Literature Studies 02

SHIVANSH | PA200914

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGNMaster's Program in Landscape - Spring 2015

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STONE EDGE FARM, Sonoma, California, USAAndrea Cochran Landscape Architecture | Completed in 2007 | 3.5 acres

This project, designed as a retreat for the client, is composed of elegantly balanced and linked elements within a serene, uncluttered landscape. A carefully sited trilogy of structures celestial observatory, spa, stone pyramid are grounded by linear forms, including a reflecting pool, raised lap pool, and bars of olive trees. The composition floats within meadows of drought-tolerant grasses, connecting the site to the larger Sonoma Valley landscape.

Stone Edge Farm is named for the sites unique location over an alluvial plane. Serving as the primary residence for the owners, this property has been developed incrementally over a 10 year period to include a commercial vineyard, an olive orchard that produces award winning oil and an organic garden that supplies several gourmet restaurants locally.

The site, formerly a ramshackle commune, included several ancient California bay trees, oaks and buckeyes and bordered a seasonal creek, which flooded the property periodically.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION DESIGN CONCEPT

01 | Landscape Plan

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The predominantly flat, open site called for bold gestures to balance the strong forms of the buildings.

A raised lap pool links the new buildings, while rows of ancient olive trees reinforce relationships on a larger scale.

Built from the native alluvial stones un-earthed during construction, a 100 foot long pyramidal sculpture anchors the new buildings in the landscape. A drought-tolerant meadow unifies the ground plane.

Designed as a monolithic mass, the meadow is made of four layered grass varieties selected for their low water-use.

Varied seed production times highlight subtle seasonal change throughout the year. In addition, the meadow is carefully graded to perform as a wash, absorbing flood waters from the creek.

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The pool beneath the observatory captures a view of the stone pyramid structure. Crafted from stones un-earthed during construction, the pyramid holds its weight among the existing trees and screens views

This detail shot captures the Chondropetalums reflection in the lap pool. Much of the design of this project involved using subtle nuances of color to connect the structures to the landscape of both the site and the natural

The overall landscape design creates a quiet, tranquil place. (Photo: Vicky Sambunaris)

SHIVANSH | PA200914


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STONE EDGE FARM, Sonoma, California, USAAndrea Cochran Landscape Architecture | Completed in 2007 | 3.5 acres

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The siting of the buildings was an important early step in the design process. The landscape was the connecting element between the two architectural structures, the spa building and the observatory. (Photo: Vicky Sambunaris)

The stone pyramid is the third element of the trilogy of structures. The tall grasses conceal a childs playfield. (Photo: Marion Brenner)

Allees of olive trees frame views of the observatory, marking pathways and defining spaces for entertaining. (Photo: Marion Brenner)

The pool terrace is carved into a space between the olive grove and the meadow. A dining area beneath the olive trees lies just beyond. The lap pool reflects the sky above. (Photo: Emily Rylander)

SHIVANSH | PA200914


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SALAME RESIDENCE, Beirut, LebanonVladimir Djurovic Landscape Architecture | Completed in 2007 | 4000 sq mts

On a steep and challenging site, a peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of city life was required. In two small and precise gestures, the landscape intervention creates a safe and holistic environment for celebrating essential blissful moments.

On a remote site, 2700 meters above sea level and the city of Beirut, the client wanted to create his own private escape, a place to reconnect with what is essential for themnature, family, and friends.The site, a 4000 m2 private hilltop, offered great potential yet equally great challenges. Stunning 360-degree views, along with dangerously steep slopes all around its crest.

At a conceptual level, providing appropriate, safe, and usable space became one of the most critical aspects of the project to resolve. The landscape intervention was defined by two simple gestures that resulted in one holistic project. A formal, geometric, granite slab is extended toward the mountains and the sunset, to an infinity pool that captures the horizon. Horizontal and vertical elements are removed from this floating platform to reduce distractions, two sculptural oaks marking the only exceptions.

At the front side, the granite base of the house was extended outwards to provide the required outdoor living space, while being embraced with a multi purpose peripheral water element. This water surface provides a safe boundary around the entire terrace, while absorbing the endless panoramic views.

At the back side, almost as a crater, a garden was carved out, to provide a safe and informal green and organic space for the family and children to enjoy.

The contrast between those two spaces, the formal and geometric front garden, and the informal and organic back garden, offered the clients a holistic environment that responded to their lifestyle and escapists requirements, while leaving the rest of the hilltop intact.

The sloping terrain allows changing-rooms below, but it also creates safety issues on the site that are solved by wrapping the granite platform with water channels on each side.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION DESIGN CONCEPT

Access to the changing rooms appears to be carved out of a monolithic granite block. (Photo: Matteo Piazza)

Front garden floating on water. (Photo: Matteo Piazza)

Access to shower and changing rooms.

The landscape provides ample space for contemplation, while allowing gatherings an entertainment to occur in a dramatic setting. (Photo: Matteo Piazza)

01 | Landscape Plan

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SHIVANSH | PA200914


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SALAME RESIDENCE, Beirut, LebanonVladimir Djurovic Landscape Architecture | Completed in 2007 | 4000 sq mts

Main terrace embraced with water. (Photo: Matteo Piazza)

Back garden with grass crater detail(Photo: Matteo Piazza)

Main terrace set for soaking blissful moments of contemplation. (Photo: Matteo Piazza)

The water element wraps around the entire front terrace, providing a safety buffer from the steep hilltop, and revealing dramatic uninterrupted views from the outdoor terrace and every room ot the house.Piazza)

The Section Showing the water pool as well as the contrast between the front and the rear part of the garden

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Documents

Literature Studies 02