BERNICE WAHLER
LANDSCAPES
2019
outdoor living
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A beautiful landscape is the reward. Each image in this collection represents a collaboration between our clients and a team of professions. I am most grateful each day for the opportunity to create landscapes and to have some fun in the process!
Bernice Wahler
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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.
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“Masses of native vegetation define outdoor spaces and create depth within the ground plane.�
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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 from wind, an outdoor fire feature draws guests out of the screened porch onto an outdoor terrace for evening entertaining.
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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.
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Paine’s Creek “A minimal aesthetic gives priority to the coastal landscape beyond.� Brewster, Massachusetts Architect: Jill Neubauer Architects Builder: Cape Associates Contractor: Ponderosa Landscaping Photographer: Jane Messinger
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itting on a peninsula of land surrounded by marshes, ponds, and wetlands, this unique new construction required extensive environmental permitting championed by the Landscape Architect. The outdoor elements remain humble to the natural surroundings, giving a minimal aesthetic and maintaining unobstructed views to the Cape Cod Bay. Monochromatic sandstone paving is sited to support outdoor living and provide casual transitions from inside to outside. Fast-growing native material provides instant screening along the driveway, diffusing the view of a neighboring home from the floor to ceiling windows in the adjacent interior spaces. Attention to detail allows the built landscape elements to merge seamlessly with the architecture to create this Cape Cod vacation retreat.
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“A simple plant palette highlights the modernity of the home and the larger beauty of the surrounding landscape.� 21
Terraced View “The use of planted terraces helps soften the entry stairs and enhances the arrival experience.” Hyannis, Massachusetts 2018 Gold BRICC Award Winner Architect: John Dvorsack Architect Contractor: EJ Jaxtimer Builder, Inc. Photographer: Dan Cutrona
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orking with a significant topography change of 20’ from the backyard to the front yard, the landscape plan for this seasonal family home utilizes walls and sloped banks to form level areas for circulation, dining, lounging, gardening, and lawn play. Upon arrival to the property, guests are greeted by a set of landscape steps cleverly incorporated into planted terraces to give the feeling of a garden walk up to the front door. These “green” terraces create a rolling, soft transition between the lower garage level and the firstfloor front door entrance and help visually minimize the somewhat daunting amount of grade change between the car arrival and home entry. The terraces also function as oversized raised beds, allowing the gardenista home owner to easily access and seasonally plant. Inspired by Gertrude Jekyll, an English style cottage gravel garden was created at the base of the terrace wall, working with the warm reflective heat of the masonry wall behind to create the perfect growing conditions for the Cape’s somewhat short growing season. Generous amounts of level lawn were sculpted to allow for multigenerational lawn play, and a mature oak tree was preserved during construction—despite the site’s tight access—to provide the perfect spot for a tree swing under the dappled shade.
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“Terraced walls create usable lawn & gardens for this gardenista home owner.�
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“The flatwork and wall stones were custom created from a selected range of granites to reflect the warm sandy tones of the Cape Cod shores.� 28
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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.
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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. 39
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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.” 43
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“Shadow patterns from a nearby birch offer lacy interest.� 50
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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 Falmouth, Massachusetts knoll. The upper lawn Architect: Salt Architecture maintains a strong connection to Photographer: Alissa Hike Harris the lower 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 sited to maximize the usable yard space and takes advantage of the site’s grade changes to provide a fully furnished walk-out lower level.
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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.
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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.
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Seam Less “Early collaboration with the design architect creates a seamless transition to the outside.� Falmouth, Massachusetts 2018 Silver BRICC Award Winner 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.
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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 dappled shade with the tree trunks creating columns for unity. Materials are repeated consistently throughout the property to maintain the feel of a coastal village.
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Spa Day “Relax with swirling stone under your bare feet in this summer retreat.” Oyster Harbors, Massachusetts 2017 World’s Best Pools Winner 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.
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“The pool terrace was sized to accommodate this blended family’s growing number of family and friends.”
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Nantucket
Sounds
“The addition of a pergola to the outdoor kitchen and dining area creates an instant outdoor room, increasing entertainment value.” Nantucket, Massachusetts Architect: Emeritus Development Contractor: EJ Jaxtimer Builder, Inc.
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ocated on Nantucket Sound, this seasonal home strives to make the most out of the summer season with an outdoor kitchen and dining space, a generous pool and lounging terrace, as well as covered porches to sit back and relax when you’ve had your fill of fun in the sun. With significant elevation changes from one end of the site to the other, the site planning requires attention to grading in order to provide level areas for outdoor living. Currently under construction, this project’s intimate relationships to the project boundaries requires the building contractor and landscape contractor to work together to coordinate mobilization efforts throughout the construction schedule. With any luck, this home will be ready for pool parties in the Summer of 2019.
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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.
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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.
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“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.�
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Publications in Garden Design “Glamour + Camp = Glamp,” Boston Design Guide, August 2019 “Grounded”, Boston Design Guide, summer 2019 “Cape Contemporary: Into the Woods”, New England Home, summer 2019 “Incredible Outdoor Spaces,” June 2019 “The Artist’s Garden at Hyannis Port”, Cape Cod Home, January 2019 “Tree House”, Design New England, July/August 2018 “Hot Seats”, New England Home, summer 2018 “Bernice Wahler Landscapes”, The World’s Greatest Pools, 2017 “A Whole New Level”, Home Remodeling, Fall 2017 “Partnership Forms to Create Attractive, Affordable Model Homes”, The Falmouth Enterprise, September 2017 “Flamethrowers”, Globe Magazine, April 2017 “Avalon of Osterville”, Cape Cod Home, summer 2017 FIR
“Excellence in Outdoor Living Space Design”, Cape Cod Home, Summer 2017
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“Top Landscape Architects of 2016”, Ocean Home, April/May 2016
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Awards and Recognition 2018 Gold BRICC Award - Excellence in Landscape Design 2018 Silver BRICC Award - Excellence in Landscape Design 2017 World’s Greatest Pools Winner 2016 Gold BRICC Award - Excellence in Outdoor Living Space Design 2016 Gold BRICC Award - Excellence in Landscape/Garden Design 2016 Ocean Home Top Landscape Architect 2014 Green Builder Award
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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, Pressley Associates, and Stephen Stimson Associates. In 2012, she founded Bernice Wahler Landscapes to specialize in the detail design of private residences. She collaborates with clients, architects, engineers, and contractors on awardwinning private residences throughout New England. 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. 117
Project List Little Island Residence - West Falmouth, MA | In-Progress Dorchester Courtyard - Dorchester, MA | In-Progress Shimmo Pond Road Residence - Nantucket, MA | In-Progress Juniper Point Residence - Woods Hole, MA | In-Progress Great Woods Estate - Harwich, MA | Concept 2018 Great Marsh Residence - Falmouth, MA | Summer 2018 Gunning Point Residence - Falmouth, MA | Fall 2017 Paine’s Creek Residence - Brewster, MA | Summer 2018 Mount Vernon - Hyannisport, MA | Summer 2018 The Cottage House - Falmouth, MA | Summer 2018 Mill Pond Residence - 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 Adams Street Residence - Milton, MA | 2016 Snug Harbor Residence - West Falmouth, MA | 2016 Irving Avenue Residence - Hyannisport, MA | 2016 Sippewissett Residence - West Falmouth, MA | Phase 1 -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 118
“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
Emeritus Development
Salt Architecture
Francisco Tavares, Inc.
Sea-Dar Construction
Holmes and McGrath, Inc.
Sullivan Engineering & Surveying
Hutker Architects
Suzanne Apellaniz
Jill Neubauer Architects 119
Index Cape Casual 2 Resort Living 6 Stone Wall Orchard 12 Paine’s Creek 14 Terraced View 20 Historically Speaking 32 Coastal Woodland 36 Pairing Down 52 Bay Views 56 Summer Camp 60 Seam Less 66 Coastal Compound 88 Spa Day 94 Nantucket Sounds 102 White Out 106 Flamethrowers 110 Publications & Awards 112
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