Each residential master plan provides an overall design that serves to organize the property with elements of the clients wish list. This approach allows the client and the designer to flesh out exactly what elements they are looking for and what style they like. This approach also begins to delineate prioritization of elements and construction phasing.
Initial concepts are generated, and during the first design meeting, these concepts are reviewed, discussed, and a clearer picture begins to form about the wants, needs and priorities of the client. Inspirational images are used to generate ideas and express general desires both aesthetic and functional.
We then distill the likes and dislikes into a single concept and begin to refine the drawing into a master plan that reflects what the dream home would look like. This plan is rendered, and during the final meeting the client has one more chance to make any tweeks to the design. From there, the client can choose to move forward with construction documents, or provide the plan to a landscape contractor for installation. Construction drawings provide the tightest control over what exactly is built, what finishes are used, and what plant material is selected.
This is a good example of long term planning and phasing implementation…
The owners wanted a logical progression of phasing that would allow them to contract the work over time, as well as complete as much of the work themselves as they could. The wish list included improved curb appeal, redesigned front entrance with retaining wall, four car garage, screened in patio, koi pond, waterfall, fire pits, and completely new landscaping.
Before…
This house had been on the Sheriff’s auction twice in the last 5 years before it was purchased in 2011, there was evidence of the previous owners removing landscape before they left. Needless to say, for the exception of the trees, it was a clean slate…
Recent…
This project has always been difficult to photograph simply because since 2011 there has been a major phase of construction in progress…
PHASE 1
Phase 1 started with addressing drainage issues in the back of the house and a general clean up of the newly acquired residence. New gutters, downspouts, and drainage pipes were installed to re-direct water away from the foundations. Demolition of several patio retaining walls in the back of the house allowed the complete re-grading of the area, allowing the rainwater from the gutters to outlet at a new passive water fall, and opening the patio up to the nearby forest. A fire pit and outbuilding were added in the woods on the south side. The frontage along the road also received a massive update, treatment of the existing swale with rocks and boulders transformed a muddy ditch into a beautiful rain garden amenity. Evergreens, ornamentals, and stone columns punctuated the entrance drive.
Phase 2
Phase 2 continues the new frontage facelift with extending the rain garden, and re-directing standing water in the front yard to the stream. Multiple varieties of bamboo groves provide finely textured screening to strategically focus views in the front. Black granite pebbles are used around the home in-lieu of mulch, creating a low maintenance, simplified, austere zen like feel to the home. The addition of a gravel zen raking area provides a viewing garden from the south end of the home. Phase 2 concludes with more bamboo screening in the back of the property line, as well as a gravel path and other landscaping for screening.
PHASE 3
Phase 3 continues the landscaping in along the driveway and full formation of the new lawn. Old curvy retaining walls are removed and replaced with two 4’ rectilinear walls and stairs. The walls serve to draw the home out into the landscape and help with the transition organic and inorganic. The walls also serve to prepare the space for the future garage addition. The single front door is replaced with a double wood door, and trellis, new patio, and seating reinforces the entry. An additional entrance is added to the south portion of the home for a home business.
Phase 4
Phase 4 punctuates the front of the house with a four car garage addition with living space above, and concrete driveway. The courtyard between the house and garage is developed with 2×2 pavers, a Japanese gate and black granite pebbles. The existing garage located under the house is converted into living space with the replacement of the existing garage door with a sliding door and windows.
PHASE 5
Phase 5 culminates the backyard with the retaining wall, koi pond and waterfall, fire pit, screened area, outdoor shower, and wood deck projected over the water. A 3’ waterfall empties into the koi pond, which also absorbs all rainwater from the house, and overflows into the ravine and creek on the north side of the home. The covered wood deck provides space for meditation and koi observation, while the screened area offers refuge from the insects. A stone path leading to the forest beyond passes through a Japanese gate that lends a hint of mystery to the paths destination. A corner deck off of the dining room allows views into the surrounding woods, and nearby ravine, and accesses the back garden via a spiral staircase.
The Treehouse…
Immense fun was had designing the tree house…
Patio progress shot…
Japanese lantern, stone path, bamboo, jute rope guide, and decorative stone…
