Project Profile
Project: Madison Park Front Entry
Location: Madison Park|Seattle, Wa
Scope: Front Entry Modifications and Retaining Wall Construction
Landscape Architect: Jason E. Breitling, Lead Designer | Cambium Inc.
Description:
The Smith residence auto court and entry project is a complete renovation of an existing asphalt driveway and concrete entryway. The project also includes replacement of deteriorating railroad tie walls within the steeply sloped site that has been designated as an environmentally critical area.
Perhaps one of the greatest challenges presented in this project is the construction of the 24 ft. high retaining wall located on the northwest corner of the driveway as you enter. Though only 4 feet will be visible from the entry, the slope is so significant from the entry to the back of the house that a wall of this size is necessary to prevent any erosion. Because this is an environmentally critical area extra precautions will be taken to ensure the safety and the integrity of the existing structure is not compromised while at the same time adding to the aesthetic appeal.
The project will transform the approach to the residence by replacing the existing asphalt driveway with a new, sand-blasted, colored concrete driveway that features ornamental drain grates and broad curbs that will define the edges of the drive and frame the new landscape beds. The landscape will feature free-standing, sculptural, concrete walls that screen utility items such as the rubbish and recycling bins as well as screen objectionable views from beyond the site. The walls will also help to extend the architectural presence of the residence out into the landscape.
The main entry to the home will be accentuated by installation of stone paving to the front door, and a series of planted container gardens. Screen plantings of bamboo and evergreen trees will be used to help create a more private courtyard feel, and flowering trees will be planted at the entry to the auto court to signal arrival within the new space. An arrangement of sculptural boulders will be placed as a focal point in the main planting bed to the north of the auto Court.
The completed project will be a dramatic aesthetic improvement to the entry of the home while addressing the functional and technological issues associated with working on a steep, environmentally critical, urban site.
Location: Madison Park|Seattle, Wa
Scope: Front Entry Modifications and Retaining Wall Construction
Landscape Architect: Jason E. Breitling, Lead Designer | Cambium Inc.
Description:
The Smith residence auto court and entry project is a complete renovation of an existing asphalt driveway and concrete entryway. The project also includes replacement of deteriorating railroad tie walls within the steeply sloped site that has been designated as an environmentally critical area.
Perhaps one of the greatest challenges presented in this project is the construction of the 24 ft. high retaining wall located on the northwest corner of the driveway as you enter. Though only 4 feet will be visible from the entry, the slope is so significant from the entry to the back of the house that a wall of this size is necessary to prevent any erosion. Because this is an environmentally critical area extra precautions will be taken to ensure the safety and the integrity of the existing structure is not compromised while at the same time adding to the aesthetic appeal.
The project will transform the approach to the residence by replacing the existing asphalt driveway with a new, sand-blasted, colored concrete driveway that features ornamental drain grates and broad curbs that will define the edges of the drive and frame the new landscape beds. The landscape will feature free-standing, sculptural, concrete walls that screen utility items such as the rubbish and recycling bins as well as screen objectionable views from beyond the site. The walls will also help to extend the architectural presence of the residence out into the landscape.
The main entry to the home will be accentuated by installation of stone paving to the front door, and a series of planted container gardens. Screen plantings of bamboo and evergreen trees will be used to help create a more private courtyard feel, and flowering trees will be planted at the entry to the auto court to signal arrival within the new space. An arrangement of sculptural boulders will be placed as a focal point in the main planting bed to the north of the auto Court.
The completed project will be a dramatic aesthetic improvement to the entry of the home while addressing the functional and technological issues associated with working on a steep, environmentally critical, urban site.
