The recipients of The American Institute of Architects' (AIA) 2008 Small Project Awards prove that innovative concepts and great design can work just as well in small projects as they do in larger ones. Established specifically to recognize practitioners of small-project design, the fourth annual Small Project Awards honor 15 architectural firms for the high quality and design excellence of their work.

The 2008 jury included Lisa Stacholy, AIA, NCARB, LKS Architects; Janice Olshesky, AIA, LEED AP, Olshesky Design Group; William Rakatansky, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, FreemanWhite; George M. Blackburn III, AIA, NCARB, Construction Consulting International; and Edward D. Gaskin, AIA, Trahan Architects.

Winners in the Small Project Objects category:

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Connector#x2014;Randy Brown Architects, Omaha, Neb.

Winners in the Small Project Objects category

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Winners in the Small Project Objects category

  • Connector#x2014;Randy Brown Architects, Omaha, Neb.

    Connector#x2014;Randy Brown Architects, Omaha, Neb.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/5b641a61-96f7-4664-9195-d8b3cccb3160_tcm48-430362.jpg

    Connector#x2014;Randy Brown Architects, Omaha, Neb.

    480

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    Brown designed and built Connector—a bridge and interior stairwell—to join two existing buildings of differing floor heights (his 2006 Laboratory project). Both are crafted of polycarbonate, rusted metal, wood, and glass.

  • Connector#x2014;Randy Brown Architects, Omaha, Neb.

    Connector#x2014;Randy Brown Architects, Omaha, Neb.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/6f15c5f6-7674-4779-93bd-0d7c8312fc86_tcm48-430367.jpg

    Connector#x2014;Randy Brown Architects, Omaha, Neb.

    480

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

  • Hidden Cove#x2014;Alterstudio Architects, Austin, Texas

    Hidden Cove#x2014;Alterstudio Architects, Austin, Texas

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/53f8d957-2198-41c2-8a18-b3c1b2c47408_tcm48-430370.jpg

    Hidden Cove#x2014;Alterstudio Architects, Austin, Texas

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    A whole-house renovation project that began in the master bathroom, Hidden Cove opens the building's interiors to its surrounding views. The bathroom's original wall was replaced with a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass wall.

  • Hidden Cove#x2014;Alterstudio Architects, Austin, Texas

    Hidden Cove#x2014;Alterstudio Architects, Austin, Texas

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/99fda380-bfbf-4044-ade4-66193a758bb3_tcm48-430374.jpg

    Hidden Cove#x2014;Alterstudio Architects, Austin, Texas

    464

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

  • Spa in a Box#x2014;Gardner Mohr Architects, Chevy Chase, Md.

    Spa in a Box#x2014;Gardner Mohr Architects, Chevy Chase, Md.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/614f40e6-354b-4f86-b66b-81a60531e081_tcm48-430377.jpg

    Spa in a Box#x2014;Gardner Mohr Architects, Chevy Chase, Md.

    435

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    Without moving any walls, the architects altered the size and proportion of the bathroom by attaching off-the-rack shelves to its ceiling, installing a mirror on one end wall, and using continuous wall and floor tiles.

  • Spa in a Box#x2014;Gardner Mohr Architects, Chevy Chase, Md.

    Spa in a Box#x2014;Gardner Mohr Architects, Chevy Chase, Md.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/3e5ebb6b-c180-49b4-a69b-86148336a94b_tcm48-430382.jpg

    Spa in a Box#x2014;Gardner Mohr Architects, Chevy Chase, Md.

    462

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

  • PINE/Cone#x2014;SALA Architects, Minneapolis

    PINE/Cone#x2014;SALA Architects, Minneapolis

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/55f5f920-1cbd-4ab2-afa2-9baf7687b9c0_tcm48-430385.jpg

    PINE/Cone#x2014;SALA Architects, Minneapolis

    475

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    The structure's corners are carried by cantilevered beams over the forest floor and touch only at portals and seats to minimize disturbance to tree roots. A stone basin centered within PINE/Cone's walls reflects human and natural elements simultaneously.

  • PINE/Cone#x2014;SALA Architects, Minneapolis

    PINE/Cone#x2014;SALA Architects, Minneapolis

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/d0697723-0cd1-489b-ba4c-669bdd6221a2_tcm48-430389.jpg

    PINE/Cone#x2014;SALA Architects, Minneapolis

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

  • Chandelier for the Hamilton Association#x2014;Patrick J. Carney, AIA, San Francisco

    Chandelier for the Hamilton Association#x2014;Patrick J. Carney, AIA, San Francisco

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/d842efba-8eb5-4ac7-9ab7-8cbaa9b756a8_tcm48-430393.jpg

    Chandelier for the Hamilton Association#x2014;Patrick J. Carney, AIA, San Francisco

    433

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    Restoring the Hamilton Hotel to its former Art Deco-era glory required creating several lighting fixtures in period-correct fashion. Carney added 10 interior chandeliers, one exterior chandelier, and a wall sconce.

  • Chandelier for the Hamilton Association#x2014;Patrick J. Carney, AIA, San Francisco

    Chandelier for the Hamilton Association#x2014;Patrick J. Carney, AIA, San Francisco

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/6f1059ba-1818-48ad-b798-5a31203bbfb8_tcm48-430396.jpg

    Chandelier for the Hamilton Association#x2014;Patrick J. Carney, AIA, San Francisco

    400

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

  • Butterfly Window#x2014;Archer amp; Buchanan Architecture, West Chester, Penn.

    Butterfly Window#x2014;Archer amp; Buchanan Architecture, West Chester, Penn.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/d2338aee-ec45-435a-9753-9efa8eca12e9_tcm48-430400.jpg

    Butterfly Window#x2014;Archer amp; Buchanan Architecture, West Chester, Penn.

    561

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    Crafted from solid mahogany with delicate forged iron accents, the window features semicircular operable sashes hinged in the middle, giving it the effect of a butterfly's wings.

  • Honorable Mention: Marfa 10 x 10 Lightbox#x2014;candid rogers architect, San Antonio

    Honorable Mention: Marfa 10 x 10 Lightbox#x2014;candid rogers architect, San Antonio

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/4e6b81aa-af07-45e4-b881-baf2b9cf8762_tcm48-430404.jpg

    Honorable Mention: Marfa 10 x 10 Lightbox#x2014;candid rogers architect, San Antonio

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    A miniature dwelling measuring only 320 square feet, the Lightbox is designed as a retreat embracing the surrounding landscape. Interiors join with an exterior court to extend living space.

  • Honorable Mention: Marfa 10 x 10 Lightbox#x2014;candid rogers architect, San Antonio

    Honorable Mention: Marfa 10 x 10 Lightbox#x2014;candid rogers architect, San Antonio

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/448f4409-cea4-474c-9531-b8e64cf164a7_tcm48-430408.jpg

    Honorable Mention: Marfa 10 x 10 Lightbox#x2014;candid rogers architect, San Antonio

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

Winners in the Small Project Structures category:

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Wedge House#x2014;Donald Lococo Architects, Washington, D.C.

Winners in the Small Project Structures category

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Winners in the Small Project Structures category

  • Wedge House#x2014;Donald Lococo Architects, Washington, D.C.

    Wedge House#x2014;Donald Lococo Architects, Washington, D.C.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/268dcba5-b30d-47e9-aa38-0eb4218931ac_tcm48-448092.jpg

    Wedge House#x2014;Donald Lococo Architects, Washington, D.C.

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    The renovated Wedge House builds on the pre-existing 1970s colors and material palette, overlaying existing elements with new and expanding living space.

  • Wedge House#x2014;Donald Lococo Architects, Washington, D.C.

    Wedge House#x2014;Donald Lococo Architects, Washington, D.C.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/b66dcc75-9640-4b8d-901a-baca1817ff9d_tcm48-430432.jpg

    Wedge House#x2014;Donald Lococo Architects, Washington, D.C.

    448

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

  • Casa 218#x2014;candid rogers architect, San Antonio

    Casa 218#x2014;candid rogers architect, San Antonio

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/5ac02daa-6bfd-4d50-8495-1734d5983525_tcm48-430437.jpg

    Casa 218#x2014;candid rogers architect, San Antonio

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    Expanding on the original 1873 residence, the architects added 960 square feet of living space to the building's rear. The project preserves the original house, while the addition provides contrast with galvanized metal cladding.

  • Casa 218#x2014;candid rogers architect, San Antonio

    Casa 218#x2014;candid rogers architect, San Antonio

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/aa03ce2b-8b92-4b16-a998-64095303724e_tcm48-430439.jpg

    Casa 218#x2014;candid rogers architect, San Antonio

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

  • TEMPO#x2014;Laboratory for Environments, Architecture amp; Design, Husnes, Norway

    TEMPO#x2014;Laboratory for Environments, Architecture amp; Design, Husnes, Norway

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/49304737-a1ab-467e-b785-3aa25a55e7cf_tcm48-430444.jpg

    TEMPO#x2014;Laboratory for Environments, Architecture amp; Design, Husnes, Norway

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    Constructed of aluminum pipe with a structural fabric funnel, the laboratory stands nearly 33 feet tall. Its appearance changes dramatically as light conditions change throughout the year.

  • TEMPO#x2014;Laboratory for Environments, Architecture amp; Design, Husnes, Norway

    TEMPO#x2014;Laboratory for Environments, Architecture amp; Design, Husnes, Norway

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/96bb3f7d-ff81-4231-b4ce-e7acc5f92efd_tcm48-430448.jpg

    TEMPO#x2014;Laboratory for Environments, Architecture amp; Design, Husnes, Norway

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

  • Abod#x2014;BSB Design, West Des Moines, Iowa

    Abod#x2014;BSB Design, West Des Moines, Iowa

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/7961befe-4ad6-49cd-b9c9-88469f98c8f9_tcm48-430451.jpg

    Abod#x2014;BSB Design, West Des Moines, Iowa

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    Built in an Innovative Housing Hub outside Shoshanguve, South Africa, Abod is the product of an initiative to develop an innovative, low-cost solution to homelessness that also allows a variety of add-on options for customization.

  • Abod#x2014;BSB Design, West Des Moines, Iowa

    Abod#x2014;BSB Design, West Des Moines, Iowa

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/e3c66003-821d-462f-84ec-a10f1cce7c70_tcm48-430456.jpg

    Abod#x2014;BSB Design, West Des Moines, Iowa

    400

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

  • PJ's Coffee Shop#x2014;Wayne Troyer Architects, New Orleans

    PJ's Coffee Shop#x2014;Wayne Troyer Architects, New Orleans

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/48f74f4c-1c9a-4c8a-84e6-f5c16e619e3e_tcm48-430459.jpg

    PJ's Coffee Shop#x2014;Wayne Troyer Architects, New Orleans

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    The coffee shop's southern fa??ade is a full-height glass storefront that curves between and past exterior columns. Interiors and exteriors connect visually, while the shop's linear staging allows for movement within that emulates movement without.

  • PJ's Coffee Shop#x2014;Wayne Troyer Architects, New Orleans

    PJ's Coffee Shop#x2014;Wayne Troyer Architects, New Orleans

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/211ef868-5f5c-4fce-a49a-eda52c6ae00c_tcm48-430464.jpg

    PJ's Coffee Shop#x2014;Wayne Troyer Architects, New Orleans

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

  • Penmar Studio-Residence#x2014;Dean Nota Architect, Hermosa Beach, Calif.

    Penmar Studio-Residence#x2014;Dean Nota Architect, Hermosa Beach, Calif.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/5e59ca2e-61ba-44ac-8bac-3d23b8f32569_tcm48-430467.jpg

    Penmar Studio-Residence#x2014;Dean Nota Architect, Hermosa Beach, Calif.

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    Expanding on an old garage, the architects added a new dwelling unit above that's oriented to the geometry of the adjacent street grid, rather than that of neighboring structures.

  • Penmar Studio-Residence#x2014;Dean Nota Architect, Hermosa Beach, Calif.

    Penmar Studio-Residence#x2014;Dean Nota Architect, Hermosa Beach, Calif.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/5900881d-db8d-4e62-b480-e91d6030dd48_tcm48-430471.jpg

    Penmar Studio-Residence#x2014;Dean Nota Architect, Hermosa Beach, Calif.

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

  • Hobbit House#x2014;Archer amp; Buchanan Architecture, West Chester, Penn.

    Hobbit House#x2014;Archer amp; Buchanan Architecture, West Chester, Penn.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/68b3ddf7-585e-43cd-9283-a7db87d69eaa_tcm48-430476.jpg

    Hobbit House#x2014;Archer amp; Buchanan Architecture, West Chester, Penn.

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    Details such as a 54-inch-diameter Spanish cedar door with a hand-forged single-pivot hinge, custom butterfly window, and timber framing lend a fanciful quality to this 600-square-foot country cottage.

  • Hobbit House#x2014;Archer amp; Buchanan Architecture, West Chester, Penn.

    Hobbit House#x2014;Archer amp; Buchanan Architecture, West Chester, Penn.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/533bdb62-0ef8-43b8-a7c2-fe8209f6009d_tcm48-430479.jpg

    Hobbit House#x2014;Archer amp; Buchanan Architecture, West Chester, Penn.

    429

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

  • Peninsula Temple Shalom Entry Canopy#x2014;Herman amp; Coliver Architecture, San Francisco

    Peninsula Temple Shalom Entry Canopy#x2014;Herman amp; Coliver Architecture, San Francisco

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/3767ee52-8e87-463d-a013-60b4669e3360_tcm48-430483.jpg

    Peninsula Temple Shalom Entry Canopy#x2014;Herman amp; Coliver Architecture, San Francisco

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    The canopy of this synagogue is made of laser-cut aluminum panels supported by slender birchlike trunks. The design casts dappled light onto the ground and surrounding walls, changing with the seasons.

  • Peninsula Temple Shalom Entry Canopy#x2014;Herman amp; Coliver Architecture, San Francisco

    Peninsula Temple Shalom Entry Canopy#x2014;Herman amp; Coliver Architecture, San Francisco

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/50b8445b-b7ca-4e67-abbb-9d9a5e7618ae_tcm48-430487.jpg

    Peninsula Temple Shalom Entry Canopy#x2014;Herman amp; Coliver Architecture, San Francisco

    480

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

  • Honorable Mention: Modular-Elm#x2014;Randy Brown Architects, Omaha, Neb.

    Honorable Mention: Modular-Elm#x2014;Randy Brown Architects, Omaha, Neb.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/ca47b1a4-5ead-4eed-b7da-86798ac2cc49_tcm48-448213.jpg

    Honorable Mention: Modular-Elm#x2014;Randy Brown Architects, Omaha, Neb.

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    Part of Hidden Creek, a high-density community of 12 modern, eco-friendly homes, Elm is an affordable and modern residence that includes carpet, large windows, front porches, fiber-cement siding, and a green roof.

  • Honorable Mention: Modular-Elm#x2014;Randy Brown Architects, Omaha, Neb.

    Honorable Mention: Modular-Elm#x2014;Randy Brown Architects, Omaha, Neb.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/25f1d041-8e89-4c29-9c32-3fa7e4dd522e_tcm48-448221.jpg

    Honorable Mention: Modular-Elm#x2014;Randy Brown Architects, Omaha, Neb.

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

  • Honorable Mention: Bus Shelter#x2014;PBC Architecture, Raleigh, N.C.

    Honorable Mention: Bus Shelter#x2014;PBC Architecture, Raleigh, N.C.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/0555db26-46c5-4456-b0e3-b310f0e17707_tcm48-430500.jpg

    Honorable Mention: Bus Shelter#x2014;PBC Architecture, Raleigh, N.C.

    600

    Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects

    The bus shelter combines a structural wall that serves as a bench and an aluminum canopy frame, interlocking to form a double "L" composition.

Winner in the Flood-Resistant Housing category:

Nautilus House—Gordon A. Nicholson, Architect, Charleston, S.C.

Nicholson and South Carolina builder Ilderton Contractors collaborated to create this sustainably designed house, incorporating building orientation and context, natural light and ventilation, and eco-friendly materials. The house catches southeasterly breezes through its casement and awning windows, porch, and deck.