Landscape Architect Articles

LASN Landscape of the Month February, 198902-01-89 | News

Landscape of the Month

Charlie and Laura Weems Residence
Alexandna, Louisiana

At the Weems?EUR??,,????'??? residence, a unified and ?EUR??,,????'??southern?EUR??,,????'?? landscape was desired when viewed from the street. The bridge across the bayou, designed and built by the client, is interesting and more than just a visual amenity. Tree uplighting and downlighting creates a tremendous impact at night.

Landscape Architect: Patrick C. Moore, ASLA

Architect: Michael L. Porterfield, Pasadena, Texas

Landscape Contractor: Lighting & Landscaping, L. D. Kelleher, Baton Rouge, LA.

Pool & Paving: Darryl Russell, Alexandria, Louisiana

Irrigation: Tommy Constance, Alexandria, Louisiana

One of the most prominent homes in Alexandria, Louisiana was recently renovated and 2000 sq. f ft. added to the existing 3000. Architect Michael L. Porterfield of Pasadena, Texas worked initially with the f client. General Contractor Robert Hunter worked with the client in completing all stages of design and construction.

Brick stepping stones connect the sunroom patio area which is adjacent to the guest quarters with a walkway leading to the front of the house.

The firm of Patrick C. Moore, Landscape Architects and Site Planners, was commissioned during the design process to create outdoor living areas appropriate to the client?EUR??,,????'???s style and design of this unique renovation/addition. Working with Project Manager, Randalle Hunt Moore, in completing all phases of the project were Pool and Paving Contractor Darryll Russell, GreenLee Lighting and Landscaping Contractor, L. D. Kelleher, and Irrigation Contractor, Tommy Constance.

The concept, in producing a comprehensive master plan for this site, was to reflect the clients?EUR??,,????'??? contemporary tastes with the renovation/addition of their traditional southern-style home. The plan was to capture the comfortable and elegant style of the owners on this lot graced with mature cypress, magnolia and elm trees amidst romantic bayou front property.

On the preliminary schematic master plan, note the existing magnolia, elm and cypress trees which were predominant elements shaping the form of the auto court.

One challenge with the property was its location at an intersection of five well-traveled streets. Headlight glare, noise, high speeds of travel, dangerous on/off street access, and absence of guest parking were among the constraints of this highly visible lot. In addition, the 30-acre block uphill depends on gradual drainage through this property to the bayou.

Headlight glare directed at the front entry was buffered by dense native plants and transplanted camellias located on the street side of the bayou. Road noise was acknowledged by orienting outdoor use areas well into the site interior. The excessive paving width of auto court at street edge was in response to the dangerous access situation onto and off the property. The existing magnolia, elm and cypress trees were predominant elements shaping the auto court layout.

A walkway brings people directly to the impressiveentry at the front of the house and provides an elevated view of the property.

The owner, an interior decorator, contributed much detail towards the end look, working closely with interior and exterior spaces. Colors of plant materials and interior furnishings were coordinated. The view into each courtyard was carefully planned from each room.

Specific areas within the master plan included a private drive and guest circular drive, entry walk, courtyard pool, fencing and lighting for security, private master bath courtyard, sunroom courtyard, planting plan, and irrigation.

The opportunity to ?EUR??,,????'??moonlight?EUR??,,????'?? within the existing trees created an added aesthetic dimension and security for the residence.

On either side of the pool radius, there is a metal plate for future sculpture and/or fountain into the pool. A black drain-rite channel runs along the brick step. The pool tile is slate.

Dual use of the private drive adjacent to pool area for overflow entertainment was accomplished through a continuity in paving pattern. This layout of private and guest circulation has a high degree of safety incorporated in its features and required an approved variance.

A maintenance plan was also developed and the home continues to grow in elegance.

The Landscape of the Month is produced by LASN and sponsored by Nightscaping, who donates $50.00 to the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) for each feature. Please contact LASN editorial staff before submitting materials for consideration.