LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/490318
62 Landscape Architect and Specifier News The Griffin Club is a luxury private recreation center located in the opulent desert community of Griffin Ranch in La Quinta, Calif. Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Santa Rosa Mountains, this 6.4-acre project includes a Spanish Colonial clubhouse building, series of outdoor terraces, intimate courtyards, short-course Olympic sized swimming pool, splash park, tennis stadium, four tennis courts, pickleball courts, off-leash dog run, putting green, recreational lawn areas, outdoor kitchen and dining areas, water features, outdoor sculpture, and walking paths that meander through the desert landscape. In-Site Landscape Architecture, Inc., designed the site to engage both passive and active uses by the community. The grounds incorporate a distinct use of materials and high-end fixtures that blend function with the aesthetics that would be found at a high-end luxury resort. A selective use of furnishings and finishes compliment the traditional architectural style and give the club a contemporary and elegant edginess. Sustainable lighting with elegance and functionality was the goal for the club's lighting design. All luminaires installed were LED fixtures. This results in lower annual maintenance costs, lower energy demand, and therefore lower annual energy costs. While the initial product cost was more than conventional technologies, the installed costs were nearly the same. Using LED luminaires with lower energy draws resulted in fewer electrical circuits. The fewer electrical circuits, along with smaller electrical wire sizes and conduit sizes translated into lower installation costs. Another cost saving benefit has to do with the light pole and concrete foundation sizes. Due to the lower EPA (effective projected area- wind load) of the parking lot, pedestrian and tennis Above The grand entry at the Griffin Club in La Quinta, Calif., greets guests with Bega LED bollards that are dimmed to 10 percent for maximum energy savings, while still providing adequate illumination at the drop- off zone. The Griffin Club, La Quinta, Calif. By Tim Jachlewski, RLA, President, In-Site Landscape Architecture, Inc., and Ken Perez Sr., President, Visual Concepts Lighting, Inc.