Northshore Home magazine highlights the best in architectural design, new construction and renovations, interiors, and landscape design.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1101832
inspire "I didn't want the feeling of sitting in a hole," says Fleischer of the grade change's potential effect. The proportions of the shed, which serves as her hus- band's writing studio, were important in this regard; it couldn't look like a dollhouse. Instead, the appro- priately scaled studio anchors the outdoor space and contributes to its intimacy. It was also important to orchestrate the space such that people would feel con- nected to, rather than distanced from, the house. Of the design plan, Fleischer says her aim was to use traditional materials in a contemporary style. As with the hardscape materials, she kept the plant selections to a minimum. "I wanted to see green and feel nature's embrace, so on one side of the yard, we planted 12- to 15-foot mature 'Smaragd' arborvitae. This lush green wall completely transformed the space, making it feel private." That choice was a direct response to the un- sightly condominiums. Rather than repeating the arborvitae, which would have created an enclosure, Fleischer welcomed the sight of the neighbor's dogwood tree and architectur- ally interesting roofline. To round out the planting, she went with tightly clipped 'Green Mountain' boxwood and small Parrotia persica trees. There are also a few potted ornamental grasses to add movement and gen- A large glass door slides open to extend the living space to the outdoors. Opposite page, Trent Lloyd (left) and Amy Fleischer