Linden Hill School Campus Master Plan

Linden Hill School

Campus M as te r P l an 154 South Mountain Road, Northfield, MA 01360 Conway School of Landscape Design Adrian Laiwne | Seth Pearsoll | Spring

Linden Hill School Campus Master Plan 2008 154 South Mountain Road, Northfield, MA 01360 Linden Hill School Campus Master Plan Goals • Create a cohesive campus design that will help to raise the profile of the school • Create a pedestrian-friendly core campus area • Preserve the views and open space of the site • Increase the safety and readability of the site • Create an engaging landscape for staff and students Photos Courtesy of Linden Hill School

The School

“Linden Hill School is the country’s oldest junior boarding school for boys with language-based learning differences. Our goal is to help boys make the most of their capabilities and thus enable them to succeed not only in school, but in life. The program is designed to address the academic, social, emotional, and athletic needs of 9 to 16 year old boys with average to superior intelligence who have dyslexia or other language-based learning differences. Additionally, boys who wish to learn English as a second language find our program ideally suited to mastering reading, writing, and speaking in English. Prior to attending Linden Hill, many boys have experienced frustration and academic failure because the instruction they received did not match their learning needs. For boys who have struggled in other schools, a safe, nurturing environment is essential. The school provides a ‘home away from home’ atmosphere and a highly structured learning environment. The combination of a warm, supportive milieu, small classes, specialized language-intensive curriculum, and caring experienced teachers, helps boys gain self-reliance and confidence while strengthening their academic skills and knowledge.”

Linden Hill School Website

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu|413-369-4044

Sheet Index

Context Ecological Context Parcels Central Campus Slopes Drainage Soils Views Access and Circulation Legal Conditions Utilities Existing Vegetation Sun and Shade Summary Analysis Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Preferred Design Preferred Design: Sections Planting Guide Drainage Details Construction Details Materials Campus Recreation Site Sustainability

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Northfield, MA

Topography

Topography Linden Hill School is located on the eastern side of the Connecticut River valley about a half a mile from the river. The property and surrounding lands slope down west to a relatively flat plain through which Route 63 runs. The slopes of South Mountain, on which the school is located, are mostly forested while the plain below consists of areas cleared for agriculture and residential development.

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

South Mountain Road

Location The Linden Hill School property is located in Northfield, MA, approximately four miles south of the town center. It is within half a mile of Route 63, which runs from North Amherst to Vermont. The site is approximately six miles from Interstate 91, seventy-four miles from Boston, thirty-nine miles from Springfield, and sixty-three miles from the airport in Hartford, CT. It is located on South Mountain Road which serves as a shortcut for commuters to get to Route 2 and Boston. Currently, traffic on South Mountain Road is light, with mostly local traffic and logging trucks. The steepness of the road, combined with blind corners, are a safety concern because students must cross to reach the athletic field to the south.

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South Mountain Road

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Context

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Open Space Lands

Open Space Lands Lands protected from development are located mostly around the perimeter of the town of Northfield, at a distance from the school. This indicates a need for the school to satisfy a majority of its recreational requirements on campus.

Watersheds

Watersheds The Linden Hill School lies within the Connecticut River watershed, the largest in New England. The river extends 407 miles and drains 11,250 square miles. It is host to many species of anadromous fish, including the American shad, American eel, striped bass, and sea lamprey, as well as native trout species. Protection of the river and its watershed are vital for the survival of these species as well as the innumerable species of amphibian, reptile, insect, mammal, and bird that rely on its water for survival. Linden Hill School is located only half a mile from the river and can do its part to protect this valuable resource by minimizing pollutants and filtering water before it leaves the school property.

Connecticut

Merrimack

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Sensitive Habitats

Sensitive Habitats The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) has identified a Priority Habitat for Rare Species Area (yellow) on the Linden Hill School property. Merriam Brook has been shown to harbor rare species of plant or animal and drains into the Connecticut River, another Priority Area. A Notice of Intent must be filed with the NHESP as well as the local conservation commission before any landscape changes are performed in these areas. These areas also provide opportunities for learning about rare species, their habitat requirements, and 0’ 40’ 80’ conservation efforts.

Merriam Brook

Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

Spring 2008

Ecological Context

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Linden Hill Parcels The school owns five parcels of land located off South Mountain and Lyman Hill Roads in Northfield, MA. The main campus area on the north side of South Mountain Road is the focus of this study. The athletic field is located about 800 feet from the main campus area. Most of the five parcels are covered in mixed woodland with the exception of the main campus area, pasture, and athletic field.

Main Campus Area

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Barn and Pasture The Rivers Protection Act Rivers and their riparian zones provide valuable services such as surface and groundwater filtering and protection, stormwater mitigation, and wildlife habitat.

The Rivers Protection Act requires a buffer of 200’ around rivers and perennial streams. The buffer is broken down into two sections: the first 100’ zone has stricter regulations on building and disturbance while the second 100’ zone allows for some development if the site has been previously disturbed. Work done in these areas should restore or mitigate current conditions so that the area functions better ecologically and protects water quality.

Athletic Field

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parcels

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LEGEND paved road coniferous tree West

East

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WOODED FOREST

DUPLEX

CAMPUS QUAD

GYMNASIUM

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deciduous tree stone wall

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The five buildings on the Linden Hill campus are situated in a distinctive U pattern that opens west to the Connecticut River Valley. There are two ponds on campus, one located in the center of campus and the other located on the northern property line. (Some information for this map was derived from Milewski Utilities Plan, Feb. 10, 2001.)

POND

GYMNASIUM

HASKELL HALL

WH CO T I T E TAGE

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

DUPLEX

BENNETT HOUSE

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HAYES HILLSIDE

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A 3-D model, looking to the north, shows the campus core, including the forest edge to the north and east, and the wooded area across South Mountain Road.

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Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

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CENTRAL CAMPUS

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Existing flat areas, located to the west of the core campus area and south of South Mountain Road, can be utilized to reduce necessary earthwork and cost when creating flat areas for tennis courts, sports fields or parking areas.

CORE CAMPUS AREA

Most recreational activity currently takes place in the campus core where the relatively flat space provides a good place for gathering.

POND

HASKELL HALL

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DUPLEX

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BENNETT HOUSE

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

EXISTING UNUSED FLAT AREAS

The Linden Hill School is located on steep slopes which may pose constraints in developing the site. Activities such as walking, parking and field sports require slopes of less than 8%. The areas of campus suitable for these activities are either too small, or inconveniently located.

Siting play fields, courts, and parking on this property may require extensive grading.

GYMNASIUM

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LEGEND

A 3-D model gives a birds-eye view of the campus, demonstrating how the landform slopes down from east to west, toward South Mountain Road.

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Slopes

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PARKING NEAR BENNETT HOUSE Soil to the immediate east of the Bennett House is compacted and poorly drained. It receives extensive pedestrian and foot traffic, as it is located by one of the most used buildings on campus.

DUMPSTERS Soil in front of the dumpsters located on the northeast road is compacted and eroded from heavy vehicle traffic.

paved road coniferous tree deciduous tree

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POND GYMNASIUM

Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

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water flow direction

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HASKELL HALL

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

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BENNETT HOUSE

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Most of the water on the site flows westward. The pond on the northern boundary of the property holds surface run-off from the property’s northern hillside and from the adjacent property to the northeast as fed by an intermittent stream.

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DRAINAGE

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A 3-D model demonstrates primary water flow directions across the Linden Hill Campus.

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EAST END PARKING AREA A poorly drained patch of birch and beech trees is surrounded by impervious surfaces and floods when it rains, and after snow melts.

Linden Hill School 154 South Mountain Road Northfield, MA 01360

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SOIL TYPES SmF, SkC, SmC

Shapleigh

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Gloucester

Main Campus Area

MgB, MgC

Merrimac

SgB

Scituate

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

The soil types found on the Linden Hill property are in general rocky and well-draining. The greatest constraint to construction is the presence of rocks and boulders and shallow depth to bedrock in some places, which may require blasting in order to achieve the appropriate grade for parking lots, athletic fields, and swimming pools. The tendency to be well-drained and dry indicates that drought-tolerant plants may be most suitable for these areas.

Shapleigh Series • • • •

Rocky to very rocky fine sandy loam Well-drained, droughty Depth to bedrock from 0 to 24 inches Slope ranges from 0 to 50 percent

Gloucester Series

• Rocky and deep fine sandy loam • Well-drained with low moisture holding capacity • Slope ranges from 0 to 50 percent

Merrimac Series

• Deep fine sandy loam • Well-drained • Slope ranges form 0 to 35 percent

Scituate Series

• Rocky fine sandy loam to loamy sand • Moderately well-drained • Hard layer at about 24”

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Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

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Soils

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LEGEND OUTWARD VIEWS

GYMNASIUM

INWARD VIEWS

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View to mixed hardwood forest

PRIMARY PARKING SPACE

View to Connecticut River Valley GYMNASIUM

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DUPLEX

WH COTTITE AGE

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BENNETT HOUSE

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THE QUAD

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TO THE WEST

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BEHIND THE BUILDINGS

View to mixed hardwood forest

View to mixed hardwood forest

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View to pasture

The school sits on a westwardfacing slope. The main area of campus is situated on relatively flat land in a horseshoe formation opening to the west. The buildings and the center of campus provide positive views of the Connecticut River Valley. North- and eastlooking views of all buildings except the Bennett House are of mixed hardwood forest. Views on South Mountain Road are of Bennett House and the old sugar house. The entry view into the current drive is of a parking lot and is unsightly. A main parking lot, also unsightly, is in the center of campus and can be viewed from all buildings.

The core campus area, which includes the open field, pond, and some parking areas, can be seen from all buildings. Parking areas are eroded and unsightly.

From the west side of the Bennett House one can see across the Connecticut River Valley, Linden Hill’s most prominent view.

Views from the north and east sides of the outer buildings are into the mixed hardwood forest.

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VIEWS

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LEGEND

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GYMNASIUM

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HASKELL HALL

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DUPLEX

WH CO T I T E TAGE

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

BENNETT HOUSE

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HAYES HILLSIDE

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Cars, delivery trucks, bicycles, and walkers all travel on the same roadways creating unsafe conditions.

Parking is concentrated in the center of campus, dominating the view and the central green space. Motor vehicles must have access to campus without interfering with pedestrian foot paths.

False Entrance Entry is discouraged to this entrance, located on the southwest corner of campus, as it is too small for vehicular usage and leads through the center of campus thus creating unsafe conditions for walkers and bikers.

Cars and delivery trucks continue to use it because it is the first entrance when approaching from the west on South Mountain Road.

Primary Entrance The second entrance, located on the southeast corner of campus, is meant for visitors and has a parking lot of compacted gravel. Vehicular wayfinding is confusing, as cars have the option of proceeding west through the core campus area, or along the back route, north of the Duplex, Haskell and the gym.

Intra-Campus Route A multi-use compacted gravel route running through the center of campus receives foot, bicycle and vehicular traffic and as a result, is unsafe because there is no true lane separation.

Northern Route A compacted gravel vehicular route takes faculty and maintenance vehicles to the north of campus and is screened from sight by buildings and plants.

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Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

Spring 2008

Access and Circulation

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Building Setbacks 25’ Town Road Right-of-Way

25’ Building Setback 10’ Accessory Setback

Other Setbacks

25’ Leach Field Setback 10’ Septic Tank Setback

Gym

100’ Protected Resource Area

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Bennett House

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

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• The Town of Northfield requires a 25’ rightof-way from the center of a public road • Most buildings must be set back at least 25’ from the property line • Accessory buildings (like garages) must be set back at least 10’ from the property line

Septic Setbacks

• Leach fields require a 25’ setback from their edge • Septic tanks require a 10’ setback

River protection

• Rivers and perennial streams are protected by the Rivers Protection Act and require that the first 100’ be minimally disturbed

Leach Field Protection

Haskell Hall

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Setbacks

Hayes Hillside

While the main leach field lies under the athletic field south of the main campus area, a small leach field is located north of Haskell Hall.

Currently, maintenance sheds and some parking spaces are located on top of this area, which could compact the soil enough to harm the leach field. Moving the buildings and keeping this area clear or rerouting this tank to drain to the main leach field in the south (see Utilities, Sheet 11) are two options for mitigating this problem. The space that the leach field and its setback occupy is valuable land for use by the school.

River Protection

The two small streams to the north and south of the main campus area impose further constraints on the site. Due to the site’s current disturbed state, it may not be difficult to get permission for work in these areas. Care should be taken to mitigate actions in these river protection 0’ areas to help improve the quality of water leaving the site.

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Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

Spring 2008

Legal Restrictions

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Overhead Wires Overhead electric wires run from the southeast of the property around the north side and off to the northwest. Overhead wires limit plant choices and building heights directly underneath due to height restrictions. The overall aesthetics are not greatly affected since the wires are mainly around the perimeter and out of sight of the core campus area.

Underground Electric Leach Field

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

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Utility Pole E

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Several septic tanks and lines are located around the perimeter of the main campus area. The lines lead to the leach field located underneath the soccer field on Lyman Hill Road. The presence of septic tanks and lines limits digging and planting choices. Another leach field is located just to the east of the maintenance buildings, south of the smaller pond. The presence of a leach field here limits the options available for this area. The potential exists to connect this septic system with the main line in order to decommission the smaller leach field and create more usable space.

Wells are located throughout the main campus and limit building and planting placement but do not affect overall appearance.

Underground Electric Line

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Septic Systems

Wells

Electric Line

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A large electric box is located to the east of Bennett House, on the main lawn area. This box connects power from the main line to Bennett House and Hayes Hillside via underground lines.

It visually and physically disrupts the flow of the core campus area. This could be relocated or placed below ground for a better overall core campus appearance.

Septic Tank and Sewer Line

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Culvert Light Post Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

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Utilities

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Main Campus Woodlands

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

The main campus area consists mostly of mown lawn and scattered trees.

Large sugar maples frame the front yard of the Bennett House and to the west. In an old tradition, a newlywed couple would plant a pair of sugar maples outside the main entrance to their home. Blueberry bushes and a newly planted orchard are found west of Bennett House. When the orchard trees mature, the semi-circle to the west of Bennett House will be a shady, semi-private area appropriate for adult gatherings. More fruit and berries will provide the students and faculty with further enjoyable forage activities. When in leaf, trees along South Mountain Road block most of the view of the Connecticut River Valley from campus. Thinning these may improve views.

Mixed forest The mixed forest border to the north has a dense undergrowth of exotic invasives, including European bittersweet, Japanese barberry, and burning bush, growing along the sides of the stream. These exotics are spreading into the forest and should be eradicated before they have a chance to take over the native vegetation of the area. Loss of native vegetation to exotics can reduce biodiversity and wildlife habitat. Educational opportunities exist here for learning about the roles of native plants vs. exotics, woodland management, and native wildlife habitat.

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Northeastern Hemlock Forest The hemlock forest to the northeast has little or no understory.

Educational and recreational opportunities exist for learning about different plant species and habitats, as well as for play in the open understory.

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The main lawn area is used by the students for playing informal games and socializing. As such it may be important to maintain this as open space. Trees along the southern edge of the core campus area provide shade to the otherwise sunny space. The pond is a popular feature of the campus and provides habitat for amphibians and insects, while also providing fun and educational opportunities to the students.

Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

Spring 2008

Existing Vegetation

Southern and Eastern Mixed Forests The mixed forest to the south and east provide further educational opportunities to learn about plant species diversity. They also provide recreational opportunities with several existing trail systems that need some maintenance.

NOTE: Dimensions shown are heights of shrubs and diameter at breast height for trees.

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EQUINOX 8 AM

June 21, 8 AM

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

EQUINOX 3 PM

June 21, 3 PM

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hN The Equinoxes On a sunny day on the equinoxes (March 21 and September 21)

Lawn areas tend to dry out quickly because of the consistent sunlight. Shady areas, which tend to be along the eastern and northern property lines retain shady throughout the day and thus remain retain moisture longer. Swimming or field sports should take place in sunny areas.

Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

Spring 2008

Sun & Shade

Summer & Winter Solstice The Linden Hill campus stays shaded in the early morning hours and then receives full 0’ sunlight, especially in the campus quad, throughout the day. Forest edges and areas under the tree canopy tend to remain shaded throughout the day. Moisture from rain or morning dew dries out more quickly in areas exposed to full sun, so recreational activities (soccer, tennis, basketball) requiring dry areas should be sited accordingly. In winter, after trees lose their leaves, sunlight generally falls across the entire campus.

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Under-utilized Areas

Mixed Forest with dense patches of invasive speicies

Leach Field

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• Western portion of main campus, especially the flat terrace to the west of the gym • Pond to the north is more private, shady, and naturally vegetated although it is located closer to the maintenance area and parking • Woodlands to the east provide different educational and recreational opportunities with different vegetation, less understory, and large boulders • Sugar Shack and pasture to the south provide further opportunities for activities and education • Cleared slope to the east • Flat, gravelled area behind Haskell Hall and Duplex

LEGEND Vehicular Access Pedestrian Access Intermittent Stream Drainage Problem Water Direction

To Athletic Field and Main Leach Field

Sunny and Flat Shady Steep 0’

Sugar Shack

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Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

Spring 2008

Summary Analysis

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Organized sporting areas consist of a basketball half-court south of the gym, a swimming pool on the flat terrace on the west lawn with plants screening the pool from below, and tennis courts in the semiflat space across South Mountain Road in part of the current pasture.

Alternative 1: Campus as a Playground Consolidated parking in rear provides space for 30 cars. Overflow parking is located to the south, near South Mountain Road.

A consolidated maintenance building frees up space for parking.

Gymnasium

Private faculty areas are adjacent to housing and face away from the campus core for privacy.

Haskell Hall

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

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Wh Co t it e t age

Bennett House

Tennis Courts

Cons

Hayes Hillside

Overflow Parking

Pros

• Separates vehicles and pedestrians and public and private spaces • Obvious and easy access for parents, visitors, and service vehicles • Swimming pool and basketball court are located near campus core • Addition of wetland along pond edge filters water and provides recreational and educational opportunities • Tennis courts or basketball court could serve as ice-skating rinks in winter

Duplex

Front drive provides 4 parking spaces for guests and ends in a circle to allow for easy drop off and access to the Bennett House.

Administrators, students, and faculty have expressed interest in increasing the current amount of recreation space available. In this alternative, play becomes the main focus of the outdoor spaces, with most features organized so as to maximize the space available for recreation. Unstructured play and informal sports and exercise needs (biking, running, climbing, casual sports games, etc.) can be met mostly within the current open green space and natural settings that surround the school (see Campus Recreation, Sheet 23). However, there is a need for more organized sports areas such as tennis court(s), a swimming pool, and a basketball court. Having these closer to the core campus area may encourage extended use by students and faculty as well as increasing ease of maintenance.

Primary trails connect main destination points, while secondary trails loop throughout campus, taking advantage of views and exercise opportunities. Future trail networks can be added to take advantage of the entire property.

• No direct vehicular access to housing for faculty and staff (Haskell Hall, Duplex, Hayes Hillside) • Large parking and maintenance area has a large area of impervious surface • Swimming pool requires extensive excavation and removal of large maple tree • Loss of pasture and woodlands for tennis court construction • Several features (Ash house, electric box, trees and shrubs) have to be relocated in order to build front drive

Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

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Alternative 1

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The pond edge has been filled to make room for the wider front drive and constructed wetlands occupy the former pond space.

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Food production gardens and orchards have been sited on the west lawn.

The sheep and sugar houses south of South Mountain Road have been sited on the flat terrace beneath the maple tree. The sheep can graze the north lawn, which reduces the need for mowing and contributes to the campus New England Farm identity. Both buildings are now near to the main campus core.

A new vehicular circulation route runs through the east and northeast part of campus allowing access to Hayes Hillside building, the Duplex, Haskell Hall, and the White Cottage, while keeping traffic from entering into the main quad area.

GYMNASIUM

HASKELL HALL

A drop-off creates easy access for visitors to the Bennett House with parking across South Mountain Road.

WH CO T I T E TAGE

DUPLEX

BENNETT HOUSE Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Alternative 2: Campus as New England Farm A functioning New England farm becomes the core organizing element. A campus that features traditional activities, such as sheep shearing, maple sugaring and small-scale food production, will reflect an experience unique to the Linden Hill School, thus increasing the appeal of the school to prospective students. This identity helps to create a campus where educational uses extend beyond the classrooms and class times, out into the campus to create on-going learning opportunities.

Dispersed parking throughout the primary vehicle route provides a total of 30 parking spaces accessible from Hayes, the White Cottage, the Duplex, and Haskell Hall.

HAYES HILLSIDE

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A 6-space shaded guest and event parking lot, located south of the Bennett House on South Mountain Road, provides visitors with close access to the campus.

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The pond has been relocated to the east slightly to make room for the wider front drive and has been cleaned up to be suitable for swimming.

Similar to Alternative 1, primary trails connect main destination points, while secondary trails connect other important areas of campus, creating opportunities for views to the west, shaded walks, recreation and exercise.

Pros • Front driveway and visitor parking provides easy access for visitors, parents, and service vehicles • Separates vehicles and pedestrians, public and private • Moving the farm buildings to the west lawn provides a beautiful view for visitors from South Mountain Road • Relocated farm buildings also free up the current flat pasture area for other uses • Presence of sheep help maintain lawn • Increasing food production and siting compost bins provides educational opportunities • Utilizing the pond for swimming saves the expense of installing a swimming pool Cons • Increase in agriculture implies a long-term commitment.

• Parking across South Mountain Road requires visitors or guests to cross that road • Relocation or replacement of barn and sugar shack may not be cost effective • Pond renovation and maintenance may be costly

The dumpsters have been relocated and screened near the east driveway to provide easy access for trash trucks, and reduce the amount of heavy vehicles moving through school campus.

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Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

Spring 2008

ALTERNATIVE 2

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Key Features

The preferred design improves the overall functioning of the site. Visitors, parents, and service trucks utilize the front driveway while faculty and staff have access to ample parking off the second driveway. A main pedestrian walkway, set apart by colored asphalt, is blocked from vehicular access by removable bollards, but can still be accessed by emergency vehicles or for plowing. Recreational opportunities include a swimming pool, basketball half-court, and tennis courts, as well as an adventure or ropes course in the woods. A looping exercise trail traverses the entire main campus area.

Trees line roadways for a more formal entrance and shaded parking areas.

Shrubs along buildings help to integrate the architecture into the landscape.

A grass and wildflower meadow surrounds the campus to provide habitat and beauty as well as to decrease maintenance needs.

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A Basketball Half-Court • I

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C Space for Play Structure •

J

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• D Private Adult Area E Tennis Courts • G

H

N

M

S G

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

J Maintenance Shed • K Dumpsters •

Q P

I Additional Future Parking (10 spaces) • L

P

G Second Drive with 30 Spaces for Faculty and Staff • H 3 Parking Spaces for Buses •

O D

F Circular Front Drive and Visitor Parking •

L Ropes/Adventure Course •

F

G

L

L

M •

Winter Sports Hill

N Primary Path in Colored Asphalt • S E

O Exercise/Loop Trail • K

P Trees along Roadways (typical) • Q Shrubs along Buildings (typical) • R Grass and Wildflower Meadows • S Vegetated Swales (See Sheet 20, Drainage Detail) • 0’

40’ 80’

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Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

Spring 2008

PREFERRED DESIGN

Linden Hill School 154 South Mountain Road Northfield, MA 01360

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Gymnasium

Play Structure

Swimming Pool

A

Path

Deck

Basketball half-court 0’

20’

A’

40’

Western Terrace •

A

•

A’

B

• •

The swimming pool is partially sunk to meet grade at the upper level, and placed on the east-west axis to prevent excessive shading from the large maple.

The deck is 5 ft above the terrace level, 5 ft below the level of the basketball court.

Low shrubs screen the pool from below.

The small play structure is within sight of the core campus area but semi-screened from the road.

Basketball Half-Court Play Structure

Linden Tree: Limb branches up to about 10’ to increase visibility

B’

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Swimming Pool

Stones Ash House

B

Tetherball Courts

Drainage Ditch

B’

Plant Screens

Center of Front Drive: “The linden circle” • • • •

0’

A linden tree dominates the center of the new driveway.

The ash house has been relocated to the drive center to showcase it in “The Linden Circle.”

Rocks from the site surround the inner circle.

A vegetated ditch surrounds the circle to help infiltrate water from the drive and tree mound.

Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

Spring 2008

preferred design:

Sections

40’ 80’

Western terrace and basketball court N

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Linden Hill School 154 South Mountain Road Northfield, MA 01360

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Plants for the Linden Hill School have been chosen carefully based on the site conditions of the campus. Plants represented on these lists are prioritized for several reasons. Native New England forbs and grasses have been given priority as they are better suited to local conditions, and thus, generally require less maintenance, as well as providing wildlife habitat. Edible plants have been prioritized as they enhance the educational function of the landscape as well as providing a small-scale food resource.

Edible nuts, mast

Bigbud Hickory - Carya alba Pignut - Carya glabra Pecan - Carya illinoensis (Pecan) Shagbark Hickory - Carya ovata American Chestnut - Castanea dentata Hazelnut, Tree Hazel - Corylus spp.

American Beech - Fagus grandifolia Butternut - Juglans cinerea Black Walnut - Juglans nigra Bur Oak - Quercus macrocarpa White Oak - Quercus spp.

B

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Northern Red Oak - Quercus rubra L. (70-80’h)

Edible fruits

Hardy Kiwi - Actinidia arguta & spp.

Peach - Amygdalus persica Nectarine - Amygdalus persica American Persimmon - Diospyros virginiana Strawberries - Fragaria spp.

Mulberry - Morus spp.

American Plum - Prunus americana Sweet Cherry - Prunus avium Dwarf Bush Cherry - Prunus jacquemontii Pear - Pyrus communis Apples - Pyrus malus Gooseberry - Ribes hirtellum Red Currant - Ribes sativum Raspberry, Blackberry, Wineberry,

Dewberry - Rubus spp.

Lowbush Blueberry - Vaccinium angustifolium Highbush Blueberry - Vaccinium corymbosum American Cranberry - Vaccinium macrocarpon

Purple Lovegrass - Eragrostis spectabilis (12-24”h) Canada Wildrye - Elymus canadensis L. (24-48”h) Broomsedge - Andropogon virginicus (36-48”h) Indian Grass - Soghastrum nutans (36-60”h) Little Bluestem - Schizachyrium scoparium (36-72”h)

Blue-Eyed Grass - Sisyrinchium montanum (4-12”h) Cranesbill Geranium - Geranium spp. (8-12”h) Walker’s Low - Nepeta subsessilis (18-24”h) Blanket Flower - Gaillardia spp. (18-24”h) Purple Coneflower - Echinacea purpurea (24-36”h) Black eyed Susan - Rudbeckia spp.(24-36”h) Globe Thistle - Echinops ritro (48-72”h) Meadow Aster - Aster spp. (24-48”h) Smooth Aster - Aster laevis (24-48”h) Gayfeather - Liatris spicata (24-48”h) Showy Goldenrod- Solidago speciosa (24-72”h)

E North Lot Trees Northern Red Oak- Quercus rubra L. (70-80’h)

G C I

Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

Spring 2008

H

B

F North Lot Screen

Arrowwood - Virburnum dentatum Nannyberry - Viburnum lentago Staghorn Sumac - Rhus typhina Fragrant Sumac - Rhus aromatica Japanese Crabapple - Malus floribunda Common Elderberry - Sambucus canadensis

G Wet Meadow Understory

See Sheet 20 for details and planting guide.

H Driveway Oak and Ash

Pool Screen

Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll

F

D

D Central Terraces

South Mountain Road Oak Allee

C West Terrace Food Gardens

E

Bearberry - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Red Chokeberry - Aronia arbutifolia Hackberry - Celtis occidentalis English Hawthorne - Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn - Crataegus spp.

Apple Rose - Rosa pomifera Elderberry - Sambucus spp.

Nannyberry - Viburnum lentago Highbush Cranberry - Viburnum trilobum

A North Meadow Screen

Arrowwood - Virburnum dentatum Nannyberry - Viburnum lentago Staghorn Sumac - Rhus typhina Fragrant Sumac - Rhus aromatica Japanese Crabapple - Malus floribunda Common Elderberry - Sambucus canadensis

A

Edibles for cooking, jams, jellies

planting guide

Allee

White Ash - Fraxinus americana (70-80’h) Northern Red Oak - Quercus rubra L. (70-80’h)

I Haskell and Duplex Screen Arrowwood - Virburnum dentatum Nannyberry - Viburnum lentago Red Chokeberry - Aronia arbutifolia Silky Dogwood - Cornus amomum Elderberry - Sambucus canadensis

Meadow Mixture

(light green) Silky Wild Rye - Elymus villosus Big Bluestem - Andropogon gerardii 0’scoparius 40’ 80’ Little Bluestem - Andropogon Indian Grass, Lake Erie - Sorghastrum nutans Autumn Bentgrass - Agrostis perennans Switch Grass - Panicum virgatum

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Linden Hill School 154 South Mountain Road Northfield, MA 01360

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vegetated swales

Drainage A: Forest swales •

•

•

Narrow swale floor (1’) requires less excavation

c an en nt a a i A re

Gym

Vegetated swales help to infiltrate and slow water, lessening the severity of storm events. They treat water on site rather than quickly moving water off-site, which is typical of conventional stormwater methods.

M

The northernmost swale (red), elongated to reach the pond, helps move water away from the new maintenance area. It is sloped approximately 3% down to the pond.

The southern swale (yellow) serves to catch water coming from the White Cottage, infiltrate some, and move the rest into the north (red) swale. Sloped approximately 2% down to the north.

The forest swales (red and yellow) are narrower than typical vegetated swales to decrease excavation disturbance.

e

Steeper sides (1’ rise: 2’ run) require less excavation Maintenance Area

3” Sand 3” Aggregate (gravel) Undisturbed Soil

Drainage a: Forest swales

Drainage B: Stream daylighting

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

•

The culvert (blue) underneath the Hayes Hillside parking area is replaced with a larger (20”+) culvert to decrease the incidence of flooding.

Daylighting the intermittent stream and creating a vegetated swale (purple) helps to infiltrate and slow water in storm events.

Wide swale floor (≥3’) handles greater water flow Gently sloping sides (3:1) help vegetation establish

Wh Co t it e t ag e

•

Hayes Hillside

3” Sand 6” Aggregate (gravel) Undisturbed Soil

Drainage B: Stream Daylighting Hayes Hillside

Plant Selection for Vegetated swales

Plants appropriate for vegetated swales have to be tolerant of both drought and flood conditions. They also have to be able to grow on slopes and handle heavy erosive forces, rooting deep enough to stay put and protect the soil. They can also serve other functions, such as providing wildlife habitat and filter water. Below are some plants appropriate for vegetated swales.

Bearded Sedge (Carex comosa) Fringed Sedge (Carex crinita) Lurid Sedge (Carex lurida) Maidenhair Fern (Adiantun pedatum) Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Speckled Alder (Alnus incana) Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

Spring 2008

Drainage details

Alternate-leaved Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa) Mountian Holly (Nemopathus mucronatus) 0’ 40’ 80’ Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) Crimsoneyed Rosemallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) Canada Rush (Juncus canadensis)

Linden Hill School 154 South Mountain Road Northfield, MA 01360

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FILL SPACES WITH 80% SAND & 20% AMENDED SOIL, AND OPTIONAL SEED MIX

3/4” CONCRETE SLURRY FOR STAMPING

CONCRETE PAVERS WITH 1/2” SPACERS

6” CONCRETE SLAB REINFORCED AS REQUIRED

1” SILICA SAND SETTING BED 6” DENSE GRADE AGGREGATE BASE

8” AGGREGATE BASE

FABRIC SEPARATOR PREPARED SUBGRADE

PREPARED SUBGRADE

1

Concrete Pavers with Topsoil Joints NTS

4

Pavers with topsoil joints allow water to infiltrate into the soil, thus helping to alleviate run-off and recharge groundwater sources. This detail is rated as medium duty, and is commonly found in residential areas, parks, and institutional settings.

2”-4” SPACING FILLED WITH TOPSOIL

Stamped Concrete Paving NTS

Subgrade conditions will have a significant impact on the longevity of rigid pavements. The subgrade should be well-drained and have reasonable bearing capacity. Sealing of the paving surface with clear sealants can lengthen the life of the pavement and preserve its appearance over time. This detail is rated for heavy duty applications.

2” FLAGSTONE

FABRIC MOISTURE BARRIER IF REQUIRED

1” SAND SETTING BED

1” SAND SETTING BED 6” AGGREGATE BASE

4” AGGREGATE BASE

PREPARED SUBGRADE

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

2

2 1/4” BRICK PAVERS WITH SAND SWEPT JOINTS

PREPARED SUBGRADE

5

Flagstone Pavers with Topsoil Joints NTS

Flagstone should be non-porous to avoid the problems of freeze and thaw. Spaces between flagstone should be filled with well drained topsoil, and seeded to increase water retention. This detail is rated at light to medium duty to support pedestrian and residential settings.

Brick Pavers with Sand setting Bed NTS

This detail supports pedestrian loads associated with walks and light vehicular access, as in parks and residential settings. Bricks may require periodic resetting. This detail is rated medium duty.

4” DECOMPOSED GRANITE SURFACE COURSE

1-1/2” ASPHALT CONCRETE SURFACE COURSE WITH COLOR MIX 2” ASPHALT CONCRETE BASE COURSE

6” AGGREGATE BASE

8” AGGREGATE BASE FABRIC SEPARATOR IF REQUIRED PREPARED SUBGRADE

3

Asphalt Paving with Color Topping NTS

PREPARED SUBGRADE

6

Subgrade conditions should be well-drained soils, with adequate bearing capacity. Consult local practices for available color coatings. Color coat may require periodic re-surfacing.

Decomposed Granite on Aggregate Base NTS

0’

Use of fabric helps prevent migration of aggregates between base and subbase. Aggregate should be periodically replenished and re-graded to ensure continued appearance. This detail is rated for medium duty applications and pay support pedestrian loads associated with parks and residential settings.

p N

Details adapted from ‘Site Construction Details Manual,’ Nicholas T. Dines, Kyle D. Brown

Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

Spring 2008

construction details

40’ 80’

Linden Hill School 154 South Mountain Road Northfield, MA 01360

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Consistency of Materials and Styles

The Linden Hill School currently has several different building materials and styles.

Pathways are of flagstone, asphalt, gravel, or compacted soil. Retaining walls consist of timber, New England stone, limestone, or cast concrete. At times, inconsistency of materials in buildings styles and walkways can result in a lack of cohesion.

Using consistent materials can reflect care and attention to detail. Material choice should also take into account longevity, sustainability, and energy efficiency.

Choosing porous paving and renewable resources when possible helps the site to function better and reduces the school’s impact on its surroundings.

Primary Pathways Existing

Compacted gravel and old asphalt cover many of the primary pathways and parking spaces.

Water cannot permeate, causing drainage and erosion problems.

Asphalt and gravel should be reserved for vehicular paths.

Gravel and Asphalt

Proposed

Colored Asphalt

Colored asphalt on primary paths will help to differentiate between pedestrian and vehicular flow. It can also be plowed easily and allow for emergency vehicle access when necessary. It does not allow for water to permeate, which will require some special considerations (see Sheet 21, Construction Details).

Signage

Removable Bollards

Secondary Pathways: Proposed and Existing

Parking: Alternatives to Conventional

Paving

Porous Concrete

Flagstone Existing flagstone paths on campus offer an example of a good secondary path material. Flagstone can be harvested locally and reflects historic New England design.

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Spaced Pavers Concrete pavers allow for vegetation to grow and water to percolate while maintaining enough structural stability to handle vehicles.

Removable bollards can be placed at the entrance to the main pedestrian walkways in order to discourage vehicles from entering.

Many models can be removed simply by taking out a clip. Some have padlocks for extra security. They can be removed to allow for plowing or for emergency vehicles to enter.

Stamped Concrete

Brick Grass Pavers Grass pavers provide structural stability but can be filled with soil and planted with grass to create parking spaces that allow water to permeate to help reduce erosion and runoff.

Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

Spring 2008

Porous concrete is a good alternative to traditional pavement for vehicular and pedestrian paths as it allows water to percolate through, reducing problems associated with erosion or pooling. It requires little maintenance and can be plowed easily.

Existing brick paths on campus offer another example of a good secondary path material. Brick reflects local historical architecture and allows water to permeate.

Stamped Asphalt

Stamped concrete and asphalt are alternate materials for primary or secondary paths. They are more expensive than colored asphalt but fit in well with the surrounding architecture and require less maintenance than flagstone or brick.

Materials

Signs to indicate where visitors, parents, delivery trucks, and staff should go are important for reducing confusion for newcomers. Placing a Linden Hill School sign by the first drive will indicate to visitors that it is the appropriate entrance. An additional small sign, indicating parking, should be placed by the visitor parking area. The second driveway should be marked by a smaller sign indicating that it is private access for staff and service vehicles. Signs should be discrete and match the rustic New England vernacular when possible.

Lighting

The current lighting on campus is inoperable due to problems with underground wiring.

Choosing solar powered lighting will decrease total energy usage and provide light even during a power outage. Placement along the main pedestrian walkways and parking areas spaced about 50’ apart will illuminate paths adequately without spoiling views of the night sky.

0’

Current Lighting

Linden Hill School 154 South Mountain Road Northfield, MA 01360

Solar Lighting

40’ 80’

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New England Activities

Linden Hill provides students with the opportunity to take part in activities symbolic of the classic New England farm, such as food production and harvest, maple sugaring, care of animals, sledding and other winter sports, while enjoying a vibrant and beautiful setting. Students remember these experiences and they help to create a positive identity for the school. The continuation or extension of these activities is important, helping to balance the more generic forms of recreation as well as increasing learning opportunities and the diversity of skills acquired by the students.

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Natural settings provide numerous opportunities for play, exercise, and games. Woodlands provide a sheltered setting and plenty of “loose parts,” such as logs, rocks, leaves, and twigs with which to construct imaginative places and things.

Photo courtesy Christopher Porter

Ropes and adventure courses can take advantage of living trees and be constructed to take into account different ability levels and safety requirements.

They also allow for more direct contact with natural settings than conventional climbing and play structures.

0’

“Traditional” playgrounds can also take advantage of natural elements such as logs, vegetation, rocks, and water. Using more “naturalistic” components can help to integrate the playground in a woodland or farm-type setting.

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Photo courtesy Christopher Porter

Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

Spring 2008

Campus Recreation

40’ 80’

Linden Hill School 154 South Mountain Road Northfield, MA 01360

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Sustainable Sites Initiative

Guiding Principles (Selected)

Linden Hill school is in a good position to participate in sustainable design practices and planning while it undergoes renovations for its upcoming fiftieth anniversary. Guidelines and standards for the new Sustainable Sites Initiative, which will be incorporated into future LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating Systems, is a good place to start. Implementing these strategies may help in acquiring government grants as well as raising the profile of the school.

Do No Harm

Make no changes to the site that will degrade the surrounding environment. Promote projects that occur where there has been previous disturbance or development that presents an opportunity to regenerate ecosystem services through sustainable design.

Strategies for Linden Hill Soils • • •

Precautionary Principle

Where possible, avoid disturbing soil or removing vegetation both to preserve soil health and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Eliminate use of harmful materials by utilizing less toxic alternatives, such as compost to build soils and organic fertilizers.

Reuse materials (lumber, boulders, etc) on site as much as possible.

Be cautious in making decisions that could create risk to human and environmental health. Some The Sustainable Sites Initiative is an interdisciplinary actions can cause irreversible damage. Examine a partnership to develop national voluntary standards full range of alternatives, including no action, and and guidelines for sustainable land development be open to input from all affected parties. and management practices. It currently offers only a preliminary report, which can be found online at www.

Design with Nature and Culture sustainablesites.org. The Initiative contains information Create and implement designs that are responsive on different landscape components (soils, hydrology, to economic, environmental, and cultural vegetation, materials, and human well-being), the conditions with respect to the local, regional, and services they provide, and strategies for maintaining global context. them in perpetuity.

Spring 2008

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

•

• Photo courtesy London Permaculture

Basic compost system

•

Hydrology • •

Commonwealth Initiative Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) Patricks Administration Starting in 2008, $68 million in rebates will be distributed to fund the installation of solar photovoltaics on residential, commercial, industrial, and public facilities. The application process is non-competitive and is based on eligibility and feasibility. The Linden Hill School has two buildings that would be suitable for solar panels, Haskell Hall and the Duplex. Both are south facing and receive sun for a majority of the day. Solar power can also be used to heat water for radiant space heating.

Conway School of Landscape Design 332. S. Deerfield, PO Box 179 Conway, MA 01341

•

•

Small rain barrel used to collect water from the roof

Photo courtesy Kevin Houle

Adrian Laine Seth Pearsoll

•

Conserve existing appropriate vegetation, avoid introducing invasive species.

Increase and protect plant diversity by utilizing a variety of native plant species in the landscape.

Preserve or create wildlife corridors that connect areas of similar vegetation or habitat type and preserving large undisturbed patches of habitat.

Select appropriate vegetation for the site, considering mature size, water and light requirements, and maintenance or nutrient needs.

Establish a composting system in order to use vegetative waste.

Materials

Renewable Energy

www.masstech.org/solar

•

•

Photo courtesy Ryan Griffis

Investing in or installing renewable energy technology is a good strategy to increase the overall site sustainability of Linden Hill School.

Technologies include wind, solar, micro-hydro, bio-fuel, and geothermal. Grants and funding are available for many of these technologies from state and federal agencies. Solar power would be appropriate for the Linden Hill School due to available roof space and building orientation.

Vegetation

•

•

• •

Reduce the consumption of potable water for uses that do not require it—consider methods like using rainwater to irrigate plants.

Utilize water-efficient irrigation systems and group plants with similar water needs together.

Manage water on-site by treating or filtering water before it moves off-site, utilizing vegetated swales and rain gardens, or daylighting streams (uncovering buried streams) and restoring or creating wetlands.

Utilize pervious or semi-pervious materials when possible to allow for a greater degree of water infiltration—this also helps alleviate erosion and pooling.

Reduce the use of chemicals or harmful substances in places where they could be washed into water bodies.

Consider implementing a greywater system that utilizes water from showers and sinks for uses in the landscape, such as irrigation.

Photo courtesy Powerhouse Museum

site Sustainability

• •

Reduce, reuse, and recycle as many on-site components as possible.

Design for disassembly and deconstruction (see www.seda2. org/dfd/).

Select materials that are durable Solar powered street and can serve lights in England more than one Photo courtesy Chris Hill function.

Use renewable materials, such as sustainably harvested lumber; and materials that have been extracted, processed, and manufactured locally.

Use landscape equipment and lighting that requires little energy to operate.

0’ Photo courtesy OMSI

40’ 80’

p

Pervious paving that Example of a vegetated swale allows water to infiltrate at OMSI in Portland, OR

N

Linden Hill School 154 South Mountain Road Northfield, MA 01360

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