Called the ‘Grand Elegance’ project, the winning work was completed at an historic 1920s residence in Chicago’s North Shore suburb.Photo: Mariani Landscape
For the second year in a row, Mariani Landscape, the largest privately owned residential landscape company in the United States, has been recognized by the Chicago-Midwest Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art as its Acanthus Award winner for Landscape Design.
The Acanthus Awards acknowledge and promote excellence in classical and vernacular design.
The honor highlights Mariani Landscape’s “Grand Elegance” project in the North Shore area of Chicago’s suburbs. This historic 1920s residence is rich in detail, with beautiful stone, brickwork and sculptures showcased throughout the property. Mariani Landscape took into account these existing structural features as well as the elegant era in which the home was built while creating a cohesive design scheme that extends throughout the sprawling surroundings.
Beyond the lawn are the garden spaces, which feature pathways that guide visitors through their journey.Photo: Mariani Landscape
“Our design objective was to complement the distinct style of the home with high-quality plant materials true to the time period while strategically integrating modern elements carried throughout the project, such as in the stunning pool area,” said Mariani’s landscape design director, Sara Furlan.
A dramatic entry drive lined with Baccata Jackii Crabapple trees surround a large stone structure that greets visitors as a portal through to the many distinctive historic components of the property. Around the main structure, the Mariani team designed hardscapes to join a raised terrace with a rectangular patio echoed by the adjacent lawn panel.
Beyond the lawn are the garden spaces, which are connected throughout the entire property by pathways that guide visitors through their journey. Trimmed boxwood hedges were utilized to create intimate spaces within the garden and to display existing statues.
The Chicago-Midwest Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art 2016 Acanthus Awards honor design professionals, students and artisans in the categories of Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Interior Design, Preservation & Restoration, Allied Arts & Craftsmanship, Unbuilt Work and Student Work. The awards ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at the historic Elks National Memorial in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.
Headquartered in Lake Bluff, Illinois, Mariani Landscape employs more than 400 people.
