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A Mid-Century-Inspired Residential Renovation by Brian Goad, PLA, ASLA, McKnight Landscape Architects - Photos: Jimi Smith, Bret Lovetro, Joseph Lockwood
Simple, tranquil, and delicate. This well-planned southern garden boasts a minimalistic and serene order, comfort in its proportional spaces, and an interconnected flow between indoors and out. Located in the popular, historic Mid-City neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the upgraded residence blends modernist Palm Springs-inspired concepts with the aesthetic of South Louisiana. Local firm McKnight Landscape Architects worked closely with the architect Onsite Design and the clients to envision a completely renovated landscape united with a significant architectural addition. Inspiration from East to WestThe clients loved the simplicity of places like Alys Beach, Florida, but preferred something more whimsical and colorful with hints of a West Coast style. The designers were careful to balance those visions while respecting the context and authenticity of a historic neighborhood in the capital city. Through recalling several classic California precedents, the landscape is inspired by the seamless indoor-outdoor relationships that were popular in many mid-century modern homes, especially the Southern California Eichler homes built in the 1950s and 1960s. In that era, Joe Eichler, a pioneering San Francisco developer, provided affordable modern homes that blurred the lines between home and courtyard. Many of the Eichler homes emphasized outdoor living, with features such as glass walls, interior courtyards, and backyard patios. The pier-and-beam house addition borrows many cues from the Southern California model. However, it is fittingly grounded in the Southern Louisiana architectural tradition by creating multiple living 'pods' that are interconnected by hallways and covered porches, allowing the landscape to breathe. Home Design Leads the WayArchitectural features such as a modified dogtrot, covered porches, and small alcoves support the free and uninterrupted flow of outdoor space. The architectural massing is 'U'-shaped, cradling the landscape, courtyard, and pool. East of the pool, the primary suite was expanded to include a home gym. To the west, the guest suite and billiard room addition is located a short distance away from the house, allowing for a covered outdoor living room with a fireplace. This space opens up to the pool area and is a part of the outdoor spatial sequence. South of the pool and courtyard, an adjacent lot was purchased to expand the landscape into a great lawn with gardenesque perimeter plantings. Similar to the mid-century California architectural layouts that take advantage of a moderate climate, the landscape architectural design encourages a commune with the outdoors.
As seen in LASN magazine, October 2024.
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