AT HOME Architect & Design Awards 2009

For anyone in the building industry, the past year ranks as one to forget—fast. Architectural and design firms and contracting companies alike suffered through one painful downsizing after another. Planned projects hit the skids as banks tightened their fists and homeowners cinched their belts.

But for those who were out there transforming blueprints into buildings, designs into reality, the finished works were, well, lovely.

In the following pages, you will see photos and descriptions of the first-place winners in the second AT HOME Architect & Design Awards, selected from 133 entries. To see the work entered by the second and third placers, click here. They are all here, category by category, one stunning structure or room after another.

Our judges—designer Jonathan Adler, architect Marlon Blackwell, House Beautiful editor Stephen Drucker, Dwell editor Sam Grawe, designer Charlotte Moss, and architect Ron Radziner—were discerning, to say the very least. In their comments, they pulled no punches and careened toward brutally honest.

Our winners varied from one-man or -woman shops working out of home offices to well-established firms in sleek skyscraper digs. Of the first-place winners in 2008, five showed up in the same circle this year. But to all the brave souls who entered, we thank you and encourage you to do the same next year. And to all those lucky ones who placed, our heartiest congratulations. Great work. You make St. Louis proud.  

Category 1 / Historic Residential Renovation

Winner: Ray M. Simon Architect, 1910 Cherokee, 314-776-5130

The Project: The Harry Hammerman House, located in Ladue, is a classic example of midcentury Modernist architecture. Designed, built, and occupied by Mr. Hammerman, a prominent local architect/engineer, the 55-year-old house fell into neglect and disrepair upon his death in 2001. By 2007, this architectural gem was being advertised as a “teardown.”

All the house’s water, sewer, gas, and electric lines had been severed in anticipation of the structure’s demolition. The cost of replacing this infrastructure, in addition to the restoration of the house’s unique architectural features, quickly inflated the project budget to an amount that justified the use of state historic-rehabilitation tax credits. With the assistance of the Landmarks Association of St. Louis, the house was nominated and added to the National Register of Historic Places.

During the previous four years, when the house sat vacant, the building fortunately suffered little water damage. But the first task in its rehabilitation was the complete replacement of the 3,000-plus-square-foot, multiplaned roof. This was accompanied by a simultaneous upgrade to the building’s insulation.

The original redwood-heartwood siding had been painted in an attempt to retain its original coloration. During the renovation, each of the 1- by 10-foot boards was removed, planed, refinished, and re-installed. All the original wood soffits, beams, doors, and windows were hand-stripped of their darkened finish in situ.

Replacing the entire plumbing system involved extensive excavation through the concrete slab and foundations. The original in-slab radiant heating system had been rendered useless, so a new geothermal heat-pump was installed to provide both heating and cooling to the rehabilitated residence. Because the house lacks both a basement and attic space, the ductwork for the HVAC system had to be carefully and discreetly woven through existing architectural elements.

The Judges Wrote: “Kudos for saving something modern!” “Would love to see more, but what is here is thoughtfully considered.”    

Category 2 / Small Remodel (Less Than 1,000 Square Feet)

Winner: Denise Fogarty Interiors, 1044 Bristol Manor, 314-757-1112

The Project: This one-story bungalow in Kirkwood included an outdated ’70s addition, complete with indoor hot tub. The main challenge was finding a comfortable place to relax in the evening­—that wasn’t in the basement rathskeller but was in the main portion of the house. The living room was too formal, with its predictable Queen Anne–style furnishings, and the family room was furnished with uninviting wicker furniture. Neither room had a cozy seating area with great family entertainment space. The house, being small, didn’t flow well from one room to another.

In redoing the living room, the designer reupholstered some of the wife’s favorite furniture pieces, which included a channel-back wing chair, in natural, textured fabrics. Multicolored cord selected to match the room’s green-and-white, buffalo-check silk drapes was used as trim on the chair. The walls were painted a soft, pale blue. The color choice also gave the home some much-needed flow from one room to another. The tired brick fireplace was updated by adding a limestone surround and white mantel to match the woodwork in the rest of the house.

The old indoor hot-tub area became a dining space and family-entertainment area. By painting the walls of the dining room and adjacent family room a bright grass green, the rooms became richly reinvigorated.

The floor plan places the kitchen off the entry on the northeast corner of the home. The property’s massive trees made the space seem darker than it really is. The designer kept window treatments to a minimum and add-ed white-painted beadboard to the walls. In the less than 300-square-foot kitchen, the designer added granite countertops, a new faucet, and a kitchen niche for a collection of colorful pottery.

The Judges Wrote: “A fully thought-through and beautifully executed project!” “Charming… Appreciate the attempt to make green the theme. Seems like a livable place.” “Attractive. Fresh. Cohesive. Has the personality of the client—guided by the decorator. Bravo/brava (whichever is the case).”    

Category 3 / Large Remodel (Greater Than 1,000 Square Feet)

Winner: Studio|Durham,1856 Menard, 314-664-4575, studiodurham.com

The Project: The house, which is organiz-ed around a central open-air atrium, had many quirky features, such as an indoor trellis and built-in bench in the living room and a number of “choke points” in the plan. The owner wanted the spaces to flow together better, in order to display her collection of contemporary furniture and artwork.

The living room was simplified, and interior windows were removed to create a large art wall; the shape of the atrium was altered to increase the width of the foyer, and a Japanese rock garden was designed for the space; the kitchen was reworked to eliminate a narrow island that divided it; and a large, frosted-glass barn door was added as the entrance to an enlarged master bathroom. The unfinished basement was completed to create a private entry sequence from the basement-level garage, and the second floor was simplified and renovated. A new wooden deck with a steel–and–frosted glass railing system was installed to provide access to a rear garden.

Tongue-in-groove hickory flooring with a black, low-gloss stain was also added. Cabinets are European steamed beech with honed black-granite and stainless-steel countertops. The open-air atrium was refinished with anodized aluminum–clad windows with aluminum trim and horizontal cypress siding installed in a rain-screen system.

The Judges Wrote: “Super chic!” “Nice to see a project that creates more solid walls. The rock garden/atrium works well. The furnishings work well with the finishes.”    

Category 4 / Addition to Existing Residence

Winner: Gunn & Smith Architects,6244 Clayton Avenue, 314-644-3150, gunnandsmith.com with Jamieson Design Associates, 4100 Laclede, 314-371-1777

The Project: The original house had little natural light, outdated kitchen and bathrooms, and no lighting for a vast art collection. Among many needed improvements, the couple specifically requested a library to house countless volumes of books, his-and-her studies, an art vault, and a new powder room—all on the ground floor.

The design required developing a planthat completely updated the existing house with a new kitchen, new bathrooms, new lighting, and a new elevator that replaced a rear stair hall. Given the scope of the changes and the verticality of the existing two-story house, however, the architects didn’t seek to match the building’s original style.

The library reads as a pavilion with a standing-seam cooper roof and is visually separated from the house by a series of flat roofs with skylights and covered with stone pavers. The rooms themselves are more casual spaces, with superb circulation.

Stone floors in the new spaces flow seamlessly to stone terraces and the lawn beyond. And finally, a stone garden wall wraps around the entire house, integrating the old with the new.    

Category 5 / Addition Independent of the Home

No entries    

Category 6 / Best Residential Architecture (Less Than 4,000 Square Feet)

Winner: Ralph Eglin Wafer,1221 Locust, 314-241-0762, ralpheglinwafer.com

The Project: This historic 2 1/2-story home in the Central West End was built in 1899. In 2006, the homeowners decided to update the house by constructing a two-story addition with a new family room, swimming pool, hot tub, and outdoor deck. The second floor is a new master bathroom.

The objective was to design a structure that stood on its own, yet was complementary to the historic home’s color, material texture, mass, and proportion. Copper paneling was selected for the exterior because it is distinctive, is permanent, and ages beautifully.

The semicircular end of the new structure breaks from the right angles of the house. The structure’s flat roof successfully avoids interrupting the home’s continuous decorated cornice. Continuous bands of casement windows achieve maximum natural light. Their widths fit the radius of the semicircular wall so that a minimum of “faceting” occurs. All exterior trim is cut or is done with banding so that it also conforms to the radius of the wall.

Sculptural concrete steps and metal railings, with strip lighting under the handrail, provide a connection to the pool, deck, and newly landscaped exterior. In-ground LED fixtures light the new structure.

The Judges Wrote: “A wow!” “Eclectic mix. Window detailing of new addition could be better articulated.”    

Category 7 / Best Residential Architecture (Greater Than 4,000 Square Feet)

Winner: Mitchell Wall Architects, 2 The Pines, 314-576-5888, mitchellwall.com with Fibercations, 609 Eastgate, Ste. 201, 314-721-9237

The Project: The goal of transforming 4,600 square feet of ninth-floor raw space into a penthouse home for an active family presented the architects with quite a challenge.

The homeowners, Mitchell Wall Architects, interior designer Dana Romeis of Fibercations, and contractor Chuck Schagrin of Amherst Corp. all worked together on the project and created the plans for the “white box,” located within the 70-unit Crescent building in the heart of Clayton.

The entrance to the home is parallel to the exterior wall, allowing the visitor to turn and be introduced to the panoramic view. The home sits on the “elbow” of the building, where the straight segment and the curve of the crescent come together. A balance was sought between the expansive horizon and the intimate interior, between family spaces and public spaces. The home’s living spaces are defined by ceiling treatments to minimize obstructions to the expansive view along the curved exterior wall. The bedrooms fit neatly along the straight section of exterior wall. Support spaces line the building’s corridor wall. Clean flat planes, niches, crisp casework, and tray and dropped ceilings are repeated throughout. The finishes are gracious and understated. The palette of near-black, taupe, cream, and glass green is at once rich and calming, It also creates a handsome backdrop for contemporary art. The furnishings are classic and spare.

The penthouse terrace runs the length of the exterior wall. Thus, every interior living space was designed to have a terrace view. The immediate proximity of the terrace demanded that it be treated as an extension of the interior space. Japanese maples, boxwood, a water feature, and outdoor seating provide human scale for the short view, with a full expanse of sky and horizon composing the long view.

The Judges Wrote: “Material palette and furnishings work well together. Ceiling articulation not necessary—consider another material.” “Like the flow, the harmony, the overall feel.”    

Category 8 / Best Green Construction of a Home

Winner: Glantz & Associates Architects, 501 N. Lindbergh, 314-993-2160, glantzarchitects.com

The Project: The architect received the contract from a builder to design a 5,000-square-foot custom luxury home that would rank among the top green homes in the area. The result is a 1½-story home that was green certified and was sold in only two weeks—no small feat in today’s tumultuous economic climate.

The home blends perfectly into its diamond lot shape. It is resource-efficient and also incorporates recycled and renewable building materials inside and out.

One of the home’s main renewable ele-ments is also one of its top visual attractions—bamboo flooring that extends throughout the main level. The kitchen boasts recycled IceStone glass and cement countertops. The light fixtures gracing the foyer and dining room are restored antiques. The home also conserves water with ENERGY STAR appliances and fixtures. James Hardie fiber-cement siding and brick were used to enhance the exterior design.

What isn’t readily apparent to the eye are green design features that improve air quality, lower costs, reduce maintenance, and increase comfort. The architect designed the home with broader-than-usual overhangs, for instance, which protect the exterior walls. He also called for an energy-efficient building envelope, zoned 92 percent–efficient gas furnaces, and two 13-SEER air conditioners, plus a sealed ducting system.

The significance of this home’s design lies in its perfect blend of environmental consciousness and fine design.

The Judges Wrote: “I love that it’s green, but it’s not weird. Green is for everyone.” “Nicely done.”    

Category 9 / Best Urban Renewal Project

No entries    

Category 10 / Best Residential Swimming Pool/Spa

Winner: Goessling Design,1005 S. McKnight, 314-569-0900, goesslingdesign.com

The Project: This landscape contains an Adirondack arbor with a contemporary pool. A woodland walk gives the formal landscape a New England feel. Located in a quiet urban neighborhood, this garden is completely screened from the street by hollies and viburnums.

A formal rose garden marks the entrance to the area from the front of the house. Viewers pass through a wrought-iron gate with brick piers and enter a private space with a hydrangea garden, terrace, pool, arbor, and woodland garden. The garden design reflects the home’s design.

The pool is surrounded by grass, with bluestone pavers placed along the pool coping making the transition between hard and soft surfaces. Steps running the length of the pool disappear into the water. The color of the pool reflects a woodland pond.

The arbor, held up by Pennsylvania fieldstone columns, has a rustic appearance. The stone wall along its back side is a sitting wall, providing an excellent view of the woodland garden. Visitors can also venture along a path that winds its way among the woodland garden’s plants, catching glimpses of the pool through the arbor.

The Judges Wrote: “Yum! So mellow and subtle.”    

Category 11 / Best Deck/Patio/Porch

Category 12 / Best Residential Landscape Design Construction

Winner: Goessling Design,1005 S. McKnight, 314-569-0900, goesslingdesign.com

The Project: This formal European landscape design features beautiful fountains, terraces, an arbor, a pool, and an entry drive. Hydrangeas and roses abound, giving the residence an old-world feel. The design is inspired by English and Italian landscapes.

The entry drive is a beautiful approach, lined with a row of fairy roses and Annabelle hydrangeas. Initially the drive circle was problematic, due to an extreme drop-off that made the drive appear asymmetrical in comparison to the symmetry of the house. This was solved with a few adjustments and optical illusions, including realigning the drive and adding plant material.

Renovation of the existing pool to match the new pool house created a challenge. The owners wanted to keep the old-world feel, while adding new amenities like a hot tub. A beautiful arbor was designed to balance the pool area with the pool house and hide the hot tub.

As for the rest of the property, the designers kept the majestic oaks, added fountains, and designed woodland walks, intimate rose gardens, and vistas. On the edges of the property, the surroundings were screened, creating an illusion of more space.

The Judges Wrote: “Absolutely lovely!” “I appreciate the vision here between the language of the garden and the house. Formally ordered.” “Classic plantings. Generous. Nice symmetrical plan consistent with the architec-ture. It will grow in beautifully.”    

Category 13 / Best Bath

Winner: Gunn & Smith,6244 Clayton Avenue, 314-644-3150, gunnandsmith.com with Jamieson Design Associates, 4100 Laclede, 314-371-1777

The Project: A master bathroom was an integral part of a much larger design idea—a new house—that was designed for a young family of five. The house design was influenced significantly by the client’s love of Mediterran-ean Modernism. No superfluous architectural ornament was added to the interior or exterior. The stucco house with meandering clay-tile roof rests on a simple, open lawn with tall evergreen hedges, setting the stage for a clean, spare interior. The effect is of an 18th-century Tuscan villa updated for a contemporary family.

Although the house is large, it is thin and articulated in a way that maximizes natural light, with an open floor plan that incorporates enfilades. The bathroom was designed to meet the client’s aesthetic requirements. In collaboration with designer Jimmy Jamieson, a clean, open, symmetrical space was developed. This space was immediately disciplined by a set of three evenly spaced casement windows on the north facade of the house. A hallway linking the master-bedroom suite to the ground-floor formal spaces of the home runs the length of the other side of the vanity wall.

The bathroom was meticulously detailed, incorporating white Calacatta oro marble floors, walls, and countertops, and recessed lighting on the mirrored walls above the under-lighted floating vanity. The bathroom is absolutely symmetrical, with two floor-to-ceiling glass enclosures on either side of the tub, one a shower and the other a toilet compartment. The tub is articulated to sit nicely in the bathroom without overwhelming the space. The trough ceiling, with up-lighting and glass transoms, was intended to allow the ceiling to flow through from space to space, while physically buffering the more climate-controlled dressing-room and master-bedroom spaces.

The Judges Wrote: “This room feels so peaceful and relaxing. Beautifully planned space!” “Well done. Love the marble tile.” “Sleek. Edited. The materials are well designed and laid out.” “Spa chic! The bathroom is well-appointed, with clean lines. An impressive space.”    

Category 14 / Best Kitchen (Less Than 300 Square Feet)

Winner: Julie Abner Interiors,5239 Oleatha, 314-606-8698, julieabnerinteriors.com

The Project: The home has an open floor plan where the kitchen takes center stage. The wall opposite has floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing the use of a deep and intense color palette. The cherry wood cabinets are stained in a teaberry stain. Storage is maximized by extending the top cabinets to the ceiling; the cabinets are kept light with glass doors on the perimeter and over the sink. Du Verre cabinet hardware creates texture.

The 5-inch walnut plank-wood floors provide a dramatic foundation, while honed Delicatus granite countertops bring contrast to the dark cabinetry. The Daltile metal backsplash in a brick pattern offers glittering detail. Dacor and KitchenAid stainless-steel appliances outfit the kitchen. This space functions perfectly for everyday cooking for this busy family with young children. The family especially likes the long island, which offers plenty of seating for casual dining.

The Judges Wrote: “Here’s to keeping it simple and elegant. One photo says it all!” “Not my taste, but I appreciate the point of view.” “Cool lines; consistent narrative. Takes risk with rich tile contrast to cabinetry.”    

Category 15 / Best Kitchen (Greater Than 300 Square Feet)

Winner: Tao + Lee Associates,308 N. 21st, 314-446-0885, taolee.com with Penturf Interiors, 4626 Maryland, 314-361-2211

The Project: The kitchen project entailed combining a living area with an existing small kitchen and breakfast area, eliminating a separating wall. Positioned at the corner, the concept was for the kitchen to feel like part of the overall plan and bring in the outdoors. The design allowed excellent views of the exterior and park by letting two faces of the all-glass building facade wrap around the room.

A simple change in ceiling plane defined the kitchen zone. The decision to use white cabinets not only brightened the space, but also made it feel like a part of the exterior. A stainless-steel backsplash created a separation between the upper and lower cabinets, while integrating with the stainless-steel appliances and exhaust hood. The zebrawood island, with a strong, patterned stone countertop, added focus, warmth, and contrast to this kitchen setting.

The Judges Wrote: “Finally a retro modern look with added extras (see island and ceilings). Somebody was inspired in doing this design.” “True to the minimalist spirit.”    

Category 16 / Best Master Suite

Winners: CLB Interiors, 1866 Craigshire, 314-721-3232, clbinteriors.com; Jamieson Design Associates, 4100 Laclede, 314-371-1777

The CLB Project: This master bedroom was in need of an update. The homeowners were new empty nesters looking to switch their home’s style from traditional to warm contemporary while working with the con-straints of the existing architecture. The designer focused on simplifying the space and making it more functional for the way the couple lived. She removed the turned railing that divided the sitting area from the bed, updated the armoire with contemporary decorative hardware, and gave warmth to the space by installing sheer window panels to the bay windows.

Without changing the fireplace hearth, she updated the sitting room with a contemporary chair, table, and ottoman and a piece of art over the mantel. By adding new bedding and removing the cold look of the mirror tiles beside the bed, the designer was able to create a warm contemporary master suite for this couple.

The Judges Wrote: “Effort to coordinate here. The finishes add a light touch.”    

The Jamieson Project: The master bedroom of this midcentury home in the Cen-tral West End was designed for a bachelor who collects contemporary American art, traditional African masks and sculpture, and Asian art. Because of the strength of the pieces themselves, the overall design had to be warm and welcom-ing yet subtle enough to complement the art.

Contemporary furniture by French interior designer Christian Liaigre complements the Asian antiques and antiquities, employing the same restraint traditionally used in the design of Ming Dynasty furniture. The result is a calm, peaceful oasis, which acts as a backdrop for a lifelong collection of art, friends, and memories.

The contemporary art collection is a mix of American neo-Geometric and neo-Expressionist works. The Asian furniture collection is from the Ming Dynasty.

The Judges Wrote: “Nicely appointed art and bed work well.” “Stands out for its specific style with the presence of the art.”    

Category 17 / Best Dining Room

Winner: Jamieson Design Associates, 4100 Laclede, 314-371-1777

The Project: See Category 16. Same description applies to both the dining room and the bedroom.

The Judges Wrote: “Interesting use of space.”    

Category 18 / Best Powder Room

Winner: Julie Abner Interiors, 5239 Oleatha, 314-606-8698, julieabnerinteriors.com

The Project: The design challenge: Make a small room have a big impact. The Interlam HDF accent wall painted in a rich, dark chocolate adds a striking backdrop for the Duravit floating vanity cabinet. The Kohler Saile toilet is sleek, while the Foscarini Caboche Piccola light fixture adds glamor. The mirror offers a soft contrast to the dimensional accent wall. The painting, by a local artist, is the finishing touch.

The Judges Wrote: “Simple. Elegant…except for the toilet paper dispenser.” “Interesting use of materials. Very unique.”    

Category 19 / Best Living Room

Winner: Bond Wolfe Architects, 1200 S. Bemiston, 314-863-4994, bondwolfe.com

The Project: This living room was designed to balance the feel of the home’s traditional architecture and Craftsman moldings with comfortable, contemporary furnishings. The art collections are displayed side by side in the living room and the adjoining gallery. Full of natural light, the room opens to a bluestone patio.

The Judges Wrote: “Restrained. Nice palette of colors and textures.” “Clean lines. Neutral color palette.”    

Category 20 / Best Wine Cellar

Winners: Laura Neri Baebler Architects & Associates, 338 S. Kirkwood, 314-909-4979, lnbarchitects.com; Beck/Allen Cabinetry for two projects, 633 Spirit ofSt. Louis Boulevard, 636-519-1611, beckallencabinetry.com

The Baebler Project: The goal: Create a showcase for a 1,000-bottle wine collection with a tasting area. Challenges included a stairway that ended too abruptly, was too close to the foundation wall, and blocked the cellar entrance.

The architects opened the stairway with an entry arch leading into the tasting room. Design features include archways and barrel-vaulted ceilings, a brick wall, crafted cabinetry, and a vaulted passageway. Curving brackets and arched seeded glass echo the vaulting. For visual warmth, the architects used hand-hewn wood flooring, running the short dimension to add the perception of width, to tie the wine storage and tasting areas together. An antique wall fountain became the inspiration for an elegant place to rinse wine glasses.

Beck/Allen Project 1: The lower-level bar: The goal was to provide ample seating for entertaining large groups. Panels and molding were installed in order to conceal structural columns, which were balanced by false columns. Oversized corbels were placed at the bar sink, and the finish selected coordinated with the owner’s antique pieces. The appliances were hidden, and the television was mounted behind a mirrored backsplash.

Beck/Allen Project 2: The main-floor bar: Here the builder added inlays; beaded molding; mirrored, textured glass in the cabinetry and a rubbed, distressed finish. With extra depth in the counter and wall cabinetry, there was room to accommodate audiovisual equipment.    

Category 21 / Best Children’s Room

Winner: Interiors by Decorating Den, 15630 Sugarridge, 636-519-4090, decoratingden.com

The Project: The 8-year-old daughter wanted an elaborately draped bed. Her father wanted to use the existing white furniture but add built-ins, including a window seat, storage space, and a desk area.The color was dictated by her favorite Pottery Barn Teen bedding.

After discussing various options and budget, the built-ins were a go, but it was necessary to get creative on the draped bed. A design with ceiling tracks, installed on either side of the bed, limited the amount of fabric and therefore the expense. By letting the tiebacks down, the sparkly sheers could be drawn for the desired privacy and princesslike feeling.

An awning-style valance fit the window-seat area and was installed with a removable bottom rod so the shutters could be opened. Fabrics were chosen to coordinate with the selected bedding. The new window seat was designed with a lift-top for additional storage, and a cushion was ordered to make the bench a comfy spot to read and relax. In addition to the requested green wall, the backs of the new bookcases were painted blue to add interest.  

The Judges Wrote: “Love the color scheme. Consistent throughout room. Well-balanced.” “Nicely done.”    

Category 22 / Best Traditional Interior Design

Winner: Jamieson Design Associates,4100 Laclede, 314-371-1777

The Project: The client, a bachelor, wanted dramatic, comfortable spaces for his new neo-Georgian home and to build a collection of fine and decorative arts. The designer, chose the early 19th-century neoclassical decorative style for its clean lines, coupled with its strong sense of architectural form. Contemporary art balances the formality of the style and downplays the importance of the furniture and antiquities.

Mr. Jamieson chose to create a somewhat monochromatic backdrop by keeping color contrast to a minimum and in order to further downplay the formality of the furniture and art. The collection contains fine examples of French Empire, Biedermeier, Italian Empire, and American Classical furniture.

The Judges Wrote: “A strong overall vision!” “Elegant. Clean. Scale right and cohesive. Palette soothing.” “Well-balanced, clean lines, monochrome but with purpose.”    

Category 23 / Best Contemporary Design

Winner: Studio|Durham,1856 Menard, 314-664-4575, studiodurham.com

The Project: See Category 3.

The Judges Wrote: “Good clean stuff. The atrium works. Good spatial relation-ships.” “Sleek. Well edited.” “Modernist with consistent narrative throughout.”