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 designed to complement a current architectural renovation, undertaken 15 years after the facility’s opening. Strategic grading purposefully elevates the landscape and allows maximum benefits from both deciduous and evergreen tree plantings, with the dense trees screening the south residential wing and the single-family residential neighborhood beyond from view of the main public spaces. The mechanical bunker for the water feature is adjacent to the water elements, greatly reducing running costs and providing a foundation for the rocks and topography. Other new attractions include the addition of an entry canopy, repaving the arrival court, and updated project signage.
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...
Elan The Presidential
At Elan the Presidential, residents are taken on a journey through the passage of water, cascading through multiple levels within the development before culminating at the central clubhouse and pool. Green spaces complement the water features, bringing nature into the site, with 60% of the development dedicated to open space and outdoor amenities.
Resid...
Hicks Mountain Ranch
Hicks Mountain Ranch is a 900-acre sustainable ranching operation in West Marin County. The watershed, which includes grassland, wetland, and riparian habitats had been impacted by decades of grazing. In addition to developing a home on the property, plans were instituted to restore the ecosystem and mitigate the impacts of development. In addition to undertak...
Mill Valley Residence
Nestled on a hilltop in Mill Valley, this family residence presented a unique opportunity to unify multiple buildings within one cohesive landscape. Originally a home and ADU renovation, the project expanded when the owners decided to purchase the adjacent property for a new house, pool, and ADU. SWA was brought in to collaborate with TGH Architects to realize...