CLA Spring 2022

Class of 2022: Why did you choose to study landscape architecture?
I have always wanted to work with nature and solve environ-
Xin Chen mental problems. I wanted to pursue environmental science
when I first started college. However, I got bored with the
Coventry Cemetery microscopic world and I am a visual person, so that’s why
master plan. I became involved with landscape architecture. As I keep
learning about landscape architecture, I find I am more and
more interested in doing projects that make a connection
between people and nature.

What was your favorite project and why?
My favorite project was the Coventry cemetery project.
The project was a small site that includes lots of constraints
but also some opportunities. It was interesting to avoid the
constraints and develop the site based on the minor oppor-
tunities.

What field of landscape architecture do you see
yourself working in?
In my future career, I see myself working in an international
firm and doing urban planning, architecture, and resilience
work. I think with the increase in clean energy generation,
the form of the city will change, and I see landscape archi-
tects can push the process and make better ecological
connections between cities and nature.

SPRING 2022 | 41

Class of 2022:

Katherine Day

Why did you choose to study Brattleboro plan view.
landscape architecture?
I started UConn as a business and work required to plan a community, as well as what
major and came to realize after is needed to be successful and thrive.
a few semesters that I was look-
ing for something different. I What field of landscape architecture do you see
found landscape architecture yourself working in?
through a general education I see myself working at a multidisciplinary firm that
course taught by Peter Miniutti, works on a wide range of project types including urban
which sparked my interest in planning and design, sustainable design, commercial/
the major. I was then fortunate retail/industrial design, infrastructure planning, and
to have the opportunity to community outreach. My favorite types of projects
study abroad for three weeks are large-scale and those that involve climate-focused
in Europe, where I was able to implementations.
learn more about landscape
architecture through European
influences and design.

What was your favorite
project and why?
My favorite project so far
has been the Brattleboro
Community Planning Design
Challenge. I enjoy working on
large-scale projects, especially
community planning. I find this
type of design to be the most
interesting and impactful. This
project helped me understand
the large amount of resources

“I enjoy working on large-scale projects, especially

community planning. I find this type of design to be
the most interesting and impactful.

42 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Class of 2022: “I chose Landscape Architecture so I would be

Jeffrey Greenhouse able to make a difference in people’s lives.

Why did you choose to study
landscape architecture?
I chose Landscape Architecture so I
would be able to make a difference in
people’s lives.

What was your favorite project?
My favorite project was the Brattleboro,
VT master plan.

What are your plans post-graduation?
My hope for after graduation is to create
open spaces for people to use and
connect with nature.

Brattleboro master plan.

SPRING 2022 | 43

Class of 2022: time, which reminds me that I’ve though this is not my best work,
always had a passion for nature. I had a lot of fun learning every
Ryan Gussen From my early constructions in aspect of the site and drawing
the sand box at recess, to my first my graphics by hand. The fact
Why did you choose to study designs getting my associates that it was our first big pin-up and
landscape architecture? degree, nature has always been critique also makes it important
When I was young, I went to the main focus. At community to me.
sports camp every summer. I was college, I would often spend
never particularly good at any of more time designing the exterior What field of landscape
the sports. One year, while I was of my sites, so when I found out architecture do you see
admiring some honeybees and that UConn had a landscape yourself working in?
clovers, I caught a flyball with architecture program, I applied I could see myself working in
the top of my head. After that, immediately. an urban environment for a
I earned the nickname “nature small- to mid-sized firm. Thus
boy.” Although that story does What was your favorite far, my favorite types of projects
not reflect why I decided to project and why? to produce or research focus on
become a landscape architect, My favorite project was from green space or coastal resilience
it serves as a useful landmark in my first year in the program, the in cities. Professionally, aside
Route 32 project in Mansfield, from one or two outliers, all I
CT. This was my favorite project have worked on are residential
because it was our first big projects. The outliers were
project, and we were able to campus or parks projects. I
spend almost all of our week would like the opportunity to
dedicated to this one project. I work on something with a larger
am at my best when I can focus impact, be it social or ecological
on one thing at a time. Even or both.

The themes of Ryan’s capstone project were ecological and social restoration.
His envisioned redesign of a portion of Brooklyn, NY waterfront restores the
brownfield site to historic wetland/coastal forest conditions, dedicates an area
to affordable housing, and uses plantings, breakwater elements and topogra-
phy — raising programming elements well beyond the 100-year flood mark —
to accommodate sea level rise.

44 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Class of 2022:

Ciara Hale

Why did you choose to study landscape seeing that my design
architecture? could have an impact on
My father has been a self-employed land- them and their families.
scaper in Litchfield County for about 25 years Their emotion and vulner-
and I have always enjoyed learning about ability made this project
and being a part of his business. With this feel personal and made
background, I decided to attend an agricul- my work feel valued. I
tural education high school with a primary believe that an important aspect of landscape
focus in plant science. My teachers noticed architecture is making a difference in the lives
I took an interest in design, particularly in of others, and I could see that this project
our Big E landscape exhibits. Once they saw would do just that.
my passion for design, my teachers allowed
me to take the lead on these projects. After What field of landscape architecture do
high school, I decided to pursue a bachelor’s you see yourself working in?
degree in landscape architecture and a minor I see myself working in a few different land-
in turfgrass management at UConn. Currently, scape architecture fields, including school
I am assisting my father on small, residential and campus design, children’s outdoor envi-
projects for his clients in order to expand ronments, and athletic field design. Between
my design experience while I complete my playing softball for over 15 years and volun-
degree. teering at softball clinics to help children of
all different ages, I would love to incorporate
What was your favorite project and why? park and recreation design into my future
My favorite project that I’ve completed so far career. I could see myself working in youth
is a redesign of Coventry Cemetery. I enjoyed programming, in a parks and recreation
speaking with the community members and department, or for the National Park Service.

SPRING 2022 | 45

Class of 2022:

Alexandra Heckmann

Why did you choose to study landscape gardens, as well as improving circulation and func-
tionality, the Nathan Hale Homestead blends life
architecture? on a farm with modern-day appeal.
Unfamiliar with the field prior to my arrival at
UConn, I first heard the term “landscape archi- What field of landscape architecture do you
tecture” at my first advisory appointment, having see yourself working in?
entered as an undeclared major. With an inherent The breadth of the field is vast and dynamic, and
love for nature, an urge to create, and an interest landscape architects have the opportunity to work
in research, landscape architecture checked all in a variety of firms with unique specializations that
of my boxes. Landscape architecture combines tailor to their respective clientele and projects. I
research, art, and science to design and manage hope to work in an environment that serves the
the built and natural environment. I was drawn private sector, accomplishing projects that vary
to the field due to the level of collaboration with from residential to commercial, from gardens to
adjacent fields such as architecture, engineering, parks. Regardless of the firm, I will strive to work
and horticulture, that provide varying perspectives with value and passion, and to incorporate social
to compile a holistic design approach. I am particu- and ecological factors to create more resilient,
larly interested in nature-based strategies to create sustainable landscapes to enrich people’s lives.
more adaptive, resilient landscapes, and have
been conducting research on this topic.

What was your favorite project and why? Alexandra won a CTASLA student award for her work on
My favorite project thus far has been the Nathan a proposed master plan for Mansfield Elementary School.
Hale Homestead located in Coventry, CT. This Shown here, a meandering boardwalk encloses a native
project encapsulates my interests of historical meadow that provides seasonal color and interest, while
preservation, nature-based strategies, and native supporting pollinators and ecosystems.
plantings in order to improve a public entity for
community use. The design pays homage to
traditional 18th-century agrarian culture that once
unified colonial New England. While highlighting
its historical past with apple orchards and edible

46 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Class of 2022: Why did you choose to study landscape architecture?
I picked landscape architecture because I already had some certifi-
Kurt Palmieri cates for drafting from community college, and there was a visit to my
community college by the landscape architecture program at UConn.
I applied to UConn and stated in my application that I am a veteran
and that this was the only program in the state.

What was your favorite project and why?
My favorite project was the pocket park in Essex because the
simplicity and overall design was really fun to create.

What field of landscape architecture do you see yourself in?
I would like to work at an engineering firm with multiple disciplines,
where I can hopefully learn as much as I can from that type of environ-
ment. I think being at a multidisciplinary firm would really benefit me
for future years in my career.

Images from Kurt’s capstone
project. Art Deck Park is
designed to create public
spaces to show off indoor/
outdoor sculptures or exhib-
its, a place for artists and
tourists to visit throughout
the seasons. Above: Massive
architectural structures
encompass the deck, and
change to generate moods
set by park coordinators,
creating almost a portal illu-
sion, and attracting people
to take pictures.

SPRING 2022 | 47

Class of 2022: “My plans after graduation are to immediately

William Romaniello get into the workforce and start to build a
career as a young landscape designer.

Why did you choose to study landscape architecture?
Landscape architecture is a major where I am able to express
creativity as well as logical, research-based thinking in my everyday
classwork and designs.

What was your favorite project and why?
My favorite project is a model I built during my junior
year. It allowed me to express my creativity and
challenged me to create a complicated 3D model.

What field of landscape architecture do
you see yourself working in?
I see myself working in either a design-
build firm or a golf course design firm.
My plans after graduation are to
immediately get into the workforce
and start to build a career as a
young landscape designer.

48 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Class of 2022:

Sean Tang

Why did you choose to study teachers in kindergarten and cost a lot of money and time and
landscape architecture? elementary schools to ask. They the construction will affect the
I have known about land- believed that individual children running of the city. Keeping all
scape architecture since I was perceive colors differently, the exciting spaces or buildings
young because my father is an though in general they agreed and basing landscape design
urban planner. He has many that bright colors create positive and renewal on those spaces or
accomplishments in the field feelings in children. buildings is the best way. Land-
of eco-cities. He spent time scape architecture is the best
and experience in this city for What field of landscape way to solve the problems.
more than 30 years. With his architecture do you see
efforts, the city’s appearance yourself work in?
has changed a lot and people’s Ecological urbanism (landscape
lifestyles and their quality of life urbanism) is the field that I want
have changed. Because I saw to pursue in the future. In future
what my father did, it made me urban development we will need
make this decision to follow in to focus designs within limited
my father’s footsteps. space. Creating new spaces
for landscape design in cities
What was your favorite is a luxury and hard to accom-
project and why? plish. But urban renewal is very
My favorite project was an fast and during the process of
elementary school design during yearly urban renewal many old
my junior year program develop- or discarded spaces are waiting
ment class. When designing this for improvement. Destroying
project, I wondered if different or replacing those spaces will
colors would have an effect on
the mood of the child and the
development of various abilities.
Personally, I am very sensitive to
colors and different colors bring
me different feelings and moods;
with this in mind, I launched
a series of studies. After a
lot of researching, most of
the information shows
that color has a certain
degree of influence
on the development
of children’s abilities
and moods. To confirm
my idea, I found several

Proposed master plan for
Mansfield Elementary School.

SPRING 2022 | 49

Class of 2022: findings to the towns and deter-
mining the best location, I was
Benjamin Zaccara tasked with designing the various
rain gardens, bioswales, and
Why did you choose to study environmental issues. I find that bioretention ponds. It was a great
the balance between creativity opportunity to work on a multi-
landscape architecture? and pragmatism, and the social disciplinary team and learn about
Instead of going directly into and environmental concerns public design projects.
college after high school, I spent found in landscape architecture,
a few years working in the land- suit my personality and interests What field of landscape
scaping industry. After working in a way that will be supportive architecture do you see
in estate gardening, tree work, of a rewarding career. yourself working in?
and landscape construction, I I would like to work on coastal
found a desire to pursue high- What was your favorite resilience projects in the future.
er education in the field I had project and why? Not only do I have a love for the
grown to enjoy so much. I had In the summer of 2021, I took a job ocean, but I also see an oppor-
always loved working with plants designing green stormwater infra- tunity to make a difference in a
and wanted an opportunity to structure for UConn’s Center for volatile future. I find that the bal-
further explore how I might use Land Use Education and Research ance between my own interests
this passion for the greater good (CLEAR). For a while I had been and the needs of the environment
of society. While I had many wanting to become more invest- and communities provides me
great experiences working in ed in the scientific aspects of the with a clear sense of direction. I
private residential landscaping, field, and this experience pro- often become overly concerned
I really want to design public vided me with an opportunity to in singular aspects in my designs;
spaces that address social and become more technically versed I think the urgency of all issues
in using landscape design to facing our shorefronts is enough
solve environmental issues. We to keep me viewing problems
spent the summer performing objectively in a holistic manner.
site analysis in five different towns There is also an opportunity to
along Long Island Sound in order travel in this field, which is very
to determine effective locations appealing to me. Coastlines
everywhere are facing the same
for green stormwa- issues related to sea-level rise
ter infrastructure and climate change, and I think
retrofits. After this presents a great opportunity
for interdisciplinary collaboration
presenting our across the country and the world.

Stormwater man-
agement plan for
Deep River Public
Library as part of
Benjamin’s work
for UConn CLEAR.

50 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

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2022 Professional &
Student Awards

Innovation Partnership Building,
University of Connecticut (Storrs),
Langan

Millbrook Meadow & Mill Pond Restoration | SLR Consulting 58
Innovation Partnership Building | Langan 60
Yale Campus — Farrand Cultural Landscapes Study | Heritage Landscapes 62
Dune Road House | Devore Associates 64
North Eagleville Road Infrastructure Repair/Replacement & Upgrades | AECOM Technical Services, Inc. 66
Farmhouse Garden | Haver & Skolnick Architects 68
Yale University Humanities Quadrangle | Towers|Golde, LLC 70
Horseneck Brook Residence | Louis Fusco Landscape Architects 72
Bells of Remembrance — Peace Garden | Langan 74
A Gardener’s Historic Southport | Matteson Landscape Architecture 76
Greenwich Academy Campus Revitalization | William Kenny Associates LLC and Peter Gisolfi Associates 78
The Dormers | Devore Associates 80
165 Capitol Avenue Revitalization | Fuss & O’Neill and Landworks Studio, Inc. 82
Woodland Pond | Louis Fusco Landscape Architects 84
Discovery Magnet School Pollinator & Sensory Gardens | Aris Land Studio 86
Hillside Retreat | Seventy Acres, LLC 88
Beyond the Meadows | Alexandra Heckmann, University of Connecticut 90

SPRING 2022 | 57

Excellence Award DESIGN/BUILT WORKS | MUNICIPAL/PUBLIC SPACES
SLR Consulting slrconsulting.com

Millbrook Meadow & Mill Pond Restoration

Rockport, MA

The Millbrook Meadow & Mill Pond was updating utilities such as water and electrical
once a vibrant gathering place for the com- services.
munity; however, over the past couple of With adoption of the Master Plan,
decades, the park has fallen into disrepair. local funding, and an incredible number of
Revitalization of the Millbrook Meadow & Mill private donations, this was truly a commu-
Pond had become a top priority for the com- nity-supported project. Using the analysis
munity. Spanning several years, this project collected as part of the master plan phase,
included topographic/bathymetric surveying, the design team developed regulatory plans
hydrologic and soils analysis, public outreach, and specifications that were used to obtain
and conceptual plan development, leading to permit approvals from federal, state, and
a comprehensive Master Plan report. municipal agencies. With approvals in hand,
During this time the town and the design construction documents were developed, the
team established several critical goals for the project was successfully bid within budget,
development of a park master plan including and construction began.
assessing methods for reducing park flood-
ing, ways of preserving the park’s historical
context, developing sustainable ecological
stream and pond restoration opportunities,
invasive plant species management, improv-
ing surface water quality, revitalizing park
amenities, improving park accessibility and
enhancing usability, lowering long-term main-
tenance requirements, and improving and

Through a robust public engagement process the design team developed conceptual alternatives for the site and
finalized an overall master plan that included plaza spaces and walkways, stream channel realignment, a playscape,

pond dredging, boardwalk, and complete ecological restoration of the site’s inland wetlands and watercourses.

58 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Before excavation the Mill Pond was a shallow, warm body
of water that lacked aquatic fauna or a vegetated riparian
shelf. After the completed dredging and restoration, the
Mill Pond now has clear water and a vibrant vegetated
littoral shelf. The widened and restored Millbrook channel
(right and below) maintains some of the historic granite
block features while incorporating boulder/cobble bank

treatments, new channel substrate, and in-stream features.

Client: Town of Rockport, MA Landscape Architect: SLR Consulting Civil
Engineer: SLR Consulting General Contractor: SumCo Eco-Contracting, LLC

SPRING 2022 | 59

H Aonor ward DESIGN/BUILT WORKS | CORPORATE/INSTITUTIONAL
Langan langan.com

Innovation Partnership Building

Storrs, CT

Nestled in the forested hills of northeast As a stark contrast to its bucolic sur-
Connecticut, UConn’s Technology Park was roundings, this magnet for innovation and
envisioned as a place where industry leaders engine for economic growth was conceived
and business entrepreneurs will collaborate as a “machine in the garden.” The building
with students and faculty. The landscape is an abstraction of a New England covered
architecture team collaborated with UConn bridge, which the landscape flows under
and the architect, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and around. The laboratory bar “floats” over
to design a master plan organized around the the landscape in the form of a courtyard with
landscape, responsibly demonstrating devel- planted and stone pods that take their form
opable zones while protecting wetlands and from washed river rocks. The slope from the
habitat. Once the master plan was complete, entry plaza to the woodland beyond allows
the design team engaged on the first project, the landscape to flow down a stairway and
the Innovation Partnership Building. terraced lawn to a lower level of pods and
paths that meander and dissolve into a
The landscape is an integral part of the Innovation Partnership woodland trail system.
experience, beginning with an entrance terrace offset by planted Due to the structure below, much of
and sculptural stone pods flowing between and under the build- the entrance courtyard is designed with
ing down to the surrounding woodland and flanked by lushly rooftop detailing to include salvaged stone
planted parking terraces with integral rain gardens. accent features and an extensive green roof.
Extending out from the building, the parking
lots incorporate bio-retention plantings and
infiltration basins planted with native, pollina-
tor-friendly species. The site lighting design
complements the building aesthetic, safely
guiding pedestrians as night falls over the
campus.

60 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Client: University of Connecticut Landscape Architect: Langan
Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Civil, Geotechnical
Engineer: Langan General Contractor: Skanska Site
Contractor: Gerber Construction Landscape Contractor:
Liberty Landscapes Lighting Designer: Langan Photographer:
Carl Vernlund, Magda Biernat Photography/OTTO

Above: The terrace
that runs under the
lab bar required care-
ful attention to detail
as it transitions from
on-grade to roof over
the lower-level floor.
Left: Rain gardens
form the spine of the
parking courts.

SPRING 2022 | 61

Honor Award LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH
Heritage Landscapes heritagelandscapes.com

Yale Campus — Farrand Cultural Landscapes Study

New Haven, CT

Yale University’s Office of Facilities chose architect. The work revealed, described, and
to explore its landscape history in search of contextualized this era of campus landscape
solutions to contemporary challenges of urban history within the contemporary campus
university landscape character and fragmenta- landscape to form recommendations that align
tion. The campus landscape was shaped from with current and future needs, consultant guid-
1920 to 1945 by the first female landscape ance, and grounds staff training and resources.
architect trained in the USA and a founding The findings are already serving to guide and
member of ASLA, Beatrix Farrand. Though enlighten daily and future work at Yale and
widespread knowledge affirms Farrand’s can inform institutional landscape architecture
position in her chosen title as “Consulting across the profession.
Landscape Gardener,” little was
known about the breadth or Above: Design of
depth of her campus work at Yale. Old College was not
This study provides an important attributed to Beatrix
contribution to the scholarship Farrand prior to this
on Beatrix Farrand’s institutional study. Farrand aligned
works and her sustainable and bluestone walks to
maintainable solutions for the Yale destinations and uses,
University campus. observing and mapping
The Yale Farrand study is student movements
framed within a foundational through site observation.
respect for the historic landscape
and the contributions of an
historically important landscape

Views of Library Walk in 1940 and 2019.

62 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Modern and historic views of Branford Court
highlight continuity of walks and steps, and
reveal changes to landscape character. An
added bench bay and weeping cherry trees
alter spatial organization, views, vegetation,
and furnishings.

Client: Yale University Office of Facilities Landscape
Architect: Heritage Landscapes LLC Historian:
Judith Tankard, Farrand researcher and author

SPRING 2022 | 63

Honor Award DESIGN/BUILT WORKS | RESIDENTIAL
Devore Associates devoreassoc.com

Dune Road House canal. Two strong axial features were estab-
lished, with water running north-south and
Quogue, NY native grasses running east-west. An aquatic
garden was created as a focal point off the
When the clients purchased this property living and dining rooms, which merges water
there was an existing house which allowed to the canal and aquatic plants to the tidal
them to build, but it had to be in the exact marsh. The deck from this area leads down to
footprint of the nonconforming house. With a lap pool framed with grasses. This feature
approximately 40 feet to the neighbor and reinforces the dominate axis of water and
40 feet to the tidal wetlands, there was a fear grasses and ties manmade features into the
that this house and property would end up natural environment.
looking like a ribbon lot. Given flood eleva- The other side holds the septic system
tion mandates and a raised septic system, the (which mandated a lawn), a grill area, and
house needed to be set six feet above the raised vegetable beds tucked in off the kitch-
existing elevation and enclosed by walls on en. Lawn ramps allow a connection to the
three sides, thus increasing the linearity. lower lawn areas.
The goal was to tie the buildable land-
scape into the surroundings so that the house
did not appear to be a separate entity, but a
refined continuation of the tidal marsh and

Left: Floating bluestone steps lead down from the deck to the pool. Right: The water garden is planted with a
variety of native plants such as pickerel weed and white-water lily; the dark water reflects the evening sky.

64 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

The parking court and drive are a mix of
gravel and permeable pavers. Bluestone slab
steps are framed by crabapple trees; native
grasses and shrubs screen the wall to the east.

Client: Private Residence
Landscape Architect:
Devore Associates Architect:
Austin Patterson Disston
Civil Engineer: David Fox
General Contractor: Owen
Construction Corporation
Landscape Contractor:
Summerhill Landscapes
Stone Supplier: Connecticut
Stone Photographer:
Anthony Crisafulli

SPRING 2022 | 65

M Aerit ward DESIGN/BUILT WORKS | CORPORATE/INSTITUTIONAL
AECOM Technical Services, inc. aecom.com

North Eagleville Road Infrastructure
Repair/Replacement & Upgrades

Storrs, CT

The North Eagleville Road Infrastructure that defines the northern edge of the campus
Repair/Replacement project consists of site core. The utility construction provided an
improvements to a variety of UConn campus opportunity to improve unsafe conditions for
open spaces, ranging in scale from intimate pedestrians and bicyclists. The innovative
seating areas to an entire streetscape, all design includes complete street elements
located north of the campus core and built in and creates safer crossings for students
two phases. flowing from the dorms to the campus core.
The impetus for these improvements was Design elements include bicycle accom-
a comprehensive utility replacement proj- modations in both directions, consolidated
ect that necessitated the surface restoration pedestrian crossings of reduced lengths,
of the landscape. The design team saw an updated bus stops, planted medians, site
opportunity for safety improvements and lighting, seating and gathering spaces, street
renovation of the landscape. trees, and stormwater best management
Phase IIIA includes renovations to out- practices including reduced impervious pav-
door spaces at Towers Residence Hall and the ing, new pervious paving, and an expanded
Dairy Bar. Work consists of improved pedes- planting strip.
trian connections, upgraded seating and Throughout the project, existing mature
gathering spaces, tree planting (including trees were protected, and new plantings
transplants from a trial nursery), regrading, were designed to follow the character of the
and stormwater improvements. campus tree planting in an informal, natural-
Phase IIIB improvements include the istic pattern that fits within the University’s
reconstruction of a half mile of North Eagle- “campus as arboretum” setting.
ville Road, a major east-west thoroughfare

The project area encompasses both sides of North Eagleville Road to Hillside Road.

66 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Above: Generous landscape buffer planted with native and
drought-tolerant species increases safety for pedestrians
by deterring mid-street crossing and minimizing conflicts
with vehicles. Left and below: New pedestrian crossings,
with vernacular stone walls and stormwater management
systems, improve connectivity between student housing
and the campus core.

Client: University of Connecticut Landscape Architect: AECOM
Technical Services, Inc. Civil Engineer: AECOM Technical Services,
Inc. General Contractor: Turner Construction Company Electrical
Engineer: AECOM Technical Services, Inc. Landscape Contractors:
Mountain View Landscapes and Lawncare, TC Landscaping LLC
Arborist: Bartlett Tree Experts Masonry: Civitillo Masonry, Inc.
Photographer: Chuck Choi

SPRING 2022 | 67

Merit Award DESIGN/BUILT WORKS | RESIDENTIAL
Haver & Skolnick Architects haverskolnickarchitects.com

Farmhouse Garden rustic fieldstone wall is topped with a simple
mahogany rail fence. The enclosure also
Washington, CT serves to support several varieties of pear
trees, trained to create a continuous espalier.
The Farmhouse Garden, completed in Each entry is distinguished by rough native
2016, is sited on a scenic 70-acre gentle- granite piers, topped with a custom iron
man’s farm in Washington, CT. The garden bracketed lantern.
was designed to reflect a tradition of classical A series of rustic twig structures punctu-
New England gardens, interpreted in a sim- ate the garden. The classically inspired forms
ple, rustic vocabulary, suitable for its farm set- are reinterpreted in bark-clad cedar, reflecting
ting. The garden, conceived of as an exterior the garden’s rural setting. The centerpiece of
room, is sited directly adjacent to the home’s the garden is a large wisteria-covered gaze-
entry courtyard, convenient for harvesting bo, providing a central shaded resting spot.
vegetables or just relaxing. The design of the twig-work frieze recalls
The 6,000-square-foot garden is stained glass patterns. Similar patterns are
organized in a simple cross-axial layout, created on twig arbors and teepees, support-
accessed from four sides. The focal point of ing summer squash and flowering vines.
the garden’s main axis is the “Berry Bowl,” a
unique domed steel structure designed for
the cultivation of blueberries in a bird-free
environment. The garden paths are defined
by raised beds, lined with bluestone curbing.
The rural setting demanded extra care in pro-
tecting the garden from deer. To reduce the
apparent scale of the seven-foot enclosure, a

The Berry Bowl, planted with concentric rings of
blueberries and strawberries, provides a unique
terminus to the garden’s center pathway.

68 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Above: The
garden is sited
to be readily
accessible to
the rambling
farmhouse. Left:
Rough granite
posts, topped
with custom
iron light brack-
ets, mark each
entrance.

Client: Private Residence Landscape Architect: Haver & Skolnick Architects
Architect: Haver & Skolnick Architects Civil Engineer: Smith & Company
Structural Engineer: DeStefano & Chamberlain Audio/Technology
Consultant: Opus AVC General Contractor: Churchill Builders Decorative
Plantings: Grass & Gardens Vegetable Plantings: LeJardin Photographer:
Robert Benson Photography

SPRING 2022 | 69

M Aerit ward DESIGN/BUILT WORKS | CORPORATE/INSTITUTIONAL
Towers|Golde, llc towersgolde.com

Yale University Humanities Quadrangle

New Haven, CT

The transformation of Yale’s Hall of including graduation ceremonies, outdoor
Graduate Studies centralizes 15 different classrooms, sunbathing, and impromptu
departments that had previously been scat- meetings. The smaller South Courtyard, pre-
tered around campus into a renovated histor- viously rendered almost impenetrable by the
ic building. The Collegiate Gothic complex wall-to-wall carpet of ivy, was revitalized with
is organized around two court- spring flowering trees, bulbs, and shrubs. Inti-
yards that metaphorically create mate sitting areas were carved out as places
the “heart” of the Humanities. of repose and to invite private discussion.
Providing the key common Highly visible from the building’s entry
meeting ground for faculty and loggia, the sweeping geometry of these
students, these outdoor rooms are gardens draw the landscape into the build-
seen as vital in fulfilling Yale’s goal ing’s entry sequence, surprising visitors and
of uniting and highlighting the charming them into engaging with the court-
humanities, as evidenced by the yards. Staying true to Beatrix Farrand’s legacy
University’s new moniker for the at Yale, the planting tapestry delights with
entire complex of buildings — native species selected for sensory, color, and
The Humanities Quadrangle. textural interest.
The North Courtyard, constructed over
new subterranean lecture halls, was envi-
sioned as a gardenesque oasis. What had
previously been a landscape dominated by
cut-through paths, was transformed into a
garden that invites strolling, thinking, and
discussions between faculty and students. A
large lawn provides a canvas for open air dis-
cussions and a space for a multitude of usage

The vision for both courtyards strategically located
active and passive spaces, as well as circulation
paths, utilizing solar analysis to extend the outdoor
usage well into New England’s shoulder seasons.

70 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

The curved geometries of the courtyards create engaging outdoor spaces suitable for a multitude of uses.

Above: South Courtyard. Right: North Courtyard.

Client: Yale University Landscape Architect: Towers|Golde, LLC
Architect: Ann Beha Architects Civil Engineer: Fuss & O’Neil

Construction Manager: Skanska Electrical Engineer/Designer:
AKF Lighting: Sladen Feinstein Integrated Lighting Inc. Landscape

Contractors: Ralph Caputaro & Son Excavating Inc., Glen Terrace
Landscaping Inc. Irrigation: Aqua-Lawn, Central Turf & Irrigation
Supply Arborist: Bartlett Tree Experts Masonry: Capasso Enterprises,

Inc. Stone Suppliers: O&G Industries, Inc., Plymouth Quarries,
Williams Stone Co, Inc. Photographer: Peter Vanderwarker

SPRING 2022 | 71

Merit Award DESIGN/BUILT WORKS | RESIDENTIAL
Louis Fusco Landscape Architects louisfusco.com

Horseneck Brook Residence

Greenwich, CT

Situated along a high traffic arterial pipes daylighting down by the brook, predat-
road and bisected by Horseneck Brook, this ing the house construction, appeared to drain
2.5-acre property received a series of site water from the adjacent road and neighboring
improvements designed to meet the client’s historic estate. A separate bio-retention area
recreational and lifestyle needs while maxi- was dedicated to the capture and treatment
mizing protection of the existing wetlands, of this runoff.
brook, and downstream waterways. The The clients requested a pool and enter-
severity of recent storms, along with overde- tainment area, which was designed and locat-
velopment and inadequate control measures, ed up close to the residence, maximizing the
resulted in excess siltation and reduced water wetland mitigation buffer area. An additional
quality to the brook and adjacent watershed. multi-tier drainage system incorporating a
A recent nearby oil spill reinforced the com- combination of storage, infiltration, and treat-
munity’s awareness for the protection of this ment was developed to handle all existing
natural asset. site and roof runoff.
The landscape architect completed a full Sight privacy, sound and safety protec-
assessment of the on-site drainage in devel- tion from the busy road was accomplished
oping site recommendations and wetland though the addition of a six-foot stone wall
mitigation measures. A series of old drainage and wood gate, in keeping with the neighbor-
hood. A lawn terrace for the young family was
situated in this newly protected front yard,
allowing the previous brookside lawn areas to
revert to a more natural low mow zone.

The hillside down to
the brook is terraced

with a series of rain
garden stormwater
treatment areas. The
native plantings serve
to screen the pool

fence enclosure.

72 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Elevated multilevel terraces adjacent to the
residence contain a pool, spa, and entertain-
ment areas, with views and access down to
the brook and buffer mitigation area.

Client: Private Residence Landscape Architect: Louis Fusco Landscape Architects Civil
Engineer: Soundview Engineers & Land Surveying Landscape Contractor: Arborscape, Inc.
Lighting Designer: Louis Fusco Landscape Architects Irrigation: Greenview Sprinkler Systems
Arborist: Arborscape Masonry: Igor Kurbatov Masonry Stone Supplier: O&G Industries, Inc.
Gate System: EuroFence Pool Contractor: Haggerty Pools Specialty Pool Tiles: Sicis from
Italy Photographer: Salvatore Corso

SPRING 2022 | 73

M Aerit ward DESIGN/BUILT WORKS | CORPORATE/INSTITUTIONAL
Langan langan.com

Bells of Remembrance — Peace Garden

Sandy Hook, CT

This project memorializes a community’s street to campus, and forms intimate spaces
gathering to mourn yet sustain hope, despite for gathering or solitude.
tragedy. It enriches a renovation honoring the Design considerations for the site include
congregation’s 160th anniversary, accommo- garden wall heights to respect the church and
dating gifts and increased attendance follow- above-eye-height walls facing the street for
ing the church’s hosting of the community privacy. Brick matches the existing church
memorial for the Sandy Hook shooting. In and represents a process that is handmade
gifting four September 11th memorial “Bells and hand-laid. Windowed portals suspend
of Remembrance,” the Franciscan Commu- bells from curved-steel lintels. Semi-enclosed
nity imagined a tower. Designers and clergy spaces are designed for resonating bells and
thought a bell tower too monumental; a bell semi-open spaces designed for broadcasting
garden would be in scale with the surround- bells, with mechanized remote operation for
ing buildings and useful to the community. music and tolling. Rooms evoke round sacred
The bells came to represent four reasons to spaces with places for meditation and out-
pray for peace — 9/11 victims, Sandy Hook door classrooms for campus school. A Sandy
victims, children suffering from poverty and Hook tragedy time capsule is buried under
hunger, and the military and first responders. one room. Curvilinear planters and paths
The resulting Peace Garden reaches out to intertwine the rooms with flowering plants
the community, creates a transition from designed to symbolize peace, hope, and life.

Sketches and 3D models developed by the design team helped to illustrate the project’s intent to the
community and assisted in understanding scale, proportions, and views.

74 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Brick and bluestone matches the materials of the
church beyond, integrating the aesthetic into the
overall campus while introducing new dynamic
forms.

Left: As evening falls, the bell garden is
gently illuminated with soft LED accent
lighting, visible from the street as a
beacon of hope for the community.

Client: Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church
Landscape Architect: Langan Architect:
Newman Architects Civil Engineer: Langan
General Contractor: Hawley Construction
Lighting Designer: Langan Photographer:
Carl Vernlund Photography, Robert Benson
Photography

SPRING 2022 | 75

Merit Award DESIGN/BUILT WORKS | RESIDENTIAL
Matteson Landscape Architecture jessicamatteson.com

A Gardener’s Historic Southport

Southport, CT

As empty nesters and newlyweds, the the site had very little air movement. One
clients were downsizing to the historic neigh- breeze corridor was found and maximized. A
borhood of Southport and desired a garden summer house with doors on three sides was
for their smaller property that enhanced their placed in its path to funnel the breeze while
lifestyle of gardening, entertaining small also offering privacy and shelter. An aerial
groups of friends, and enjoying life on Long hedge was used to achieve privacy while also
Island Sound. Project goals were to stay in allowing the breeze to enter into the perenni-
context with the historic house and neighbor- al garden for the health of the perennials and
hood while also meeting the clients’ aesthetic comfort of the clients. The perennial garden
tastes; to fit all the programmatic elements was carefully planned to bloom from April
onto a small footprint; to maximize the bud- through October and is enclosed by a linden
get by investing in soil and antique stone and allée and various hedges. The side garden
purchasing small plants; and to accentuate offers places to sit, walk, garden, and enter-
harbor and downtown life by encouraging tain and is constantly visited by birds, butter-
coastal breezes, balancing privacy with an flies, and other pollinators.
open feel. The rear terrace was reconfigured
At the front entry, the grade was raised with broad steps and plinths for planters.
on the right side of the house to make it even Salvaged bluestone with thick treads and
across the entire front of the building. An copings were used to stay in context with
understated planting design was used in front, the historic house. Hornbeams were used
including two 17-foot stewartia trees trans- for privacy. In the shady, narrow, four-foot
planted from elsewhere on site. More intense- passageway between the house and garage,
ly designed areas were shielded from view. bluestone pavers and a hardy groundcover
For the side garden, one challenge was were placed for easy maintenance.
that despite being so close to the water,

76 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Above: Pea gravel was used as a beautiful and inexpensive
terrace on the side of the house. Below: View from rear
drive to rear terrace, where hornbeams offer a balance of
privacy and openness.

Client: Private Residence Landscape Architect: Matteson Landscape
Architecture, LLC Architect: Franzen Associates General Contractor: Paul
Tallman Landscape Contractor: Q Alba LLC Irrigation: Wetlawn Masonry:
Q Alba LLC Stone Supplier: Gault Stone Photographer: Neil Landino

SPRING 2022 | 77

M Aerit ward DESIGN/BUILT WORKS | CORPORATE/INSTITUTIONAL

William Kenny Associates llc wkassociates.net
and Peter Gisolfi Associates petergisolfiassociates.com

Greenwich Academy Campus Revitalization

Greenwich, CT

Founded in 1827, Greenwich Academy is reconfiguration of an existing courtyard, new
an independent college preparatory school informal play and learning spaces, enhanced
for girls and young women that seeks to campus wetlands, watercourses, stormwater
foster excellence. Its campus, while rich in management for environmental and educa-
history, has been pieced together throughout tional benefits, enhanced campus streets-
the years and lost its flow and interdivisional cape, and improved flow of pedestrian and
connections. Key driver of the school’s 2018 vehicular traffic.
Campus Master Plan (CMP) was to improve The new lower school building, now the
the parity of space across the learning face of the northern campus, was built into a
environments. This project implemented slope creating a multi-level interior courtyard
the major components of the CMP and that overlooks an expansive lawn space,
includes a new lower school building, middle playground, and ecological features such
school addition, creation of a new Lower/ as a pond and watercourse. The courtyard’s
Middle School courtyard, enhancement and circular spaces are juxtaposed against the
sharp edges of the new lower school and
Lower School Courtyard Middle and Lower Circles provide gathering spaces of varying sizes for
intimate learning and an amphitheater space
for performing arts.
The Harrison (Upper School) Courtyard,
once separated by overly large concrete
retaining walls, was redesigned to offer
outdoor dining, public speaking space, and
open terraces that break up the grade change
as well as provide more mobility through the
campus. The design for the Harrison Court-
yard creates a number of programmatic spac-
es for students, faculty, and public events
within a quarter-acre space with over 25 feet
of elevation change. The new courtyard takes
advantage of the social dynamism that is
inherent in outdoor academic spaces where
chance encounters are plentiful. As the main
crossroads between academic buildings, this
courtyard has not only connected the campus
in new and exciting ways but has become its
own destination for multiple planned and
improvised gatherings.

78 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Client: Greenwich Academy Owner’s Representative: Stone Harbor The Harrison (Upper
Project Advisors Landscape Architect: Sasaki Associates Inc. School) Courtyard
(above) and Lower
(Campus Master Planning), William Kenny Associates, LLC (Schematic & School Courtyard
Design Development for all award work, excluding Harrison Courtyard. (left) create spaces
Construction Documents & Administration for all award work), Peter of varying sizes for
educational gatherings,
Gisolfi Associates (Harrison Courtyard Schematic & Design Development) performing arts, and
Architects: Ann Beha Architects, Shoreline Design Group Civil Engineer: public presentations,
as well as providing
Redniss & Mead, Inc. Structural Engineer: Silman Associates, Sound mobility through the
Engineering Associates Electrical Engineer: SG Engineering LLC campus.
(Harrison Courtyard) General Contractor: A.P. Construction, White
SPRING 2022 | 79
Contractors (Harrison Courtyard) Stone Fabricator: Natural Stone Wall
Solutions (Harrison Courtyard) Photographers: Jay Cohen Photography,
Greenwich Academy Wetland Scientist: William Kenny Associates LLC

Merit Award DESIGN/BUILT WORKS | RESIDENTIAL
Devore Associates devoreassoc.com

The Dormers

Watch Hill, RI

Built in 1907, “The Dormers” and its prop- The game lawn, highlighted by a magnificent copper
erty had been neglected for years when the beech, was carefully located below the pool.
clients purchased it in 2014. Their goal was
to restore the house and outbuildings while mitigate the grade change. As one moves
maintaining the turn-of-the-century charm. away from the house, the walls begin to
They wished to create an outside space for change to a larger format of stone and then
their three children and expanded family that evolve to dry laid walls made of local stone.
would accommodate a play lawn, game lawn, The entrance steps are local granite which
pool, and small vegetable garden along with transition in the rear to grass treads of granite
a pathway system linking the various ame- and eventually over to fieldstone and old
nities together. A three-year plan became a stone steps gathered from the property. Lawn
five-year plan in the process of addressing the and mulched paths connect many of the ele-
landscape blanketed with invasive plants and ments.
including a 50-foot grade change. The owners are environmentalists and
It was important to create a hierarchy of agreed that much of the property would
materials on the site. Matching the stone on be planted with native trees, shrubs, ferns,
the house, a series of walls were added to meadows, and wildflowers. The existing
landlocked pond was liberated from invasive
plants and dredged, and a waterfall was
installed to aid circulation. This lower area
was designated as a pollinator corridor and
planted with a wide variety of shrubs as well
as a meadow and wildflowers, which has
succeeded in becoming a welcoming habitat
for insects, birds, and wildlife.

80 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Left: Native While the
ferns frame meadow is
a path made highlighted in
from stone the summer by
gathered blues, yellows,
onsite. and soft pinks,
in the fall, rust
Client: Private Residence Landscape Architect: Devore Associates Eupatorium and
Architect: Austin Patterson Disston Civil Engineer: Cherenzia silver Eryngium
General Contractor: Hobbs Inc. Landscape Contractor: Orlando seed heads take
Cardanis Lighting Designer: Patdo Stone Supplier: Connecticut the stage.
Stone Gates and Fencing: Riverside Fence Waterfall: Anthony
Archer-Wills Photographer: Anthony Crisafulli SPRING 2022 | 81

M Aerit ward DESIGN/BUILT WORKS | MUNICIPAL/PUBLIC SPACES

Fuss & O’Neill fando.com
and Landworks Studio, inc. landworks-studio.com

165 Capitol Avenue Revitalization

Hartford, CT

The restoration of the Connecticut State shifted from north to east so that the natural
Office Complex spearheads a citywide initia- topography could create gradually sloping
tive to reunite Hartford’s downtown district. walkways that integrate the new entry into
This adaptive reuse project elevates the site’s the larger landscape, connecting both ends
neoclassical elegance by converting the large of the site in one loop. The interior courtyards
parking lot at the main entrance into a public were raised six feet to be accessible from the
park — Hartford’s first new urban greenspace ground level as an extension of the new gath-
in over 50 years. Situated between civic facil- ering spaces to the east, and a new cafeteria.
ities and a sea of asphalt, this project became Criss-crossing pathways provide stra-
part of a concerted effort to reconnect urban tegic cross-block connections to adjacent
systems. destinations. The angular nature of the paths
The design for 165 Capitol Avenue had provides added length, thereby reducing the
four objectives: to engage a sense of place; degree of slope. The pathways are lined with
to achieve continuity of surface, materi- benches made from recycled granite blocks
als, and programs; to eliminate the idea of salvaged from the building renovation. The
boundary; and to reintegrate the facility into park features street-side gathering spots,
the community, and the community into and a gathering area in the middle doubles
and through the building itself. The front as informal sitting areas that can be used to
of Connecticut’s State Office Building was lounge or provide height to watch live events.

Carved earth forms frame a community plaza and integrate crossing paths that negotiate existing slopes,
providing a fully accessible arrival.

82 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

A car-dominated public realm at
Connecticut’s State Office Building
has been transformed into a vibrant
urban park and gathering plaza.

Client: State of Connecticut Landscape Architect: Landworks Studio, Inc. in collaboration
with Fuss & O’Neill Architect: Amenta Emma Architects Civil Engineer: Fuss & O’Neill
Site Contractor: Manafort Brothers Inc. Landscape Contractor: EDI Landscape LLC
Lighting Designer: LAM Partners Irrigation: Winterberry Irrigation Arborist: Winterberry
Landscape Masonry: Civitillo Masonry, Inc. and Acranom Masonry, Inc. Stone Supplier:
Stonetrade Photographer: Robert Benson Photography, Andrea Varutti

SPRING 2022 | 83

Merit Award DESIGN/BUILT WORKS | RESIDENTIAL
Louis Fusco Landscape Architects louisfusco.com

Woodland Pond

Litchfield County, CT

Nestled in the hills of Litchfield County, space for the pool and entertainment terraces
this 11-acre property was the vacation desti- on the main flat plateau. Positive collabora-
nation of family members and friends. With tion with the project architect helped modify
retirement and extended visits in the near the overall house footprint and eliminate the
future, it was time to modernize a deteriorat- need for a separate pool cabana.
ing house and landscape to suit the needs The landscape architect embraced
and desires of the homeowners, their kids, the existing woodland natural aesthetic in
and grandkids. developing the overall landscape site plan.
Initial design conversations with the cli- The pond and adjacent wetland areas greet
ents revealed their love and appreciation for the visitor upon arrival as one ascends to the
the property, but frustration with the current new house. Traditional lawn expanses were
lack of accessibility. The existing multi-level planted out with native species and meadow
house required ascending a flight of steep zones, while lawn terraces were selectively
steps, and the driveway was difficult to navi- incorporated. The lawn play terrace was real-
gate in New England winters. The outdated located to the upper previous pool area and
pool and pool cabana atop another hill was surrounded by meadow and plantings.
impossible to access for certain older family
members.
Selective site grading and siting of the
main residence by the landscape architect
resulted in a better fit, taking advantage of the
mature existing trees, and providing ample

1 - House
2 - Driveway
3 - Entry Court
4 - Parking Court
5 - Patio
6 - Lounge Area
7 - Outdoor Dining
8 - Outdoor Kitchen
9 - Pool Lounge
10 - Outdoor Spa
11 - Pond Connection
12 - Wildflower Meadow
13 - Patio Connection
14 - Path to Tennis Court
15 - Tennis Court
16 - Service Entry
17 - Woodland Pond
18 - Preservation Land Trust

84 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Left: Bluestone Above: Rear
slab steps lead hillside planted
to the upper with masses of
lawn play flowering shrubs,
terrace. grasses, peren-
nials and ground
Client: Private Residence Landscape Architect: Louis Fusco Landscape covers to provide
Architects Architect: James Best Architects Interior Designer: Denise Ballassi year-round inter-
Landscape Contractor: Arborscape Lighting Designer: Louis Fusco Landscape est, from views
Architects Irrigation: Michael C. Palotta Lawn Irrigation, Inc. Arborist: Arborscape within the house.
Stone Supplier: O&G Industries, Inc. Gate System: EuroFence Stone Supplier:
O&G Industries Pool Contractor: Haggerty Pools Photographer: Vadiola Gjoka SPRING 2022 | 85

Merit Award COMMUNITY SERVICE
Aris Land Studio arisls.com

Discovery Magnet School Pollinator & Sensory Gardens

Bridgeport, CT

“Create a place that inspires children of outdoor classrooms. Designs identified
and gives them the opportunity to develop a planting schemes, layout, and strategies
lifelong love for nature and the environment.” for implementation. Limited funding for the
This was the goal set forth by science teacher project made sweat equity its biggest invest-
Mary Servino at the K-8th Grade Discovery ment. With Mary leading the charge, parents
Magnet School, which opened in 2010 and and children both volunteered their time
is a LEED Gold Certified building. By 2015, and energy to weed, remove invasive plants,
however, the plantings and landscape sur- install plant materials, and water all areas until
rounding the building had fallen into disrepair the new plants were fully established.
and were not welcoming or utilized. Mary The updated landscape includes pollina-
saw an opportunity to improve that situation tor/butterfly gardens, foot paths, a reading
by leading a push to revitalize the school’s circle, and a welcoming drop-off area that has
landscaping and create outdoor classrooms become a favorite backdrop for first-day pho-
that would serve to not only enhance the tos of children and their parents. The outdoor
grounds, but also educate students. classrooms continue to fulfill their intended
Engaged on a pro bono basis, the land- goal of providing children (many of whom live
scape architect assisted in developing designs in inner-city environments) the opportunity
and methodologies to implement the vision to care for and nurture these outdoor spaces
of creating three areas for the development that truly inspire and educate.

Rapid sketches refined through discussions with Mrs. Servino helped to form the basis for project materials.

86 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Planting operations by the students fostered teamwork
and connectivity with the soil. Multiple age groups worked
together, allowing older students to also act as educators.

Client: Mary Servino, Science Educator,
Discovery Magnet School Landscape
Architect: Aris Land Studio Installer:
Discovery Magnet School Students,
Teachers, and Parents Site Preparation:
City of Bridgeport, Department of Public
Works Plant Supplier: Planters Choice
Mulch Donation: Grillo Soil Services
Photographers: Aris W. Stalis, Debra De
Vries-Dalton

SPRING 2022 | 87

Merit Award DESIGN/BUILT WORKS | RESIDENTIAL
Seventy Acres, llc seventyacres.com

Hillside Retreat The pool, terraces, and pool enclosure
fencing were precisely designed to maximize
Westport, CT usable space while abiding by the regulatory
setbacks. The pool’s shallow end has an inter-
This New England shingle- nal spa and sun shelf easily accessed from the
style house, sited in the center of intimate Zen garden, planted with a specimen
a sloping property descending 25 cinnamon bark maple tree.
feet from the road to a regionally
significant wetland, was ready for
a master plan rejuvenation with
a critical ecological and design
perspective.
The client’s design brief included
an entry garden designed around an
existing mature Japanese snowbell
tree. Also requested were terraced
entertaining spaces incorporating
existing elements with a new pool,
spa, raised planting beds for herbs
and flowers, and native plantings
transitioning down to the wetland
as a natural viewshed.
The upper dining terrace steps
down to a garden of corten steel
raised planters containing herbs and flowers
set in native pea stone. An ever-brimming
water bowl fountain provides the ambient,
soothing sound of splashing water. Mono-
lithic granite steps and corten steel retaining
walls lead down to the pool terrace and
Zen-inspired gravel garden.

88 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Above: The upper terrace features herbs and a
cutting garden in raised corten steel planters set in
pea stone. Right: A bisecting granite path provides
circulation and separation between the Zen garden
and the ornamental grass bed.

Client: Private Residence Landscape Architect: Seventy
Acres Landscape Architecture and Design Civil Engineer:

Michael J. Mazzucco P.C. General Contractor: Maxwell
Associates Landscape Contractor: Gregory Landscapes
Lighting/Irrigation: Summer Rain Masonry: Anthony Manca
Stone Masons Excavation: Nazzaro Inc. Fencing: Riverside
Fence Stone Supplier: Gault Stone and Landscape Supply
Pool Contractor: Shoreline Pools, Inc. Water Feature: Ore

Design Photographers: Charles Moretz, Brook Clark

SPRING 2022 | 89

Merit Award STUDENT | SITE DESIGN
Alexandra Heckmann, University of Connecticut

Beyond the Meadows and reflection. Beyond the Meadows, endless
educational and recreational opportunities
Beyond the Meadows is the proposed await them. An abundance of native plantings
redevelopment of the Mansfield Elementa- and gardens are proposed throughout the
ry School, serving grade Pre-Kindergarten site to provide color and interest while stra-
through grade 4. Beyond the Meadows tegically shielding views from the road. The
offers a flexible, dynamic design that grows entire site is bordered by a revitalized forest
with the child.  edge that screens viewsheds from adjacent
After critical analysis and research into public entities, to ensure that students can
the effects of nature on child development engage in safe, protected recreation.
— both cognitive and social — programmatic
elements were developed. The site features
a plethora of unique recreation areas with an
emphasis on nature play and connecting the
students with their surrounding environment
and ecology. Numerous passive and active
recreation features enhance educational
opportunities and facilitate a child’s innate
desire to interact with the natural world.
Upon arriving for school, students
are met with a meandering board-
walk that can be used for outdoor
and physical education. Nat-
uralized meadows accom-
pany the boardwalk to
revitalize the land,
while providing a
sense of calm

Right: Master Plan.
Above: Playground section.

90 | CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE