home about us what we do who we are client comments press community credentials portfolio overview traditional modern natural color & texture paths & steps contact us                     Click on the photo or link at left to view page                                         overview traditional modern natural color and texture paths and steps                               Modern Masterpiece, Restored An important and unique modern residence and landscape, designed by renowned architect Edward Larrabee Barnes in 1972, was in dire need of restoration after years of neglect. Working closely with the new owner, and using the original plan as a guideline, a new landscape plan was designed to restore and update the original landscape features at the same time the house was being restored. Careful editing and trimming of the surrounding woodland expanded the distant vistas and open meadows that originally inspired the architect to locate the house on this secluded mountaintop. The meadows were re-planted with native bluestem grass and dogwood trees, and original paving stones were recycled to create updated spaces for outdoor entertaining. A unique polished black granite 'reflecting pool' was designed as a low-maintenance and energy-efficient alternative to an actual water-filled pool requested by the client. Images of passing clouds and surrounding trees are reflected through the expansive glass walls into the living areas. The restrained planting plan of large geometric planes of evergreen periwinkle harmonizes with the minimal design of the house. Dappled silhouettes from the surrounding preserved trees create ever-changing compositions on the stark white walls.                                         Nature as Animated Canvas The geometric design of this landscape harnesses the drama of shadow and light, using the passing sun as the catalyst for ever-changing and animated compositions. The minimal design creates a Mondrian-inspired layout of interlocking planes, with flat white surfaces and contrasting deep green lawns that become a canvas for dancing shadows from surrounding tall trees. In a dialogue with the modern house, the sleek white pavilions are simply updated versions of gazebos, providing shaded entertaining under louvered roofs that add whimsical film noir striped shadows to the festivities. Simple stepping stone paths and stairways connect the unadorned landscape, organizing the property into functional outdoor rooms for active play or quiet repose.                                         Mid-Century Island Retreat This Martha's Vineyard mid-century Japanese-style home, designed by a colleague of l.M. Pei as a summer retreat on 22 wooded acres, was renovated as a guest house for a larger main home planned for the property. The landscape master plan included new drives, horse paddocks, pool, outbuildings, and gardens. The shape of the pool reflects the geometry of the house. A lushly planted 'dune' of drought-tolerant grasses and native perennials conceals the pool fence, and provides a sensual transition between house and pool. Recycled curbstones from Boston are used as steps, and planted with creeping thyme for fragrant and soft barefoot jaunts to the pool. A mature stand of Japanese Cedars was successfully transplanted to make way for renovations, and located to frame new views from the house.                                         Contemporary in the Woods The landscape master plan melded an angular contemporary seamlessly into its natural setting, using eco-friendly solutions such as pervious gravel paving to reduce stormwater runoff, a wildflower meadow to naturally conceal the required septic field, and cantilevered decks to carry entertainment spaces into the treetops without harming their roots. Fern-covered rock cliffs were simply edited of invasive species to reveal their natural beauty, and geometric beds of periwinkle and daffodils bring seasonal interest directly into a gravel entry court. Curves and angles happily co-exist in this stimulating natural environment.                                         Modern Deck Meets Retro Garden Easily blending the old with the new allows for a confident approach to solving several major challenges on this property. The charming restored Victorian had no usable outdoor living space on its steep hillside site, and no garage. By extending the modern sustainable-hardwood deck out over the flat roof of the new garage, and surrounding it with old-fashioned gardens, the challenges were solved through careful and restrained design solutions. The deck offers flexibility for dining, relaxing, and dipping in the spa with handy rinse-off at the outdoor shower. It is ringed by sleek black square planters filled with fourseason billowing ornamental grasses that evoke the nearby seacoast visible in the distance. A central grouping of potted drought-tolerant lavender provides a minimal touch of fragrance and color. As a surprising counterpoint to the spare deck are the lushly planted organic gardens below which are filled with shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. A new rustic stone fish pond sprouts lotus and waterlilies, and features the Victorian fountain that was found on the property and restored.