Maybe Next Year
August 25, 2013
Getting the lawn crew on board might be the biggest challenge. The mowing of meandering paths of turf through “islands” of meadow might be just the ticket to 1) freshen up a stale yard 2) invite nature back in to your home environment 3) reduce emissions from petroleum fueled power equipment. It’s just a thought, but it seems much more modern than acres of turf that has been fertilized, weed killed, edged and plucked to within an inch of its natural life. A paradigm shift like this would do everyone a world of good on so many levels, from a tiny urban plot to sprawling suburban acres. I’m loving it.
http://www.danpearsonstudio.com/#/selected-works/private/oxfordshire/
Gimme Shelter
July 14, 2013
And, a little deck to get my vitamin D on and I’m good to go. A simple Monopoly game shaped structure…it can’t get any simpler than that…just enough of a terraced deck and a view stretching out over a gently waving meadow. Take a deep breath and leave the weeks ” crazies” behind. It’s another summer weekend get-a-way. Still, I’m not a fan of the steeply pitched roof, it’s the comforting shape and the warmth of the dark gray wood exterior that draws me in. The interior here is intentionally spartan, fully wrapped in OSB that provides a great natural finish that draws from the grassy exterior views…and simply appointed,making it adaptable as guest cottage, gathering place or studio. Too bad it’s located in the UK…I was just about to start loading the car.
http://www.archdaily.com/300745/stealth-barn-carl-turner-architects/
Any volunteers?
June 17, 2013
Really, look around…do a quick survey of your site…and make a few notes as to the indigenous plant material that has made a home there on its own…the volunteers. If they are doing well, you have the added benefit of knowing that in addition to being happy they’ll be safe from attacks by local fauna. This is a great jumping off point when selecting the plant material for your new landscaping project. The juxtaposition of modern meadow against structures, clipped yew, tallhedge or boxwood may be just the simplequietmodern statement you’ve been looking for. Dutch landscape master Piet Oudolf illustrates this point to perfection in the design of the Highline in Manhattan as well as both public and private spaces around the world. If inspiration like this can come from a quick inventory of flora in an abandoned elevated train track I imagine you could pull a little magic from the “surprises” popping up in your yard. 
http://www.oudolf.com/piet-oudolf
http://remash.tumblr.com/
