1945 House & Garden Architectural Awards, first prize, class II - Ralph Rapson

Mr. Rapson designed this house for Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Lopez, to be built on a wooded hilltop in the environs of Chicago. Winner of First Prize in the division for smaller houses (6 rooms or less) the structure covers a considerable area, giving the im- pression of being much larger than it is.

Referring to the first floor layout, the plan works as follows: From carport, which is simply an open shed, a covered passage leads along one side of the court to the entrance. Entrance hall, on the same level as the dining room, kitchen, etc., looks down into the high-ceilinged living room which is several steps below it. Stairs lead up from the entrance hall to the two bedrooms on the second floor. This unit is set at right angles to the lower floor and projects southward to cover a section of the terrace.

The property is richly wooded-more so than we could show without obscuring the house. As there was no glare problem, every effort was made to emphasize lightness and openness in the design, to take advantage of the view outside and to promote a feeling of simplicity and unity within the house.

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source: House and Garden Magazine | August 1945