Northshore Home magazine highlights the best in architectural design, new construction and renovations, interiors, and landscape design.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1261763
SUMMER 2020 47 nshoremag.com/nshorehome/ LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Dan Gordon Landscape Architects for "Pond's Edge Estate" After more than a hundred years, this Chestnut Hill property was overgrown and its systems were not sustainable. Enter Dan Gordon Landscape Architects. His firm was tasked with rejuvenating the gardens in the spirit of the neighborhood's traditional character. (Views of the private gardens were historically enjoyed by all manner of passersby.) "We wanted to create a landscape with private outdoor spaces for the family to enjoy, while allowing views into the gardens to preserve the community tie." Of course, the house's presence played into the design program, too. Gordon's idea was to reconnect the existing early 20th-century architecture to a thriving landscape—portions of which are cultivated, others left more natural. The team preserved mature heritage plantings, and removed what would impede the design. "There were a lot of little gardens that we took out to make the broad gestures more successful," Gordon explains. An existing pond was dredged and rescaled to become, in combination with a wetland meadow, the focal point of the garden. Today it is a healthy and sustainable natural ecosystem. Terracing the steep site was key to maximizing the views and creating outdoor living spaces. There are roughly 20 feet between house elevation and the pond. "We had a lot of program to put into that space," Gordon notes, adding that each of the oval-shaped terraces is like a balcony focused out over the landscape. Architectural stonework is featured around the house, while hand-selected natural stone characterizes the pond. Asked for closing thoughts on the project, Gordon replies: "Pond's Edge Estate reflects the aspirations to preserve and enhance New England's natural and cultural heritage by creating well defined, humanistic, outdoor spaces, while embracing conservation ideals for their function and aesthetic benefits." For more winning projects and pictures, visit northshoremag.com PHOTOGRAPH BY READ MCKEN DREE Lisa Tharp wins for the interior design of a stunning Back Bay brownstone. PATIO FURNITURE & UMBRELLAS FRUIT & VEGETABLE PLANTS • SOIL ANNUALS • PERENNIALS • TREES • SHRUBS Now offering online ordering, curbside pickup, delivery all over the North Shore, and expert advice at the click of a button or over the phone. WE'RE HERE TO HELP. 88 Elm Street, Salisbury • (978) 465-3542 60 Turnpike Road, Ipswich • (978) 356-6342 104 Eastern Ave, Gloucester • (978) 281-4480 WWW.WOLFHILLGARDENCENTER.COM Family Owned and Operated for over 40 Years! WITH THE HELP OF YOUR Backyard Oasis CREATE YOUR OWN Friendly Neighborhd Garden Center