Dramatic linear rock outcroppings at this coastal Maine property inspired a site design which organizes the house and major landscape elements along a series of parallels extending from the rocks themselves. Approaching the house, a narrow drive winds through a small wooded area to a parking court where parallel bands of stone allude to the unique shoreline. On the ocean side of the house, these parallels create and define a series of terraces and retaining walls which capitalize on the expansive water views. Breaking the pattern, a weir-edge pool projects over the edge of the rocks creating a dynamic counterpoint to the linear bands and extending the view to the horizon.

The site design for this Rhode Island property integrates both an expanded program and existing three-story home into a dense, seaside neighborhood while maintaining views to the ocean beyond. At the front yard this balance is achieved through the insertion of bold, linear forms that define the parking area, entry sequence, and front lawn; and through the addition of a crisp privet hedge to screen the adjacent street without disrupting the dramatic views from the elevated front porch. The landscape sequence extends down the hill to a lower yard at the rear of the house. Within this space the formal language of the architecture is used as a logic to incorporate a bocce court, vegetable garden and secondary parking court; allowing the owners to take full advantage of a larger landscape defined by wetlands setback regulations.

Both the overall landscape plan and the detailed design for a new swimming pool were kept simple to feature views to conservation land and a tidal marsh. Gardens incorporating native shrubs along with ornamental grasses and perennials were developed near the main house and guest house. Elsewhere, planting was limited to mown lawn and meadow grasses in order to defer to the spectacular views.

A highly exposed section of rocky New England coastline provided both challenges and opportunities for this new site plan for a historic house. The project site is subjected to storm surges and the house sits entirely within the buffer zone of the coastal bank; less than 12’ above mean sea level. Because of these conditions, the project required rigorous review of engineering and Conservation Commission review. The iconic 1938 home by Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer had numerous alterations over the years. One alteration included the addition of a sprawling concrete terrace that blanketed the entire seaward side of the house and extended beneath the span of the building’s second floor. A simple and clear landscape plan, in deference to the structure’s pure geometric volumes, was designed with a goal to break the ground plane expanse with a variety of textures, including wood decking, stone terracing, native coastal plantings and lawn. A subtle patterning in the stone terrace helps define a pathway out to the seawall and new stairs that provide access to the beach.

Located on Block Island Sound, the Master Plan for this renovated stone house focused on integrating new design program elements, the scale of the architecture, and the rugged, coastal setting. The design incorporates mature trees, open lawn, terraces, a motor court, and a new pool area all in proportion to the existing house. Waterfront gardens compliment the dramatic views and provide a scaled enclosure for the outdoor living spaces.

Fundamental to the design was a driveway that provides a framed view of the ocean while approaching the main house through native woodland. Simple lines of privet hedging help to organize views and define smaller garden areas that relate to the individual character of each building. Incorporated into the approach drive and oceanside planting, a broad native palette of salt and wind-tolerant plant material highlights the coastal setting.

*1999 BSLA Merit Award

This master plan combines two adjacent properties into one coalescent estate anchored by a broad lawn that captures expansive views of Gulf of Mexico beyond. A raised terrace and swimming pool further blur the distinction between the two properties by providing a compelling link between the main house and guesthouse. Lush tropical plantings, including an allee of Royal Palms complete the transformation and create a sense of refined permanence.

The renovation of this Buzzard’s Bay estate provided the opportunity to introduce a new entry drive, series of outdoor terraces, swimming pool, and gardens that could provide year-round interest. The new entry drive curves around a broad lawn that acts as a foreground for viewing the house while providing a large, open playspace. Formal terraces align with the three red tile roof peaks and command panoramic views over Sippican Harbor.