WEST RIDGE — Two recently renovated West Ridge homes were recognized for their architectural excellence by the Chicago Bungalow Association.
In the categories of Exterior Renovations and Sensible Additions, the two bungalows took the winning spots in the 12th Annual Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Bungalow Awards — which judges properties on "overall visual impression, the creative design solution, and how well the project maintains the integrity of the Historic Chicago Bungalow," according to the association.
Don and Veronica Bergh decided to add an entire top floor to their home, including two bedrooms, a full bathroom, play area and a screened-in back patio.
The addition is set back and subtle from the street, where the classic bungalow look remains.
In the back, however, bright and bold colors mix with different materials — like stone, wood and detailed siding — to completely transform the home.
While the backyard and new upstairs signal a dramatic change of the property, most of the home was updated but left unchanged.
Windows, floors and other amenities were restored to their former historic glory, blending old and new in a way that "expertly unified the unique modernist design" of the vintage home, the organization said.
For their efforts, the Bergh family snagged the winning title for the Sensible Addition award.
Don and Veronica Bergh's home before and after their renovation. [Chicago Bungalow Association]
Inside, much of the home was updated to its former classic-bungalow glory, but with a modern twist. [Chicago Bungalow Association]
Craig Brandt and Laurie Woolverton renovated their garage, which suffered from a crumbling foundation and rotting roof, into an award-winning exterior makeover that included reconstructing the garage's original look.
Brandt, an architect and builder, added a French door-style front design and covered a rain screen and wooden frame with a thin-brick veneer for the garage's outer walls.
Pale yellow and deep sea green tiles match the rest of the home and offer a slight contrast against the light-colored bricks that make up the garage's exterior.
Next, Brandt and Woolverton plan to renovate inside the garage.
This garage was restored to look like a brand new version of its former self, complete with French doors and a detailed brick veneer. [Chicago Bungalow Association]
Craig Brandt and Laurie Woolverton's award-winning garage restoration. [Chicago Bungalow Association]
