BERNICE WAHLER
LANDSCAPES
2018
outdoor living
Founded in 2012, Bernice Wahler’s design studio practices Landscape Architecture and
design
through a collaborative effort with our clients and builders. We
listen
with the goal to understand the essence of our clients’
lifestyle
to creatively curate a landscape that effortlessly supports
outdoor living.
Cape
Casual
“An architect’s home that distills the casual spirit of Cape Cod.” North Falmouth, Massachusetts Architect: Salt Architecture Photographer: Alissa Hike Harris
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ited to overlook a salt marsh, this year-round home maintains its connections to the surrounding landscape using bold masses of indigenous plants to reinforce the Cape Cod vernacular of this reinvented cottage home. Monolithic hedges of hydrangea and inkberry set up outdoor spaces that blur the lines between a traditional driveway and courtyard. The parking requirements and vehicular circulation occur within a greater arrival courtyard; seamlessly serving visitors, cars, trikes, and impromptu kick ball games. The site is book-ended with native vegetation that nestles this active family’s home quietly into its wooded setting.
“Masses of native vegetation define outdoor spaces and create depth within the ground plane.�
Resort
Living
“A fire pit keeps evenings warm and bright at this beach retreat.� West Hyannisport, Massachusetts 2016 BRICC Award Architect: Patrick Ahearn Architects, LLC Contractor: EJ Jaxtimer Builder, Inc. Photographer: Dan Cutrona Photography
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ith views of popular Craigsville Beach this seasonal house kicks into high gear in the summer. The site and pool were designed to magnify and focus views to the horizon. The pool and terrace were recessed to not compete with the main view. The ground plane further reinforces the gesture to the open view by using a subtle paving pattern that leads the eye across the pool and out to the ocean. The spa and wall create balance for the pool terrace within this formal setting and frame the horizon view. Nestled in an area more protected by wind, an outdoor fire feature draws guests out of the screened porch onto an outdoor terrace for evening entertaining.
Stone Wall
Orchard
“Native stone walls and hedges create rooms in the landscape.� New Canaan, Connecticut Architect: Jill Neubauer Architects Contractor: Fernando Neupmann Construction
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his New Canaan property was transformed to provide a ceremonious arrival that builds off the existing native vegetation. The site design slowly transitions visitors through an entry sequence where native plants begin to be architecturally organized to create an arrival court that reflects the surrounding wooded environment.
Traditional Twist
“A traditional Cape Cod cottage garden gets a refreshing arrangement.� Falmouth, Massachusetts Architect: Hutker Architects Contractor: Francisco Tavares, Inc
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hrubs, roses and hydrangeas: you have arrived on sunny Cape Cod. This summer home’s landscape takes cues from the traditional plants used in a classic cottage garden, but mindfully uses monolithic masses to create a large-scale cottage garden that relates to the scale and mass of its surroundings while offering privacy and enhancing guests arrival.
Historically Speaking
“A summer home with historic simplicity showcases classic coastal charm with hydrangeas, picket fences, and a shell driveway.� East Sandwich, Massachusetts Contractor: EJ Jaxtimer Builder, Inc. Photography: Kyle J. Caldwell
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his seasonal residence was extensively regraded to create level outdoor areas. Lawn steps and bluestone steppers are used to casually link lawn areas. Readily available native materials are used throughout to create a timeless landscape.
Coastal
Woodland
“Complex layering of native plants creates an instant woodland.” Brewster, Massachusetts Certified LEED Silver 2014 Green Builder Award Architect: Jill Neubauer Architects Contractor: Cape Associates, Inc Photography: Meredith Hunnibell
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urrounded by coastal upland forest, this residence was designed to coexist with its surroundings. The house is situated on the southernmost end of the property with the majority of the property consisting of contiguous restored coastal woodland. A low-maintenance fescue lawn provides the canvas for outdoor games as well as functions as a sloped plane directing runoff to adjacent plantings for cleansing and infiltration. A quarry end slab of bluestone is repurposed as a “sunning” block, a place to sit, a stage for impromptu plays, and other imaginative games. The restored woodland beyond is an extension of
“The design takes cues from regional context, re-establishing the woodland link.” the surrounding native vegetation. These layers of native plants and sizes emulate the native community of plants, allowing for natural succession and long-term stability with minimal management. The site design celebrates the management of site water through finely crafted infiltration boxes of bluestone and beach stones that capture the roof runoff, allowing it to recharge the aquifer. The gravel parking areas are designed to store one inch of rainwater and allow the water to percolate into the sandy soil below. Through these measures and others the site and house restore a previously developed site to the natural beauty of the Outer Cape.
Cape Cod Bay
Site
Bog
Myricks Pond
Old King’s Highway
“A path leads from the beach through a restored wooded area to the outdoor shower, intentionally designed to replicate the look of a natural footpath.”
“Shadow patterns from a nearby birch offer lacy interest.�
Pairing
Down
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he site design for this home creatively sculpts functional level outdoor “Just the essentials for this home.” space from what was once a wooded knoll. Falmouth, Massachusetts The upper lawn maintains a Architect: Salt Architecture strong connection to the lower Photographer: Alissa Hike Harris play area through the use of lawn steps. The swimming pool and terrace are slightly depressed for discrete views from the main house. Working closely with the architect and owner, the building was sighted to maximize the usable yard space and takes advantage of the site’s grade changes to provide a fully furnished walk-out lower level.
BayViews “Offset stone walls, slip past each other to reveal a meandering path to the dock.� Osterville, Massachusetts Contractors: EJ Jaxtimer Builder, Inc. & Joyce Landscaping Photographer: Dan Cutrona Photography
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ituated with sweeping views of West Bay, the site design creates a waterside plinth that provides space for outdoor entertaining. Native stone walls abut restored coastal bank habitat. A meandering path defined by stone steps weaves through the native vegetation leading to the lower dock.
Summer Camp “A family friendly summer home in the woods.� Bourne, Massachusetts Architect: Jill Neubauer Architects Contractor: McLaughlin & Son, Inc. Photography: Meredith Hunnibell
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are feet, grilling, evening fires, camping, lawn games, laughing: program elements for this seasonaluse family home. The simple site plan has a restrained style to reflect the spirit of place. Functional outdoor spaces are created from gravel and lawn. The proposed planting types use plant material originating in the surrounding natural landscape. The proposed planting areas are meaningfully organized to enhance outdoor spaces and reinforce the arrival sequence for visitors.
Seam Less
“Early collaboration with the design architect creates a seamless transition to the outside.� Falmouth, Massachusetts Architect: Jill Neubauer Architects Contractor: Francisco Tavares, Inc Photography: Meredith Hunnibell
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ocated along the banks of a salt pond, this residence has a tree-house-like responsiveness to the abutting native oak woodland. Working with the drama of the tree trunks backlit by the sparkle of Buzzards Bay, the building sits on trunk-like columns with decks extending into the surrounding landscape. Extensive environmental permitting was required to achieve this intimate relationship to the protected coastal bank. The project includes ongoing invasive species management and restoration of the native understory canopy within the landscape adjacent to the salt pond. The site plan builds off of the bold architecture with stone walls reinforcing the distinct building forms.
Coastal Compound “A collection of single-home residences is transformed into a cohesive property through landscape elements.” Cotuit, Massachusetts Contractor: EJ Jaxtimer Builder, Inc.
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nchored by a meadow, this collection of three single-family homes and a carriage house get a new life as a family summer retreat with privacy for all. Unity is created through the use of tree rows, stone walls, and clipped hedges. A gravel drive creates a “crackle” under cars’ tires signaling, a highly anticipated family arrival. Lines of trees along the drive offer dapple shade with the tree trunks creating columns for unity. Materials are repeated consistently throughout the property to maintain the feel of a coastal village.
Spa
Day
“Relax with swirling stone under your bare feet in this summer retreat.� Oyster Harbors, Massachusetts Contractor: EJ Jaxtimer Builder, Inc. Photography: Meredith Hunnibell
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etting up a dramatic view for summertime entertaining, this seasonal-use landscape emphasizes the site’s dramatic views to West Bay. The infinity edge pool is sited off to the side of the main entertaining terrace, leaving open clear views from the main living room to the natural vegetation bank and bay.
“The pool terrace was sized to accommodate this blended family’s growing number of family and friends.”
Terraced View
“The use of planted terraces helps soften the entry stairs and enhances the arrival experience.� Hyannis, Massachusetts Architect: John Dvorsack Architect Contractor: EJ Jaxtimer Builder, Inc.
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erraced gardens create level planting areas for seasonal flowers to enchant guests upon arrival. The site plan makes the most of the summer, for this multiple generation family home, by incorporating an entertainment and dining terrace, an outdoor grilling area, a terraced vegetable garden, and a play lawn.
“Terraced walls create usable lawn & gardens for this gardener’s paradise.”
White
Out
“Understanding and contrasting textures in a garden give opportunities for visitors to explore the unique beauty of green foliage that may otherwise be overlooked� Woods Hole, Massachusetts Architect: Jill Neubauer Architects Builder: Coast to Coast Development Contractor: Francisco Tavares, Inc & Suzanne Apellaniz
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hen designing a successful garden, one must consider not only color and bloom time, but also texture, leaf color, heights, winter interest, and the unique microclimates throughout the space. A blanket of soft whites infuse this Woods Hole cottage garden with classic charm. The garden gets its primary structure from multi-stem ornamental trees and holly shrubs sprinkled among the perennials and ferns. The monolithic line of oakleaf hydrangeas is used to reinforce the walk to the front door and also provides loose structure to this part-shade garden. The delicate fern leaves are artistically showcased when paired with the backdrop of an oversized hosta leaf.
Flamethrowers
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dding a fire feature to an outdoor space creates a cozy setting for late evening and night time gatherings or relaxing. In the early spring and late fall the warmth from the flames extends the outdoor season and provides a focal point in the garden. Used for more than just marshmallow toasting, today’s flame throwers include outdoor grills and pizza ovens for a unique dinner party.
“The warm glow of flames beckons guests to gather and socialize.”
“A wood-burning pizza oven in the garden is the perfect setting to showcase your culinary skills.�
FIREPLACES: GAS VS. WOOD
NEW INTERIOR DESIGN FOR A MID-CENTURY GUEST COTTAGE
RENOVATING AN OUTDATED CAPE FOR RETIREMENT
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10/19/17 2:22 PM
WHOLE HOUSE
LANDSCAPE + POOL HOUSE CONSTRUCTION: E.J. Jaxtimer Builder, Inc. ARCHITECT:
Patrick Ahearn Architect LLC Bernice Wahler Landscapes Cape Coastal Nursery
LANDSCAPE DESIGN: PLANT MATERIALS:
A WHOLE NEW LEVEL The addition of a pool house spawns the creation of an outdoor living area set in a native landscape. 36
HOME REMODELING | South Coast • Cape & Islands • South Shore
h o m e r e m o d e l i n g m a g.c o m
One would be hard pressed to recognize Dr. Susan O’Bell’s Federal-style home in West Barnstable as a reproduction built in the mid 1980s. “The house looks like it has been there for 200 years,” she muses. “It’s like a Nantucket sea captain’s house with that widow’s walk.” Such was the intent, as the house is located in a historic district—a fact that shaped not only its character but also that of the landscape around it.
By Kiley Jacques | Photography by Kyle J. Caldwell
h o m e r e m o d e l i n g m a g.c o m
FA LL • 2017
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Bernice Wahler Bernice specializes in the detailed design of private residences. She has a distinct appreciation for her clients’ goals and priorities that provide the foundation for her designs. She carefully merges these goals with an understanding of and inspiration from a site’s context and a commitment to developing resilient solutions. With over fifteen years of experience, Bernice has developed and executed landscapes that are of enduring quality and celebrate the uniqueness of their surroundings. She has practiced with leading design firms in the United States and Asia including EDSA Orient, Douglas Hoerr Landscape Architecture, and Pressley Associates. Most recently she was an Associate at Stephen Stimson Associates on Cape Cod from 2005 through 2012. While at SSA, she collaborated with clients, architects, engineers, and contractors on award-winning private residences and institutions in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Maine, and Michigan. In 2012 she founded Bernice Wahler Landscapes to specialize on the detail design of private residences. With many of her projects very near the coast, Bernice has a strong understanding of the regulations and approval process required in the development of these properties. She prides herself on listening to and collaborating with clients, architects, engineers, regulatory agencies, and contractors in the realization of these projects.
Project List Coonamessett Pond Residence - East Falmouth, MA | In-Progress Great Marsh Residence - Falmouth, MA | In-Progress Gunning Point Residence - Falmouth, MA | In-Progress Paines Creek Residence - Brewster, MA | In-Progress Mount Vernon - Hyannisport, MA | In-Progress The Cottage House - Falmouth, MA | In-Progress Mill Pond Residence - Woods Hole, MA | In-Progress Woods Hole Historic Campus - Woods Hole, MA | In-Progress Buzzards Bay Residence - Falmouth, MA | Summer 2017 Cotuit Bay Estate - Cotuit, MA | Phase 1 -2017 Valley Road Residence - Falmouth, MA | Summer 2017 Lombard Residence - Dorchester, MA | Spring 2017 Nemasket Residence - West Falmouth, MA | Concept 2017 Sea View Avenue Residence - Osterville, MA | Concept 2017 Oyster Way Residence - Osterville, MA | Concept 2017 Woodland Retreat Residence - Osterville, MA | 2016 Wing’s Neck Residence - Bourne, MA | 2016 Nashawena Harbor House - West Falmouth, MA | 2016 Oyster Harbors Residence - Osterville, MA | 2016 Shawme Pond Residence - Sandwich, MA | 2016 Wianno Residence - Osterville, MA | 2016 Saconesset Hills Residence - West Falmouth, MA | 2016 Adams Street Residence - Milton, MA | 2016 Snug Harbor Residence - West Falmouth, MA | 2016 Irving Avenue Residence - Hyannisport, MA | 2016 Buzzards Bay Avenue - Woods Hole, MA | Concept 2016 Sippewissett Residence - West Falmouth, MA | Phase 1 -2015 Little Island Residence - West Falmouth, MA | 2015 West Bay Residence - Osterville, MA | 2015 Bass River Residence - Yarmouth, MA | Permit 2015 Pine Hills Courtyard - Plymouth, MA | 2014 Sandy Neck Residence - Sandwich, MA | 2014 Stonewall Orchard Residence - New Canaan, CT | 2014 West Hyannisport Residence - West Hyannisport, MA | 2014 Coastal Woodland Residence - Brewster, MA | 2014 Charlestown Residence - Charlestown, RI | 2013 New Silver Marsh Residence - North Falmouth, MA | 2011
“If you do what you love... you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Some of Our Collaborators Atlantic View Lighting
J.M. O’Reilly & Associates, Inc.
Beatrice Bunker
John Dvorsack Architect
BJ’s Landscaping
Joyce Landscaping
BSS Design
M. Duffany Builders
Cape Associates, Inc.
McLaughlin & Son, Inc.
Cor-Metals, Inc
Meredith Hunnibell
Coast to Coast
Patrick Ahearn Architects, LLC
Custom Quality Pools
Pine & Swallow Environmental
Dale Tree Movers
Pinsonneault Builders
Dan Cutrona Photography
Ponderosa Landscaping
EJ Jaxtimer Builder, Inc.
Ryder & Wilcox
Francisco Tavares, Inc.
Salt Architecture
Holmes and McGrath, Inc.
Sea-Dar Construction
Hutker Architects
Sullivan Engineering & Surveying
Jill Neubauer Architects
Suzanne Apellaniz
124 MA Route 6A | Sandwich, Massachusetts 02563 bernicewahlerlandscapes.com bernice@bernicewahler.com 774 269 5429