EVD Hight Lights (2)

During the summer, EcoVidalDesign redesigned and enhanced the rain garden originally installed in 2008 with the support of the Chicago Center for Green Technology. The redesign included new “urbanite” concrete paths with an organic naturalized shape creating “rooms” in the garden and a meandering 100% permeable walkway. Contractor Andy’s Patios built the paths in two weeks reusing 100% of the existing concrete walks. Landscape designer Kim Kaulas provided advice to make the final layout. The garden now has the front entry room, the “rain garden”, the living room and outdoor eating area, the vegetable raised bed areas, the pond/hammock room and the back entry area with a composting bin. This garden has been featured in the Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project www.edgewater2020.org and received the 2011 Mayor’s Landscape Award 2rd place for specialized gardens. Other award winners in this category include Helen Cameron with the first certified organic restaurant in the country, http://www.uncommonground.com/pages/organic_roof_top_farm_home/200">Uncommon Ground, and the Tiger & Michelle Alia Whispers Coffee & Tea. Click here to see list of winners.

EVD 2011 High Lights (1)

During the first quarter of 2011 EVD dedicated its time to redesign a Hood Canal cottage that was completely destroyed by water damage during the 2010/2011 winter. The plans included an interior and exterior gut rehab with 100% environmental design for this 1,000 square foot cottage in Seattle, WA. EVD worked with the owner, contractor and civil engineer as well as the Hood Canal municipality to coordinate and include everyone's demands and requests. Highlight design features include: an interior open layout with alternating steps to the attic to gain space, on-demand hot water heater and the salvaging and recycling of 50% of the existing wood. The home design and construction received a 2011 Built Green Designation by the Home Builders Association of Kitsap County!

2011 Chicago Mayor's Landscaping Award

On December 3, 2011, Carmen Vidal Hallett received the 3rd place 2011 Chicago Mayor's Landscaping Award for Specialized Gardens. EcoVidalDesign rain garden was originally constructed in 2007 with the support of the Chicago Center for Green Technology (CCGT). The planting materials (10 species and100 perennial plants) costed only $1 each with the support of CCGT and have multiplied over the last 3 years allowing for the sharing of plants with neighboring gardens. The rain garden collects 90% of the roof rain water.


In 2011, with an already mature fully grown garden, Carmen Vidal-Hallett, EcoVidalDesign President decided to go one step ahead and create an 100% permeable path recycling the existing concrete floor and installing it again in an organic wavy pattern. Andy's Patio contractor carefully broke the existing concrete sidewalk and reused 100% of it avoiding any possible landfill debris. The result was beautiful and very successful. The garden became an example for the Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project and absorbs 90% of the roof rain water and 100% the site stormwater. In addition the garden includes a vegetable raised bed, also created with recycled concrete, a composting station and a pond that attracts many birds, dragon flies and butter flies. The entire garden is a nature habitat heaven!

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Mayor Daley 2010 Green Works Award

Mayor Daley 2010 Green Works Award

The City of Chicago Department of Environment unveils the winners of the Mayor Daley Green Works Award. From left to right Summur Roberts from Loyola University, Carmen Vidal-Hallett EcoVidalDesign President and Edgewater Environmental Project member and Thom Murphy, Edgewater Environmental Project member, received the award on behalf of the Edgewater Community. The event took place on December 1st, 2010 at 6:00 pm at the Morningstar Auditorium in downtown Chicago. To see the plan details go to http://www.edgewater2020.org/images/4/4e/EESP_Report_March_2010.pdf

Real Cities: A Symposium on Brazilian Urbanism Day 3

On the third day, the Symposium took place at the South Side Community Arts Center on south Michigan Avenue, focusing on public housing in the U.S. and Brazil. The setting was closer to the reality of a U.S. low-income neighborhood and it gave a completely different perspective to our Brazilian guests. I must say the exhibit preparation of the third day was a total challenge for the entire team and the success of the day was mainly a result of the incredible volunteer effort of Marcelo and Marta Aflalo and Drea Howenstein of the School of the Art Institute.