A Landscaping Gem to Inspire You
Written by Euphrasia Carroll
Every year, the American Society of Landscape Architects promotes the landscape architecture profession and advances the practice through advocacy, education, communication, and fellowship. One of the ways in which it does this is with its Honors and Awards programs.
The 2009 Awards are in, and this article celebrates one of the honored projects from a very impressive group of award winners.
Two Rivers Residence, in Jackson Hole, WY, is set near National Parks and Forests, so if you’re not planning a get-away vacation to the wild, wild West this summer, let this article be a bit of armchair travel for you -- and landscaping inspiration as well. Verdone Landscape Architects have enhanced the home’s natural environment and embraced the western heritage of its beautiful setting.
Let’s go right to the guest cabin, which is “situated directly on the pond and offers breathtaking views of the surroundings. The placement of the building and design of the site are seamlessly integrated into the existing space, creating a timeless escape in a majestic setting.” The use of native grasses in the landscape design are in harmony with the client’s desire for the house to be connected with nature and not in competition with the existing natural beauty of the land.
Wagon entrances to the creamery were transformed into windows, allowing views of the ponds with the mountain range as backdrop. Crumbling stone walls enclose trees and native grass, framing a terrace that channels water from a spring to the pond.
Here we pause to get energized by the fast-flowing water over the spillway through the dam. Exposed portions of the dam were sided with reclaimed cypress boards. The stone on the spillway is identical to the sandstone of the creamery, adding to the design’s consistency throughout the setting.
Finally, let’s go for an imaginary stroll along the edge of the pond. The pathway, constructed of gravel and boulders lining the shore, leads across the spillway to the Gros Ventre River at the edge of the site. Inspiration was drawn from indigenous materials and textures, portraying site-specific knowledge and innovative vision.
David Swift, the photographer whose work is featured in the award-winning landscape we just toured, is based in Jackson Hole, WY.
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The coice to incorporate the crumbling of the old wall into the design rather than restoring it is truly inspiring! It makes me think of a simplified Japanese rock garden a little bit. Most excellent - can't wait to see more!