SWA was hired to help reclaim an abandoned quarry into an attractive residential village. The program called for 256du on 12.5 net acres, a density of 2.5 du/acre. The City of Larkspur required that 97 of the total units be family units. They defined family units as residences with two or more bedrooms and located not more than one level above grade. The City was very sensitive to livability issues related to this project. SWA’s approach was to freely reshape/sculpt the degraded site to maximize the site’s potential for the proposed residential use.The project required an interdisciplinary approach involving architects, civil engineers, geotechnical consultants and horticulturists. SWA was the lead designer responsible for the site plan, overall building massing, site grading, and open space improvements. Following the schematic phase, the landscape architects played an important role in coordination with the work of the architect and civil engineer; and continued this effort throughout the construction process. To achieve the design goals, the designers employed the following concepts: • Mass and site buildings to maximize offsite view potentials. • Create a pedestrian precinct within the development – emphasize the pedestrian connections and amenities. • Restrict vehicles to the perimeter of the site. Create a distinct identity within each courtyard cluster. • Given the City’s desire to create 97 family units, integrate these units with non-family units via building clustering and shared courtyards. • On a steeply terraced site, take up grade with building clusters and retaining wall. Generate usable outdoor spaces.
Gotham West
Gotham West is a residential development west of Times Square that nearly encompasses a full city block. The space between two mid-rise buildings and a market-rate tower forms a signature courtyard accessed from the tower’s lobby. A sculptural Japanese maple, floating within a reflecting pool, serves as a focal feature. Other courtyard elements include illumin...
Zakin Residence
SWA worked closely with the client and architect in siting the house to maximize views and preserve opportunities in which to develop the landscape. The varied program for the landscape included a small family vineyard, a multi-use field, flower gardens, fountains, terraces, a koi pond, swimming pool and spa, tennis courts, courtyards, a heli-pad and guest par...
Revisiting SunCity Kashiwa
Elderly residents at SunCity Kashiwa are no longer at a loss for dinner conversation: an underutilized terrace outside their extensive ground-level common spaces now features a dramatic pond and mountain-inspired rock formation with multiple cascading waterfalls. Everyone wants a window seat. The striking water feature crowns a new four-season view garden desi...
Raycom City
The planned district’s one-kilometer-long public park and retail promenade draws inspiration from Hefei’s ancient river city identity and waterside parks, and includes a string of five special places–the Triangle Park, the Ribbon Park, the Crescent Park, the Source Fountain Plaza, and the Children’s Playground. All of these are connected by rain gardens, grove...