for the fencing, railings, and walls with an emphasis on craft, authenticity, and longevity. The team worked closely with metalwork artisans to realize historical details that were period-specific to the home, namely the carriage bolt connections and lightly hammered texture of the gates. 

Tackling the unique design challenge of a narrow city lot, Hoerr Schaudt transformed the side yard to extend the interior of the home. Additional design attention went into the creation of custom ironwork fencing, railings, and a low front wall, flowing into successive garden rooms including a family terrace, formal dining area, and spa courtyard. The result is a versatile entertaining space that seamlessly links the interior design with the exterior, with intentional touches to fit the needs of city living.

The dual nature of each garden room aids in creating a more functional space without detracting from the traditional aesthetic of the home’s architecture and historic façade. The garden entry is softened by irregular lannon stone paving mixed with reclaimed brick, ushering you further into the space that complements the home while differentiating itself from the rest of the “rooms” as you move through. In the formal dining area, the lannon stone takes a new shape, this time into a rug that frames the dining table and chairs, further incorporating traditional interior elements. Stepping down from the dining room, to a new tier of the yard, a casual lounge area greets you, framed around a cozy outdoor fireplace. A line of hophornbeam trees along the dining area provide necessary shade and a filtered view. These particular trees have room at the base that make them available for planting at the garden level, contributing to the overall ground plane of greenery throughout.

As you turn the corner, you reach an intimate spa courtyard, framed by lush, textured greenery. The tranquil water feature doubles as a private hot tub, inviting you to relax away in an oasis inside of an oasis. Containers of various shapes, sizes, and materials adorn the yard, where seasonal flowers offer bursts of color around the property. They are placed near corners and tiered areas around the yard offer seasonal floral touches that soften the landscape and provide and extra layer of delight and detail without crowding the space or making it too precious to enjoy. Life around every corner emphasizes texture and abundance. 

This historic home maintains its classic charm while remaining practical for modern life, through strategic choices to use the outdoor space as an extension of the home, utilizing the narrow space thoughtfully by creating outdoor rooms for various uses. Incorporating the needs of the client, the space is now equally satisfying the desire to preserve its history and integrity but increasing its functionality and comfort in the process.

2024 ASLA Illinois Merit Award

2024 Modern Luxury DESIGN 9 Award, Best Outdoor Living Space