There's no mistaking the latest trend in landscape design: natural is in, and the more natural, the better. This year's top award for residential design from ASLA went to Richardson & Associates of Saco, ME for their design of a lakeside family retreat in Maine that captures the spirit of old-time rustic New England camps.
The main residence and guest cabins that are located on other parts of the 369-acre property are nestled in the woods; the "beach" at the lakeside swimming area is actually a huge, flat rock.
The "spa" sits in the middle of a "boulder garden" and perfectly complements the many natural, large rocks found on the site.
The jury called the design "a very light touch" and said it "takes full advantage of the rock outcropping."
Not only did the landscape architects preserve the natural features of the property. They also took an extensive inventory of plants and worked to integrate the glades of ferns, mosses, and native shrubs into the final design.
Continue reading "Design: "Natural" Rules in 2010 ASLA Awards" »
