Landscape Architect Articles

The Southeastern Seven11-01-89 | News

The Southeastern Seven

By David B. Linstrum, ASLA, RLA, Contributing Editor

Not a football conference or a group of Southern belles just an exemplary array of completed works of landscape architecture in a regional context. These projects were selected from more than two dozen candidates in an arbitrary Southeast: Alabama, Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. A variety of landscape architecture firms, large and small, were invited to submit their best work. They were not limited to project type or scope, and we were pleased to receive a broad spectrum of high quality submissions.

We did not seek leading-edge, hot-dog designs in our invitations. Rather, we solicited firms known for providing “value-added” services, with thoughtful and enduring designs that represent a commitment to professional excellence. LASN hopes you enjoy the ASLA Annual Meeting and this showcase of projects.

Wachesaw Plantation: South Carolina

Edward D. Stone, Jr. & Associates (EDSA), Landscape Architects

Wachesaw's entryway retains the stately air of an historic Southern plantation.

Wachesaw Plantation is an historically themed planned unit development located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, adjacent to the Waccamaw River. Comprised of approximately 1,200 acres, the property includes the old Richmond Hill Plantation and the Wachesaw Plantation properties. EDSA was commissioned to provide land planning services for a small group of investors who purchased these properties with the intent of planning, permitting and rezoning the property for resale to a development entity. General program requirements included residential land uses, golf course(s) and supporting commercial land uses. EDSA also was charged with providing site analysis and conceptual land use planning, as well as permitting coordination with all environmental agencies and county planning/ zoning agencies. The completed drawings and gathered information were synthesized into a master plan report used for permitting purposes, and later used as a marketing/ mortgage package to attract interested development groups. Design and planning work began in the summer of 1983, and the project rezoned in January, 1984.

The original Wachesaw Plantation house has been restored and serves as the historical centerpiece of the development.

Early in the site-analysis phase of the planning process, EDSA recognized the special characteristics of the property. In addition to the classic “low country” vegetation characteristics and a natural bluff at the river, the property teemed with history and archaeological interest. The site originally had been a rice plantation in the early 1800s. In association with the University of South Carolina, the client funded a major archaeological dig on the property to record and catalog known artifacts and structures. The team of archaeologists unearthed the original Richmond Hill Plantation Home foundation, an old tavern, an earthen fort, a church foundation, slave cemeteries and various other artifacts from the 18th century. Accordingly, site plans were devised to incorporate these sites as central features in planned gardens and public areas.

The property is rich with history and archaeological interest

As a result of this intensive analysis, the project was planned as a residential community, addressing all state-of-the-art land planning issues, environmental constraints, and economic and marketing factors, but with an added dimension of thematic image and purpose. In every way possible, the Landscape Architects drew on the history and artifacts on the property to develop site planning solutions, architectural styles, neighborhood units and an overall project image.

As – Landscape Architects and planners, the EDSA group served as the design team leaders. Subcontracters included civil engineers, economic and market research consultants, architects, golf course architects, ecologists, development strategists and archaeologists. The Landscape Architects’ primary responsibilities were to develop planning concepts, development strategies, project image creations and focus the design team toward project goals. With the master plan report complete, EDSA assisted the client investor group in promoting the Wachesaw Plantation story and its potential as a project.

The Wachesaw plan incorporates residential land uses, golf course and supporting commercial land uses.

A major reason for the project’s success was the communication with the client investor group that allowed everyone involved to see more than just a 1,200 acre parcel of land suitable for housing. As Landscape Architects, EDSA explored alternative land use and site planning studies based on a historically appropriate design philosophy and themes. Mere density and number of units per acre were not the driving forces. Incorporated into the master plan were physical flexibility in planning and land use, as well as an economic flexibility in product type.

The project was unique because of the ability of the team to obtain major project approval in a county with strong “nogrowth” convictions and, at the same time, the ability to introduce planning standards and processes subsequently adopted by the county as guidelines and standards for future projects.

The project has set a quality standard toward which projects approved since 1984 have been encouraged to upgrade their image and appeal.

Fort Lauderdale: Reviving the Roaring 20s

J. Roland Lieber, P.A., Landscape Architects

Brick walkway leading to the main entrance of the residence. To the left is the exterior courtyard wall.

This residence, built in the early 1920s, was a showplace in its day, but needed extensive landscaping and architectural work after the past 10 years of neglect. The new owners commissioned the Landscape Architect, J. Roland Lieber, P.A., to work with them in not only restoring, but also creating an environment to meet their present needs. Taking clues from traditional landscape forms and working with remnants of the site’s original design, the new landscape was integrated with the existing landscape to fulfill the owner’s desires of restoration, yet still meet today’s functional requirements.

Looking East through a recreated Coconut Palm Hammock.

The Landscape Architect worked closely with the client and the architect throughout all aspects of the project. The Landscape Architect’s responsibility covered all design outside the structural walls of the residence. This involved not only planting design and selection, but vehicular and pedestrian circulation, redesign of the pool and terrace areas, and the ultimate development of a management program for the care of the installed landscape.

Had the client not seen the site?EUR??,,????'???s potential, it probably would have been torn down

The significance of this project lies in the fact that a prominent early residence in the community had been let degenerate to the point of passing into oblivion, but was by chance purchased by an individual possessing respect and concern for history.

Pool and leisure area of the residence.

The residence was not only restored, but adapted to meet present functional needs and requirements. Today, it exceeds its original grandeur. It is not only used as a residence, but is shared for many public and private community events. Had the client not visualized its potential, it would have met the fate of many other structures in the same area, torn down and replaced by more contemporary structures. What was recently a community derelict has been rehabilitated to set an example for restoration and development within the community.

Loxahatchee Country Club

Urban Design Studio, Landscape Architects

View from the clubhouse balcony.

In creating the landscape theme for the Loxahatchee Club, a 325-acre master-planned golf course community in Jupiter, Florida, the Landscape Architects faced the challenge of effectively blending three distinctive design themes into a cohesive community landscape plan.

This goal was accomplished through utilizing a land management approach that focused on extensive preservation and reforestation of indigenous plant material throughout the project and the limited use of tropical exotics.

The center of the community is a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course featuring a Scottish tundra landscape theme. The pine flatwood character of the site provided an excellent thematic backdrop in which to create the natural look of a Scottish course, as well as afford opportunities to utilize the native plant material on the course.

A tree spade program was used for the relocation of native pines, oaks, scrub palmetto, wax myrtle and native grasses. These materials were used along the outskirts of the golf course and on roadsides throughout the community to convey a sense of maturity and create a native Florida setting.

Palm plantings along the community's main access street.

With its emphasis on reforestation and preservation, the landscape design minimizes the need for extensive irrigation and reduces maintenance costs. In addition, native littoral lake and marsh plantings for all lakes and drainage retention ponds were used to blend the native and tundra themes.

To add contrast and color to respond to client marketing needs, the Landscape Architects incorporated Mediterranean/Subtropical elements into the landscape palette. The resulting Mediterranean image emphasizes detail and tropical accents in high-visibility areas through the use of Birds of Paradise, Bougainvillea, Australian Tree Ferns, Crinum Lilies and accent palms.

This contrasting statement is made most dramatically at the entrance to the community, where two 100-year-old oaks were transplanted, and surrounded by an exotic and colorful Mediterranean planting.

A tree spade was instituted to relocate native pines, oaks, scrub palmetto, wax myrtle and native grasses

The Mediterranean theme is carried from the gated entrance into the community and up to the super-elevated clubhouse by the planting of a string of 28 Canary Island Date Palms along the median of the community’s main boulevard.

At the clubhouse, Mediterranean elements are once again incorporated with native elements. Here, native bluestemmed and fountain grasses were transplanted from other areas of the site to provide a transition from the Mediterranean theme to the Scottish tundra of the golf course.

Loxahatchee Club comprises 350 residential dwellings, an 18-hole championship golf course and 25,000-square-foot clubhouse complex with pool and tennis courts. The project is owned and developed by Restigouche, Incorporated.

AtIanta: 1600 Parkwood Circle

Post Landscape, Landscape Architects

Fountains and water features are an important part of 1600 Parkwood's design.

Nestled on five acres in the rapidly developing Powers Ferry Road Corridor in Atlanta, Georgia, 1600 Parkwood Circle offers a unique break from the typical office landscape. The Landscape Architect’s role was a collaborative effort. Master planning and site design was performed by Landscape Architects William C. Lincicome and Paul E. Frank, Jr., of the firm Thompson, Hancock, Witte and Associates, who also provided the building’s architectural design. The landscape design and on-site guidance were provided by Landscape Architect Larry B. Meister of Post Properties, Incorporated. Post Properties also provided plant installation.

Originally built for City Group, Inc., the Balcor-owned property is located on a site that did not provide the grand Atlanta skyline views of competing office complexes . As part of the nationally recognized “platinum triangle” of Cobb County, 1600 Parkwood required truly unique design features to make it appealing in its competitive market. A unique plan to create a one-of-a-kind office environment with special amenities that would draw prospective inhabitants who were tired of the traditional officescape was the basis for the design.

Colorful plantings accent the design's contours.

Taking advantage of the major swale that ran through the site, a series of rugged streams, cascading waterfalls and calm ponds to be viewed from three sides of the building were envisioned by site planners. The dancing spray of a fountain was also incorporated in order to catch visitors’ eyes immediately as they entered the property. Maintaining a clean, pristine mountain stream look to the waterscape presented a problem that was solved by the decision to pipe 95% of the site’s storm water away from the water features.

Would you mind working here?

The Landscape Architect’s assignment was to create a landscape that would carry out the theme of a rugged waterscape to complement the Rocky Mountain-like water feature, and enhance, yet humanize, the strong architectural statement of the building through complementary and unusual planting schemes. Once construction began, the Landscape Architect helped coordinate work on the water feature through placement of natural rock and directing coloration of the man-made rocks. He designed and directed sculpting of earth and additional rock features, as well as designed and directed installation of the landscape and additional drainage consideration.

The combination of the unique building, an unusual water feature and supportive landscape design has made 1600 Parkwood a great success. The unusual combination of the building and landscape offers a tranquil change from the usual high-pressure office environment of today. The complex is a visual pleasure shared by all who find this hidden treasure in the seclusion of Parkwood Office Park, Cobb County, Georgia.

Boca Raton Showplace

J. Roland Lieber, P.A., Landscape Architects

Streetside and entryway.

It was an unusual assignment. The clients wanted a lush, flourishing landscape?EUR??,,????'??+but, having encountered security problems in the past, they ruled out dense shrubbery that could conceal prowlers near the house.

They loved open vistas, yet considered themselves private people. Their request was for a quiet showplace with displays of colorful flowers, shrubs and trees.

The front entry, flanked by walled garden courtyards.

They purchased two lots and a house on a golf course, tore the existing house down and built an impressive Mediterranean-style residence. They acquired the properties on either side for a total of approximately 1 1/2 acres, then bought the vacant lot across the street so they b could protect and extend their view from the front of the house.

The house is surrounded by flower beds, flowering shrubs and trees. Light and dark brown simulated-stone pavement in the driveway, and the pool and patio area at the rear of the house, is a quiet foil for the palette of color presented by the new landscape.

To achieve an open, airy look, as well as the security the owners demanded, trees were trimmed to elevate and lift their canopies?EUR??,,????'??+author

Several large Ficus trees are all that remain of the old vegetation on the property. Mature black olives and queen palms may look as though they have been growing here for years, but were all part of the new landscaping.

To achieve an open, airy look, as well as the security the owners demanded, the trees were trimmed to elevate and lift the canopy.

View of "Crack The Whip" sculpture. Grass path leads through a glade to the south side of the property.

Views were designed to encompass sculpture as well as landscape. At the top of a slight rise in the earth’s contours in the rear of the house stands a bronze sculpture by J. Seward Johnson of lifesized figures of eight children, hand-in-hand, playing “crack-the-whip.”

The Landscape Architects started out with a basic plan to establish spacious dimensions, then adjusted the layout on-site. As the lots on the sides of the house and across the street were purchased, landscaping was designed to tie in with that surrounding the house.

Epping Forest, Jacksonville, Florida

R. Glen Mitchell, Landscape Architec

Roadways were designed to preserve existing trees.

Epping Forest, the 58-acre former estate of Alfred J. DuPont on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida, was acquired by Gate Lands Company in 1984 with the primary goal to create a prestigious community of distinctive homes, while incorporating the existing mansion, formal gardens and yacht basin as featured elements of the new community.

The Landscape Architecture firm of R. Glen Mitchell and Associates was retained to achieve these primary goals. Particular attention was directed at preserving the physical and historic integrity of the mansion and existing tree canopy to the maximum extent possible. The firm’s responsibilities included preparation of the master plan, detailed site plan, planting design of commons areas and the riverfront villas, representation for city approvals and construction coordination.

A zero-lot-line forest home.

The resulting plan and its implementation program were developed in direct response to these goals and objectives, with preservation of the major trees as the strongest influence on site planning and residential community design, which incorporates 158 residences. The historic mansion, formal grounds and yacht basin (now preserved as a fine dining/yacht club), continue to serve as the centerpiece of the community amid a variety of housing types nestled within the existing tree canopy.

The housing types include multi-family villas and individual lots. A single grand-entry parkway, leading directly to the mansion, provides convenient access to the residential areas of Epping Forest.

Particular attention to detail prevailed, focusing on the objective of preserving the intrinsic character of the setting throughout the planning, design and development process. Existing trees that would have been removed by development were transplanted by tree spade to a holding nursery on-site and later incorporated into the planting design. Field adjustments were made to roadway alignment and structure location to maximize tree preservation. All trees more than 18 inches in diameter were protected by the restrictive deeds and covenants on the property, and by restrictions incorporated into the planned-unit development ordinance. The approach to planting design was directed at enhancing the natural setting of the site, maintaining the ambiance of the historic mansion and formal gardens, and providing a sense of visual unity to the overall community.

The perimeter wall at Epping Forest is reflective of old-world architectural style.

Additional feature elements of the plan include a perimeter image wall reflective of the old-world architectural flavor of the existing wall at the mansion, a security gate house at the grand entry, designed to reinforce the image and ambiance of the mansion, a new recreation club facility that complements the mansion club and incorporates the restored wheel house, a riverfront promenade connecting the yacht basin and formal gardens to the pedestrian walkway system, a water garden, designed as an integral major element , of the storm water management system, and a “moonscape” lighting system designed for security and added dimension