Urban Oasis TRANQUIL OUTDOOR SPACES AT HOME Rebecca Gross
Urban Oasis TRANQUIL OUTDOOR SPACES AT HOME Rebecca Gross
Urban Oasis TRANQUIL OUTDOOR SPACES AT HOME Rebecca Gross
CONTENTS 7 INTRODUCTION 14
SONOMA LIFESTYLE IN THE CITY
Chicago, United States
126
LAND OF PLENTY
Chicago, United States
134
CONVERSATION PIECE
Melbourne, Australia
22
A WORLD AWAY
San Francisco, United States
138
AN EXUBERANT GARDEN TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE
28
MONTAUK MEETS MANHATTAN
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
New York, United States
144
SOLACE FOR THE SOUL
36
HAMPTONS-STYLE ROOFTOP HAVEN
Melbourne, Australia
New York, United States
148
SOUTH LONDON SANCTUARY
42
TROPICAL FLAVOR
London, United Kingdom
Sydney, Australia
152
MID-CENTURY MODERN VIEWS
New York, United States
46
LIVING THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM
Sydney, Australia
160
A SLICE OF GARDENING HEAVEN
54
SUBTROPICAL SUN-TRAP
Melbourne, Australia
Gold Coast, Australia
168
THIS SPORTING LIFE
58
NEW YORK PRAIRIE STYLE
New York, United States
New York, United States
176
SELF-SUSTAINING IN THE INNER CITY
64
NATURE AT EVERY TURN
Sydney, Australia
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
184
CITY ATTRACTION
70
SKY-HIGH HABITAT
Toronto, Canada
Melbourne, Australia
188
RISE TO THE OCCASION
78
BUCOLIC BACKYARD BUILT TO LAST
San Francisco, United States
Sydney, Australia
196
BROWNSTONE MEETS BLUESTONE
86
JAPANESE-INSPIRED ELEGANCE AND SIMPLICITY
New York, United States
New York, United States
2 00
IN PERFECT HARMONY
90
AN ATTRACTIVE GARDEN FOR ALL
London, United Kingdom
Melbourne, Australia
2 08
PENTHOUSE PARADISE IN TRIBECA
98
INNER-CITY BOHO
New York, United States
New York, United States
214
GARDEN WITH A VIEW
106
JUNGLE OASIS
New York, United States
London, United Kingdom
222
CREDITS
114
A POCKET OF PARADISE
Melbourne, Australia
120
AN ELEGANT GARDEN PARTY
Toronto, Canada
CONTENTS 7 INTRODUCTION 14
SONOMA LIFESTYLE IN THE CITY
Chicago, United States
126
LAND OF PLENTY
Chicago, United States
134
CONVERSATION PIECE
Melbourne, Australia
22
A WORLD AWAY
San Francisco, United States
138
AN EXUBERANT GARDEN TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE
28
MONTAUK MEETS MANHATTAN
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
New York, United States
144
SOLACE FOR THE SOUL
36
HAMPTONS-STYLE ROOFTOP HAVEN
Melbourne, Australia
New York, United States
148
SOUTH LONDON SANCTUARY
42
TROPICAL FLAVOR
London, United Kingdom
Sydney, Australia
152
MID-CENTURY MODERN VIEWS
New York, United States
46
LIVING THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM
Sydney, Australia
160
A SLICE OF GARDENING HEAVEN
54
SUBTROPICAL SUN-TRAP
Melbourne, Australia
Gold Coast, Australia
168
THIS SPORTING LIFE
58
NEW YORK PRAIRIE STYLE
New York, United States
New York, United States
176
SELF-SUSTAINING IN THE INNER CITY
64
NATURE AT EVERY TURN
Sydney, Australia
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
184
CITY ATTRACTION
70
SKY-HIGH HABITAT
Toronto, Canada
Melbourne, Australia
188
RISE TO THE OCCASION
78
BUCOLIC BACKYARD BUILT TO LAST
San Francisco, United States
Sydney, Australia
196
BROWNSTONE MEETS BLUESTONE
86
JAPANESE-INSPIRED ELEGANCE AND SIMPLICITY
New York, United States
New York, United States
2 00
IN PERFECT HARMONY
90
AN ATTRACTIVE GARDEN FOR ALL
London, United Kingdom
Melbourne, Australia
2 08
PENTHOUSE PARADISE IN TRIBECA
98
INNER-CITY BOHO
New York, United States
New York, United States
214
GARDEN WITH A VIEW
106
JUNGLE OASIS
New York, United States
London, United Kingdom
222
CREDITS
114
A POCKET OF PARADISE
Melbourne, Australia
120
AN ELEGANT GARDEN PARTY
Toronto, Canada
INTRODUCTION When Frederick Olmsted designed Central Park in
For city and inner-city dwellers, however, the
Manhattan in the nineteenth century it was not
opportunities for private outdoor space have long
merely to create a green space. Rather, it addressed
been few and far between. But in recent decades,
underlying social concerns in the ever-growing
architects, designers, and homeowners have been
metropolis. Olmsted saw parks as an antidote to
rethinking the possibilities. Barren rooftops, unused
modern life and a necessary visual, physical, and
parking lots, and overgrown backyards are being
mental escape from the city. Indeed, Central Park
transformed into verdant landscapes, and houses,
was to provide an urban oasis—peaceful, pleasant,
apartments, condominiums, and warehouses are
and picturesque. Where people had access to
being designed, renovated, and converted to carve
fresh air and sunlight, and where close contact
out terraces, courtyards, and gardens.
with nature would be healing and restorative— beneficial for individual and social good.
This shift has seen a trend in viewing and designing outdoor space as an extension of the
The importance of green space is even more
house and as an “outdoor room.” They are designed
pronounced today. As urban areas increase in density
for prescribed yet flexible functions, and with
in both population numbers and development, there
the comfort and individuality of an indoor room.
is a disconnection with nature and less time spent
Glass doors create transparent divisions between
outdoors, simply being in open space.
inside and out, and consistent material palettes
While urban planners recognize the need for developing public parks and civic hubs, what if you could have your own private outdoor space. It was historically the domain of the elite and wealthy, until the inception of the backyard dream
create a seamlessness that blurs the boundaries of the exterior wall. Barbecues, dining tables, bench seats, and lounge settings offer places for relaxing, entertaining, playing, and socializing—for simply living life outdoors.
with twentieth-century suburban mass migration.
7
INTRODUCTION When Frederick Olmsted designed Central Park in
For city and inner-city dwellers, however, the
Manhattan in the nineteenth century it was not
opportunities for private outdoor space have long
merely to create a green space. Rather, it addressed
been few and far between. But in recent decades,
underlying social concerns in the ever-growing
architects, designers, and homeowners have been
metropolis. Olmsted saw parks as an antidote to
rethinking the possibilities. Barren rooftops, unused
modern life and a necessary visual, physical, and
parking lots, and overgrown backyards are being
mental escape from the city. Indeed, Central Park
transformed into verdant landscapes, and houses,
was to provide an urban oasis—peaceful, pleasant,
apartments, condominiums, and warehouses are
and picturesque. Where people had access to
being designed, renovated, and converted to carve
fresh air and sunlight, and where close contact
out terraces, courtyards, and gardens.
with nature would be healing and restorative— beneficial for individual and social good.
This shift has seen a trend in viewing and designing outdoor space as an extension of the
The importance of green space is even more
house and as an “outdoor room.” They are designed
pronounced today. As urban areas increase in density
for prescribed yet flexible functions, and with
in both population numbers and development, there
the comfort and individuality of an indoor room.
is a disconnection with nature and less time spent
Glass doors create transparent divisions between
outdoors, simply being in open space.
inside and out, and consistent material palettes
While urban planners recognize the need for developing public parks and civic hubs, what if you could have your own private outdoor space. It was historically the domain of the elite and wealthy, until the inception of the backyard dream
create a seamlessness that blurs the boundaries of the exterior wall. Barbecues, dining tables, bench seats, and lounge settings offer places for relaxing, entertaining, playing, and socializing—for simply living life outdoors.
with twentieth-century suburban mass migration.
7
Fresh air, sunshine, and nature have undoubtedly
York, but their designs evoke other places, such
positive benefits for body, spirit, and mind. Time
as Montauk, the Hamptons, Japan, or the great
spent outdoors improves health and happiness,
American prairie. Similarly, there are courtyards
lowers stress, and buoys mood, and private outdoor
and backyards in London that burst with a jungle
spaces offer residents the opportunity to indulge in
of tropical and subtropical plants—an exotic scene
the passions, particularly if it’s for plants or fresh
despite the English climate. While many urban areas
produce. Avid gardeners can flex their green fingers
in the northern hemisphere deal with extremes in
cultivating plants or harvesting herbs, flowers,
climate, Australia’s more moderate temperatures
vegetables, and fruit, reaping the benefits of locally
make it comfortable to spend time outdoors year-
grown food.
round. Consequently, there is a diverse selection of
Urban Oasis: Tranquil Outdoor Spaces at Home showcases contemporary residential spaces from around the world. As the designers—from large landscape architecture firms to local gardeners— creatively bed the landscapes into their architectural surroundings the spaces take many forms:
projects from Australia where the notion of “indooroutdoor living” has come to define an architectural and lifestyle ideal. As many head outside to seek the sun and heat, in Southeast Asia, by contrast, the high humidity sees people retreat to cooler, shadier areas, and houses there incorporate refreshing water.
courtyards, rooftops, patios, terraces, backyards,
Consistent across the projects, there is consideration
permaculture gardens, and water features. Drawing
for the context and climate, utilizing architecture
inspiration from nature, culture, and far-off places,
and vegetation for privacy, sun, and shade. Pergolas
they create personal paradises, even when space is at
and arbors obstruct views from overlooking
a premium.
neighbors, and the leaves of deciduous plants
You will find terraces in New York City that perch high above the rooftops. Taking in views of the famous skyline, they could be nowhere but New
8
provide shade in summer and allow sun to penetrate in winter. Outdoor areas are bounded by new and existing architecture as well as natural screens,
9
Fresh air, sunshine, and nature have undoubtedly
York, but their designs evoke other places, such
positive benefits for body, spirit, and mind. Time
as Montauk, the Hamptons, Japan, or the great
spent outdoors improves health and happiness,
American prairie. Similarly, there are courtyards
lowers stress, and buoys mood, and private outdoor
and backyards in London that burst with a jungle
spaces offer residents the opportunity to indulge in
of tropical and subtropical plants—an exotic scene
the passions, particularly if it’s for plants or fresh
despite the English climate. While many urban areas
produce. Avid gardeners can flex their green fingers
in the northern hemisphere deal with extremes in
cultivating plants or harvesting herbs, flowers,
climate, Australia’s more moderate temperatures
vegetables, and fruit, reaping the benefits of locally
make it comfortable to spend time outdoors year-
grown food.
round. Consequently, there is a diverse selection of
Urban Oasis: Tranquil Outdoor Spaces at Home showcases contemporary residential spaces from around the world. As the designers—from large landscape architecture firms to local gardeners— creatively bed the landscapes into their architectural surroundings the spaces take many forms:
projects from Australia where the notion of “indooroutdoor living” has come to define an architectural and lifestyle ideal. As many head outside to seek the sun and heat, in Southeast Asia, by contrast, the high humidity sees people retreat to cooler, shadier areas, and houses there incorporate refreshing water.
courtyards, rooftops, patios, terraces, backyards,
Consistent across the projects, there is consideration
permaculture gardens, and water features. Drawing
for the context and climate, utilizing architecture
inspiration from nature, culture, and far-off places,
and vegetation for privacy, sun, and shade. Pergolas
they create personal paradises, even when space is at
and arbors obstruct views from overlooking
a premium.
neighbors, and the leaves of deciduous plants
You will find terraces in New York City that perch high above the rooftops. Taking in views of the famous skyline, they could be nowhere but New
8
provide shade in summer and allow sun to penetrate in winter. Outdoor areas are bounded by new and existing architecture as well as natural screens,
9
such as rows of bamboo trees. Evergreen and
Dotted around a city, these green and open
low-maintenance plants prove popular choices,
spaces—no matter their size—become part of a
and flowering perennials add color and fragrance,
network for pollinators and for flora to make their
attracting a variety of pollinators.
habitat. Contributing to local ecosystems and
This transformation of urban space is occurring at all scales as urban planners, architects and landscape architects convert existing and aging infrastructure in to public parkland. The High Line in Manhattan set a precedent in repurposing a disused railway track and its success has inspired other cities to replicate it. An industrial parking lot in Toronto is
biodiversity, this regeneration of nature not only boosts the quality of life but also the quality of the environment. It helps to counteract the urban heat island effect, providing shade and reducing temperatures, while plants insulate against noise, filter stormwater runoff, and remove pollutants from the air.
now an urban beach on the waterfront, and rooftops
Across the 32 projects featured in this volume,
around the world are being transformed into
you will find personal and private outdoor spaces
urban farms. Singapore is one of the most densely
that are as fresh and inviting as the air, sun and
populated cities and also one of the greenest.
nature they provide access to. Constrained by their
As all new developments must include plant life,
architectural context, but with inspiration and
urban planners and architects are weaving nature
plant life drawn from a broad array of imaginative
throughout infrastructure and architecture with
sources, these urban oases feel removed from city
green roofs, cascading gardens, and green walls.
life, while being inherently embedded within it. Rebecca Gross
10
11
such as rows of bamboo trees. Evergreen and
Dotted around a city, these green and open
low-maintenance plants prove popular choices,
spaces—no matter their size—become part of a
and flowering perennials add color and fragrance,
network for pollinators and for flora to make their
attracting a variety of pollinators.
habitat. Contributing to local ecosystems and
This transformation of urban space is occurring at all scales as urban planners, architects and landscape architects convert existing and aging infrastructure in to public parkland. The High Line in Manhattan set a precedent in repurposing a disused railway track and its success has inspired other cities to replicate it. An industrial parking lot in Toronto is
biodiversity, this regeneration of nature not only boosts the quality of life but also the quality of the environment. It helps to counteract the urban heat island effect, providing shade and reducing temperatures, while plants insulate against noise, filter stormwater runoff, and remove pollutants from the air.
now an urban beach on the waterfront, and rooftops
Across the 32 projects featured in this volume,
around the world are being transformed into
you will find personal and private outdoor spaces
urban farms. Singapore is one of the most densely
that are as fresh and inviting as the air, sun and
populated cities and also one of the greenest.
nature they provide access to. Constrained by their
As all new developments must include plant life,
architectural context, but with inspiration and
urban planners and architects are weaving nature
plant life drawn from a broad array of imaginative
throughout infrastructure and architecture with
sources, these urban oases feel removed from city
green roofs, cascading gardens, and green walls.
life, while being inherently embedded within it. Rebecca Gross
10
11
TRANQUIL OUTDOOR SPACES AT HOME
TRANQUIL OUTDOOR SPACES AT HOME
SONOMA LIFESTYLE IN THE CITY Sonoma on the Californian coast is on every wine-lover’s
SONOMA IN THE CITY
bucket list with its wide, open spaces, picturesque scenery,
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
and charming towns. The owners of this Chicago house
DSPACE STUDIO
wanted to recreate Sonoma’s open-air lifestyle in their innercity garden, reminding them of California’s big-sky country, which they used to call home. Having acquired an adjacent lot, they increased the width of their property and engaged dSPACE Studio to create an outdoor space for cooking, dining, relaxing, and entertaining outdoors. Extending along the side of the house, the yard is divided into four zones accommodating kitchen and dining, spa and terrace, side yard, and television lounge. Each zone is at a different level and faces south for natural light. The outdoor kitchen and dining table are on an elevated deck, tucked between the house and garage and easily accessible from inside. The kitchen offers everything for cooking and entertaining outdoors, while the fireplace keeps the family and guests warm on cooler nights, and overhead string lights add a celebratory vibe.
14
15
SONOMA LIFESTYLE IN THE CITY Sonoma on the Californian coast is on every wine-lover’s
SONOMA IN THE CITY
bucket list with its wide, open spaces, picturesque scenery,
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
and charming towns. The owners of this Chicago house
DSPACE STUDIO
wanted to recreate Sonoma’s open-air lifestyle in their innercity garden, reminding them of California’s big-sky country, which they used to call home. Having acquired an adjacent lot, they increased the width of their property and engaged dSPACE Studio to create an outdoor space for cooking, dining, relaxing, and entertaining outdoors. Extending along the side of the house, the yard is divided into four zones accommodating kitchen and dining, spa and terrace, side yard, and television lounge. Each zone is at a different level and faces south for natural light. The outdoor kitchen and dining table are on an elevated deck, tucked between the house and garage and easily accessible from inside. The kitchen offers everything for cooking and entertaining outdoors, while the fireplace keeps the family and guests warm on cooler nights, and overhead string lights add a celebratory vibe.
14
15
“The owners...wanted to recreate Sonoma’s open-air lifestyle in their innercity garden, reminding them of California’s big-sky country.”
The deck steps down to the side yard where the spa pool is submerged in the paving. Greenery in black steel planter boxes flourishes around the edges, and globe lights dance along the wall. The television lounge is a level lower, with sofas nestled into the cozy and comfortable sunken space. The pergola offers privacy, and louvered sunshades filter sunlight, creating the open-air Sonoma lifestyle the homeowners know and love.
19
“The owners...wanted to recreate Sonoma’s open-air lifestyle in their innercity garden, reminding them of California’s big-sky country.”
The deck steps down to the side yard where the spa pool is submerged in the paving. Greenery in black steel planter boxes flourishes around the edges, and globe lights dance along the wall. The television lounge is a level lower, with sofas nestled into the cozy and comfortable sunken space. The pergola offers privacy, and louvered sunshades filter sunlight, creating the open-air Sonoma lifestyle the homeowners know and love.
19
A WORLD AWAY With its peaceful outlook and tranquil atmosphere, this
BUTTERFLY HOUSE
courtyard garden feels a world away from the demands
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
of work and city life. The serene respite borrows from the
SURFACEDESIGN INC
Japanese tradition of tsuboniwa—a garden in a small, enclosed area and compositionally part of the house. Elements are carefully arranged, and prevailing breezes, sunlight, seasons, and sounds contribute to a calm and quiet space for the young family to feel at ease. The garden seamlessly connects with the interior living spaces and glass doors fully recess to frame the courtyard composition. Horizontal planes flow through the landscape, permeated with soft and textured plantings, and a walkway wraps around the stone patio, hovering above ferns and Japanese anemones that emerge from beneath.
22 22
23
A WORLD AWAY With its peaceful outlook and tranquil atmosphere, this
BUTTERFLY HOUSE
courtyard garden feels a world away from the demands
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
of work and city life. The serene respite borrows from the
SURFACEDESIGN INC
Japanese tradition of tsuboniwa—a garden in a small, enclosed area and compositionally part of the house. Elements are carefully arranged, and prevailing breezes, sunlight, seasons, and sounds contribute to a calm and quiet space for the young family to feel at ease. The garden seamlessly connects with the interior living spaces and glass doors fully recess to frame the courtyard composition. Horizontal planes flow through the landscape, permeated with soft and textured plantings, and a walkway wraps around the stone patio, hovering above ferns and Japanese anemones that emerge from beneath.
22 22
23
“Bathed in light, and enveloped in a veil of mist, the facets of the cranes are illuminated and cast dancing shadows on the courtyard wall.�
A monumental hearth is the focal point of the garden and center of energy, emanating light and heat. Pristine white concrete frames the fire pit and the rippling surface of a black basalt fountain wall, with a cantilevered bench seat providing a hub to gather on night entertaining. Surfacedesign Inc collaborated with a local foundry to create a cast-aluminum installation of cranes suspended in the breezeway. Bathed in light, and enveloped in a veil of mist, the facets of the cranes are illuminated and cast dancing shadows on the courtyard wall.
24
25
“Bathed in light, and enveloped in a veil of mist, the facets of the cranes are illuminated and cast dancing shadows on the courtyard wall.�
A monumental hearth is the focal point of the garden and center of energy, emanating light and heat. Pristine white concrete frames the fire pit and the rippling surface of a black basalt fountain wall, with a cantilevered bench seat providing a hub to gather on night entertaining. Surfacedesign Inc collaborated with a local foundry to create a cast-aluminum installation of cranes suspended in the breezeway. Bathed in light, and enveloped in a veil of mist, the facets of the cranes are illuminated and cast dancing shadows on the courtyard wall.
24
25
Walkways, catwalks, and stairs lead to the upper terrace with an aerial view into the courtyard, and a panorama across the hills and bay. Succulent planters and slivers of sunken garden soften the edges of the rooftop, and the aroma of fresh mint and tomatoes waft from the herb and vegetable garden. Pots of citrus trees flourish with lemons, limes, and blood oranges in winter, and fragrant citrus blossoms in the spring.
26
27
Walkways, catwalks, and stairs lead to the upper terrace with an aerial view into the courtyard, and a panorama across the hills and bay. Succulent planters and slivers of sunken garden soften the edges of the rooftop, and the aroma of fresh mint and tomatoes waft from the herb and vegetable garden. Pots of citrus trees flourish with lemons, limes, and blood oranges in winter, and fragrant citrus blossoms in the spring.
26
27
MONTAUK MEETS MANHATTAN This Manhattan terrace offers the best of two worlds:
MANHATTAN PENTHOUSE ROOFTOP
the casual-cool vibe of Montauk—the once-sleepy beach
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
enclave at the east end of the Long Island peninsula, and
MANSCAPERS NY
the iconic history of New York—the wooden water towers that dot its famous skyline. Their rotund barrel and spindly steel legs have been part of the city’s character since the late 1800s, and while they look like a relic of the past, they are still in use. They also are very much part of the view for this Greenwich Village terrace designed by Manscapers NY. Home to a family with a young son, the terrace has natural materials and coastal colors inspired by Montauk and provides a space for everyone. The relaxed lounge area sits in the shade of a water tower, with a sectional sofa and two laid-back rattan armchairs. Comfortable cushions and throws are in blues and grays, and the area rug is like soft sand under the feet. Manscapers NY designed the custom sofa and eight-person dining table for spending time with family and friends.
28
MONTAUK MEETS MANHATTAN This Manhattan terrace offers the best of two worlds:
MANHATTAN PENTHOUSE ROOFTOP
the casual-cool vibe of Montauk—the once-sleepy beach
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
enclave at the east end of the Long Island peninsula, and
MANSCAPERS NY
the iconic history of New York—the wooden water towers that dot its famous skyline. Their rotund barrel and spindly steel legs have been part of the city’s character since the late 1800s, and while they look like a relic of the past, they are still in use. They also are very much part of the view for this Greenwich Village terrace designed by Manscapers NY. Home to a family with a young son, the terrace has natural materials and coastal colors inspired by Montauk and provides a space for everyone. The relaxed lounge area sits in the shade of a water tower, with a sectional sofa and two laid-back rattan armchairs. Comfortable cushions and throws are in blues and grays, and the area rug is like soft sand under the feet. Manscapers NY designed the custom sofa and eight-person dining table for spending time with family and friends.
28
Surrounded by white and pink blooms of ‘Quick fire’ hydrangeas, the dining table invites long and leisurely lunches. An AstroTurf carpet provides a patch for play with a teepee and make-believe fire, and an elevated deck is a calm, zen space for yoga and greeting the sun as it rises. Fountain grass is reminiscent of the rugged Montauk dune grass, and its wilder, overgrown feel accentuates the water tower and hides its mechanicals. Purple prairie gay feather and bright yellow black-eyed susans add punches of color, and impose a natural, picturesque foreground to Manhattan’s historical buildings and water towers beyond.
31
Surrounded by white and pink blooms of ‘Quick fire’ hydrangeas, the dining table invites long and leisurely lunches. An AstroTurf carpet provides a patch for play with a teepee and make-believe fire, and an elevated deck is a calm, zen space for yoga and greeting the sun as it rises. Fountain grass is reminiscent of the rugged Montauk dune grass, and its wilder, overgrown feel accentuates the water tower and hides its mechanicals. Purple prairie gay feather and bright yellow black-eyed susans add punches of color, and impose a natural, picturesque foreground to Manhattan’s historical buildings and water towers beyond.
31
“An AstroTurf carpet provides a patch for play with a teepee and make-believe fire, and an elevated deck is a calm, zen space for yoga and greeting the sun as it rises.”
35
“An AstroTurf carpet provides a patch for play with a teepee and make-believe fire, and an elevated deck is a calm, zen space for yoga and greeting the sun as it rises.”
35
HAMPTONS-STYLE ROOFTOP HAVEN The Hamptons is a sublime summer destination for New
BROOKLYN BROWNSTONE ROOF
Yorkers escaping the heat of the city. It also holds a special
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
place in the hearts of the owners of this rooftop terrace. They
MANSCAPERS NY
first met in the Hamptons and wanted to evoke the feeling of casual coastal living on top of their Brooklyn brownstone. Designed by Manscapers NY, the terrace is inspired by the wild beach dunes and untamed nature of the ocean, with colorful Hamptons-style decor for convivial city living and plenty of space for the couple’s French bulldog to run free. The terrace is set up for eating, cooking, lounging, and socializing—for living for life outdoors all summer. A dining table is framed and shaded by a pergola intertwined with fragrant jasmine climbers. Two lounge areas have breezy, coastal-style character with fresh, summery colors of coral pink and sunshine yellow. Acapulco chairs—named for the glamorous 1950s jet-setters’ destination—are a resort classic, and laidback loungers capture the best of the summer sun.
37
HAMPTONS-STYLE ROOFTOP HAVEN The Hamptons is a sublime summer destination for New
BROOKLYN BROWNSTONE ROOF
Yorkers escaping the heat of the city. It also holds a special
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
place in the hearts of the owners of this rooftop terrace. They
MANSCAPERS NY
first met in the Hamptons and wanted to evoke the feeling of casual coastal living on top of their Brooklyn brownstone. Designed by Manscapers NY, the terrace is inspired by the wild beach dunes and untamed nature of the ocean, with colorful Hamptons-style decor for convivial city living and plenty of space for the couple’s French bulldog to run free. The terrace is set up for eating, cooking, lounging, and socializing—for living for life outdoors all summer. A dining table is framed and shaded by a pergola intertwined with fragrant jasmine climbers. Two lounge areas have breezy, coastal-style character with fresh, summery colors of coral pink and sunshine yellow. Acapulco chairs—named for the glamorous 1950s jet-setters’ destination—are a resort classic, and laidback loungers capture the best of the summer sun.
37
“...the terrace is inspired by the wild beach dunes and untamed nature of the ocean, with colorful Hamptons-style decor�
Timber-slat walls skirt the perimeter and screen off the neighbors, and planters and plant selections hide much of the mechanicals and skylights on the roof. The custom planters are finished in shou sugi ban, a traditional Japanese technique of charring a wood surface to render it a deep charcoal black. Fountain grass and feather grass is soft and rugged like the dunes, and Agastache, Russian sage, echinacea, and lavender bloom in violet, purple, and pink, as they do in the breathtaking gardens that grace the Hamptons shore.
40
41
“...the terrace is inspired by the wild beach dunes and untamed nature of the ocean, with colorful Hamptons-style decor�
Timber-slat walls skirt the perimeter and screen off the neighbors, and planters and plant selections hide much of the mechanicals and skylights on the roof. The custom planters are finished in shou sugi ban, a traditional Japanese technique of charring a wood surface to render it a deep charcoal black. Fountain grass and feather grass is soft and rugged like the dunes, and Agastache, Russian sage, echinacea, and lavender bloom in violet, purple, and pink, as they do in the breathtaking gardens that grace the Hamptons shore.
40
41
Personal and private outdoor space is becoming ever-more elusive as urban areas become more crowded due to population growth and increasing development. Urban Oasis: Tranquil Outdoor Spaces at Home explores projects from London to New York and Sydney to San Francisco that reveal inspirational designs of rooftops, garden spaces, outdoor rooms, terraces and courtyards, and provide refuge from the modern world with private pockets of paradise. These outdoor spaces provide relaxing, sociable, and plant-filled settings for residents to savor peace and calm, and the company of family and friends.
$40.00 [USA] £35.00 [GB]
Front and back covers: Tribeca Loft (Andrew Franz Architect) Photography Albert Vecerka-Esto Spine: Southgate Project (Ian Barker Gardens) Photography Claire Takacs