5 2. Lawn Space Space Large expanses of common lawn become a layered forest planting between the Teaberry and Spiceberry townhome clusters, adding to the existing trees there; the space between Spiceberry and Cranberry townhomes becomes a “wildflower spillway,” soaking up and filtering stormwater from the outlet pipe, while providing a colorful view and diverse pollinator forage.
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7. Rose Field Field Rose Field contains some of the best potential farmland with shallow slopes, open space, road access, water, and no wetlands restrictions. This area is conserved for this purpose into the future. A boardwalk is installed between Rose Field and the new development, passing along the newly certified vernal pool, creating connection between communities while providing a recreational and educational feature.
3. Bassett Brook Brook Drive Swales & Detention Basins The length of Bassett Brook Drive is now bordered by a rain garden swale (an enhanced version of the existing swale) that merges with the wildflower spillway and connects to several detention basins. The swale slows, filters, cools, and absorbs stormwater before any excess water is managed by the detention basins, which are now planted with native plants, serving as bioretention basins. Norway maple street trees have also been replaced by a diverse array of native species.
4. Gathering Spaces Spaces
5. Townhome Yards
Areas throughout the property have been identified for gathering spaces to improve accessibility to nearby outdoor seating areas for all residents (see sheet 10 for details). One gathering space, at the end of Bassett Brook Drive connecting to the new development and Mulberry townhomes, could serve as a central meeting space.
All turf lawn on campus is completely replaced by a low-mow mix, and front yards are enlivened with native plants that provide wildlife habitat, pollinator forage, and winter interest. Townhome residents can choose from a variety of planting patterns that provide a diversified look between homes, while retaining simplicity and balance in the townhome landscape.
Spring 2020
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Eli Bloch and Allison Mason
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Residential Area
Upon arrival, residents, staff and visitors pass the Florence Road meadow that is now intensely managed as a wildflower and pollinator meadow. The meadow is a welcoming, colorful, and showy feature that highlights the community’s appreciation for its meadows on campus.
Northampton and Easthampton, Massachusetts
The forest edge is extended between the northwest edge of Cranberry Meadow and the new development to attenuate winter winds and reduce heating energy costs in the winter while also creating more privacy for new and old townhomes. Vegetated wind breaks are installed between the border of Cranberry Meadow closest to townhomes. The meadow’s edge is extended towards the townhomes through the installation of a wildflower border.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
6. Florence Road Meadow
FINAL CONCEPT
1. Cranberry Meadow
Lathrop Retirement Community Landscape Master Plan
Final Concept: Residential Area
13 Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
