Honor Award

• Division: Residential
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Architect: Wheeler Kearns Architects
• Client: Kim Clark and James Powell
• General contractor: Fraser Construction
• Consultants: Enspect Engineering; The Engineering Studio; Leslie Jones Associates; Douglas Hoerr Landscape Architects

Overview

This three-story single family residence in Chicago's DePaul neighborhood was conceived as two independent brick volumes connected by a central glass-enclosed stairwell. Along with the convenience of the central scissor stairs, the subdivided volumes belie the 5,500 square feet overall size of the house. In contrast to the repeated punch openings of the understated façade, the volumes' two-story window exuberantly opens to the patio. "I like the way the architect broke down the massing of the house," one juror commented. "It''s in scale with the neighborhood. The detailing of the outside is restrained and handsome, and the interiors, warm and full of life, suggest a livable house."