Best Outdoor Living Space Winner: Hoerr Schaudt

Hoerr Schaudt artfully crafts the outdoor space of a historic home that blends refined elegance with timeless charm.

The striking fireplace, fabricated by Windsor Builders, showcases Chicago Common brick with limestone coping and a sleek black firebrick interior, while the dining table and chairs from Janus et Cie provide a refined touch. photographed by SCOTT SHIPLEY
The striking fireplace, fabricated by Windsor Builders, showcases Chicago Common brick with limestone coping and a sleek black firebrick interior, while the dining table and chairs from Janus et Cie provide a refined touch.

The Project

When interior designer Michael Abrams recommended Hoerr Schaudt to transform the outdoor living space of a historic Lincoln Park home, it was an opportunity the award-winning landscape design firm couldn’t pass up. Working closely with the clients, the Hoerr Schaudt team prioritized craft, authenticity and durability, resulting in a design that truly reflected their vision and values. “When the homeowners began this historic renovation, they knew they wanted to respect the past of their own home, but they also needed it to have a livable ease for their modern family,” says Simon Prunty, Hoerr Schaudt partner and lead designer on the project. “The goal was to respect tradition, but to push the boundaries for a family with young children.”

20230713_hs_cotton_391.jpgA selection of planters add vibrant life to the outdoor space, which also features pavers from Lannon Stone.

The Details

“Since this is a historic Chicago home, we worked to be as “period correct” with our detailing as possible,” explains Prunty. “The landscape design reflects this with ironwork and masonry aligned with the historic architectural details of the home and our use of site-specific materials.” To achieve this, Hoerr Schaudt selected a stone that complemented the house and could be used in versatile ways. By incorporating reclaimed Chicago common brick and drawing inspiration from historic properties, a “porch” entry was created with split-face curbs and hand-dressed flatwork. Hand-sourced and hand-selected plant materials were also chosen to complement the hardscape around each area of the property.

The Outcome

The client was overjoyed with how Hoerr Schaudt shaped their vision into reality, artfully preserving the home’s historic charm while reflecting the neighborhood’s character. The transformation seamlessly blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, creating a sophisticated and versatile outdoor haven.

Design Details

Type
Urban garden

Location
Lincoln Park

Landscape Architecture
Hoerr Schaudt
hoerrschaudt.com

Architect
En Masse Architecture and Design
designenmasse.com

Interior Design
Michael Abrams Interiors
michaelabrams.com

Resources

Bolini Company, Inc.
Custom water fixture
847.680.8800

Lightscape Lighting and Equipment
Lighting
lightscapelcp.com

Lake Forest Masonry Inc.
Masonry
847.234.6820

Hammerwell
Ironwork
hammerwell.com

Pennoyer Newman
Various planters
pennoyernewman.com