A·L·S Portfolio Page Three

Renovation

Sitting Area

Thoughtful landscaping makes a quiet sitting area in a busy neighborhood.

Window to Another World

Framed and borrowed views and various vantage points pull you through the garden. Here a beckoning view of the terrace is framed within the wall of the carport, which doubles as a retaining wall for the terrace above.

Ease of Movement...Ease of Mind

A quiet expanse of lawn, curving walls and paths, broad shallow steps, and a sparkling pond and waterfall promote tranquility and relaxation.

Renewal

There is no better stress reliever than sitting by a pond with the glint of sun, sound of falling water and gold flash of fish swimming languidly through water lilies.

Structure vs. Nature

The house, built in the late 20's has walls of brick with stone worked in. This suggested the hybrid use of structured brick and natural stone in the design of the pond. An all brick pond would have looked too structured and an all natural stone pond in the ground would have been out of place. The combination provides the best of both worlds, plus a seat for watching and feeding the fish.

Three Levels

The upper terrace relates to the guest house (former model 'T' sized garage) and overlooks the entire garden. It is big enough to accommodate large gatherings and its surrounding wall doubles as seating. Tucked between the guest house and carport is the guest house entrance and a small "secret garden" (not visible in the photo) with chairs and a table just large enough for one or two people, a fresh brewed cup of coffee and a newspaper. The middle level holds the pond and the enclosing raised planting beds. Here too the wall is built for seating.

Tucked Away

...The lower level is at house level and includes the lawn, breezeway from carport to house, and the small sitting area embraced by the pond. (View is from driveway through the breezeway.)