materials II

We’ve  been so lucky this summer/fall to have clients that allow us and inspire us to use new interesting materials, as well as the opportunity to explore different material combinations.  Here are a few more pics of materials and textures we’re playing with in a current design project.  These images show (in order) Japanese river rock, Lumasite fencing material, simple grey trap rock up against and big old Maple tree, and Ipe decking with metal grating (soon to be set within the deck).  

Design Project II – materials

We’re having fun chronicling this project throughout its transformation.  One of the best parts of working on this site is the array of different materials and textures used in the landscape.  Here are some pictures of the different materials used and their interaction with each other.  Hopefully by the end of next week the decking, stairs, and fences will be up.  Can’t wait to see this space finished.

Design Project – Part 1

This is the most current project we are working on.  We are constructing a landscape design for a residence in South Minneapolis.  This space plays with elevations, modernism, interesting material palette and simple lines.   This initial post chronicals the site as three different spaces; the front yard, the back walkway and the back terrace system.

1.  The front yard

BEFORE:

IN PROCESS:

2.  The back walkway:
The following two images of the back walkway show the space before and during the design process (this piece, having a lot of hardscape, remains the most unfinished area).  This pathway will change from a curving, concrete path into a straight edged sunken gravel path lined with magnolia trees.

BEFORE:

IN PROCESS:

about halfway there…

3.  Back Terraces
These terraces were three levels of crumbling brick.  Though the brick was beautiful it was not structurally sound.  We took this opportunity to play with materials constructing steel facing that will, in time, turn a lovely orange.  There will be steps up to these terraces and a grassy space in the ground plane beneath it.

During the design process…

We will be finished with the bulk of the project by the end of the week.  Expect an updated blog on our progress in the next couple days.

Minneapolis Design Project

One of the projects we are currently working on is a residence in Minneapolis; a chartreuse house with a bit of a midwestern farm aesthetic.  The design is very geometric and minimal in its plant palette.   This phase of the project consists of a patio made of concrete pavers set within a grove of birch trees.  Their dog is below… painfully cute.

The following set of pictures show the home before the project began through the end of phase one.  We can’t wait to see the whole thing finished!