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/807417
74 Landscape Architect and Specifier News Traditional style homes continue to be commonplace in the neighborhood and this property significantly contributes to the established neighborhood character. Both the landscape and residence were outdated and not equipped for the needs of modern life. The existing home was segmented into small dark rooms with low ceilings and limited connections between the home's interior and the landscape. Substantial grade change at the rear yard resulted in the existing landscape being fragmented into two separated areas, an upper area along the back of the house, and a lower lawn and tennis court in disrepair. Having admired the property for years, the clients finally had the opportunity to purchase the 2.45-acre estate in 2013. The estate's new owners demonstrated an interest in preserving the rich historic character of the property, while developing an open family oriented home and landscape that would meet their needs. They were also interested in taking advantage of parts of the property that were currently under-utilized, strengthening the connections between the spaces to produce a landscape and home well-suited for large gatherings. In conceiving the transformation of the property, the clients expressed a desire to incorporate a pavilion with a fireplace and changing room, swimming pool, generous dining terrace, grill, event space, sports lawn, enhanced privacy plantings, and a renovated driveway and foundation planting. The design team worked closely to develop a concept of breaking down the walls, which divided the interior rooms of the house and pavilion from the landscape. It was a primary goal of the design team to embrace the landscape as an extension of the architectural space, thereby enhancing the spatial experience, unifying the property. Unification of the interior and exterior spaces was accomplished by introducing glass walls that extend the interior rooms toward a series of cascading outdoor rooms that gently descend the site. The glass walls along the length of the house and the open pavilion create a strong connection between the interior and exterior spaces. Majestic oak trees create a ceiling over the dinning terrace and event space, facilitating the creation of a variety of spatial experiences. Each level of the cascading landscape becomes "Linear hardscape and cascading outdoor rooms draw the user through the garden…"