Although the fence does provide a
Figure 14-38
Meleca residence side yard. The entrance to the formal vegetable/herb garden has a less formal character than that shown in the master plan. The view into this area is rather bland. Although developing alternatives does take time, and time is money, it is important to eventually build enough time into a design contract to allow for such important design studies. Side Yard
Existing (Figure 14-38, left) This side yard is like many other narrow side yards. Proposed (Figure 14-39, right) Two elements can be modified to help create a more comfortable and visually appealing space. With a variety of potential design solutions facing them, they are often impressed with the thought and attention given to their project. Proposed (Figure 14-37, right) Whether or not a different fence type is proposed, the addition of a taller line of vertical shrubs can be used to block views of the first floor of the neighbor’s house as well as serve as a background for an ornamental tree. A low, curved hedge is used to reflect the arc of the wall. These types of spaces are usually linear in quality because of the limited space on the site. It seems just large enough to include a variety of shrubs along the side of the house, different shrubs along the fence line, a walkway through and into the front yard, and a few trees placed near the property line. Proposed (Figure 14-38, right) This could be an optimal space to use and view as a potted garden. This is always good for the designer, as the client will usually see the value in such steps of the process and will, more often than not, feel better about selecting a particular designer. The design challenge is to create a visually attractive view through the yard, along the walk, and into a recognizable entertaining space. Rather than trying to grow lawn in this space, there can be a series of regularly spaced stone slabs, like a checkerboard, as the base for placing pots and urns. Visually, the screened porch is the focal point of this view. In addition, some of these solutions are often different from any they have imagined. There are many ways to solve any given design problem. A regular stone pattern with a brick edge can help call attention to the space. View from Major Patio Space
Existing (Figure 14-37, left) The view from the central area of the entertaining space focuses directly to the south. Entertaining Space: An outdoor gathering space includes two ornamental ar
chitectural columns with an overhead beam. Figure 14-39
Meleca residence view into entertaining area. This might serve as an early phase of design, with the potted garden following in later years. The major table is placed nearer to the mantel wall, creating easier access through this space. As one enters the backyard and begins to walk toward the back of the house, the entire view is seen as wide open. Front Entry Plan—Option B (Figure 14-41, top left drawing)
This alternative for the front entry space offers the following. An overhead arbor could be used to create a separation and act as a transition between the backyard and the entertaining area. Additional Parking Spaces: Pavement has been added to provide two more
parking spaces for visitors. They include:
Front Entry Space: Raised geometric stone terrace with a formal boxwood
hedge separating it from the front yard. An overhead arbor is incorporated to provide shade and ground pattern adjacent to entry in this space. One idea can never be objectively evaluated unless there are others to compare it with regarding function, form, pattern, materials, and so on. Additional plantings of various types and sizes can be used to help create a more private space as well as a more visually attractive space. Potted Garden: A formal space is designed for viewing a changing collection
of potted plants throughout the year. A wall sculpture can then serve as a major display in the space. It consists of an alternating pattern of stone paving and annual flower beds with a narrow central stone walk. This ornamental tree can be sized and positioned as a sculpture, in a lawn panel, to block a view to the second-floor porch. Additional lawn area for play is provided in lieu of the potted garden. The central viewing garden consists of a lawn panel for access and an ornamental urn centered on the bay window. There is no walkway around the lawn, making for a more passive lawn space. physical barrier, it does little to restrict views. Meleca Master Plan (Figure 14-40)
The master plan consists of 10 specific areas that were developed based on the design sketches previously presented in this case study. There isn’t any sense of spatial separation between the backyard and the entertaining area. The southern portion of the garden focuses on a small grove of ornamental trees adjacent to a formal lawn panel. Oftentimes, these spaces have little sun and make for sparse lawn areas. Stone can be added at the corner to provide for a more symmetrical wall panel. The neighbor’s house, and particularly the second-floor porch, is the background to this important view. Although it is often quite easy to imagine a solution very early in the design process, it is strongly encouraged that additional effort be put forth to pursue ideas that are different from those first conceived. View into Entertaining Area
Existing (Figure 14-39, left) This is the most important area of the entertaining space, being adjacent to two often-used interior spaces. A low, curved, stone retaining wall provides a visual accent to the entry. Developing a series of design ideas at the preliminary stage of design is extremely helpful to the clients. Additional plants can be positioned to help block the views of adjacent as well as distant house fa£ades to keep views focused within the garden. Entertaining Area—Option B (Figure 14-42, top right drawing)
This alternative for the entertaining area offers the following. A series of large shade trees is designed with an alternating pattern of flower beds and shrubs to add variety and rhythm along the property line and fence. Central Viewing Garden: A place for ornamental urns and specialty pave
ment on axis with the central bay window. Front Entry Plan—Option C (Figure 14-41, bottom right drawing)
This alternative for the front entry space has the same major front entry space as Option B, with several modifications. A wood mantel for small potted plants and outdoor accessories can be centered on this wall. Other than the small ornamental furnace, there is little to contain one’s interest. This formal lawn panel also has a low, curved hedge to balance and reflect the front entry wall. The central viewing garden provides for a more permanent access. The ornamental urn, on center with the bay window, is set apart with a brick paved area and a low wrought-iron railing. The patio paving can be changed to incorporate two contrasting materials to form a more formal look.
