Inaugural John Staub Award Honors Two Landscape Architecture Residential Projects

At the terminus of a major garden axis at the Preston Hollow, Texas residence (''Giardino Verde'') sits a 20-ft. dia. Vicenza limestone hand-carved fountain fashioned after the Pantheon fountain in Rome. The garden is framed by a circular allee of 'Natchez' crepes and encircled by ophiopogon and a crushed limestone walk. St. Augustine grass steps lead up to a landscaped terrace.

This year the Texas chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America (ICCA) inaugurated the John Staub Awards program for designers and craftspeople based in Texas. The award carries on the legacy of Texas architect John Staub, known for his attention to detail and thoughtful consideration of home to site.

The two honor awardees in the landscape architecture category were Lambert Landscape Company of Dallas for the Preston Hollow residence ''Giardino Verde'' (Jan. 2010 issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News www.landscapearchitect.com/research/article/12933), and Curtis & Windham Architects of Houston for the Knollwood residence and gardens www.curtisandwindham.com/infostore/photogallery.asp?id=120.

The ''Giardino Verde'' garden architecture, fountains, patterned limestone pavings, mature plantings and antique garden ornaments are orchestrated to reflect the estate's Italian Renaissance style. Lambert's design team was led by award-winning landscape architect Paul Fields, ASLA, with support by garden designer Lara Moffat, MLA.

Designed, installed and managed by Lambert's, the estate's lengthy drive is reminiscent of a Tuscan lane. The sloping terrain, 10 feet in topographical change, was terraced and the 1.8 acres of garden rooms designed to balance the home's additions. The design blends architectural landscape elements with warm/cool season turfs, extensive mixed vines and groundcovers, carefully selected color, formally maintained shrubs, specimen plantings and established trees.

The judges included Gary Brewer, AIA, partner in the firm of Robert A.M. Stern Architects; William Mitchell, cultural historian and president of the Southern Architecture Foundation, Inc.; and James Strickland, president and founder of Historical Concepts.