Suburban Backyard Retreat Residential schematic design, Longmeadow, MA The Conway School, Fall 2015 Corrin Meise-Munns This sustainable, low maintenance design emphasizes the social, recreational, and aesthetic values of the client. The design proposal enhances privacy while addressing the site challenges of a steep backyard slope and proximity to an interstate highway.
Noise from I-91 Retaining wall acts as dam in yard
Curving drive adds sense of mystery to arrival
Majestic mature oak canopy
Steep slope Hand-stacked stone retaining wall
Canopy shades majority of property
Established ornamental perennial beds
Site Assets Diagram
In the front yard, a native woodland garden enlivens the entry to the home and complements the existing canopy of mature oak. A native wildflower and grass meadow stabilizes the regraded slope in the rear of the property. Native shrubs and evergreens add seasonal interest and habitat value while screening the view of the abutting highway. With an increased amount of level lawn space, the backyard features a set of tiered terraces for a patio and pool deck.
Site Constraints Diagram
Pool terrace
Native woodland entry garden with formal path
Regraded backyard 10
Mixed native meadow and evergreen deciduous screen
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Cross section of schematic design
Azalea allĂŠe
Axonometric of pool, patio, and level backyard
SketchUp based analysis guided selective tree removal to optimize sun in the backyard with minimal ecological impact.
Native woodland garden
Patio & pool deck
Regraded back lawn Mixed native meadow
Native woodland garden
Evergreen visual screen Japanese garden
Before & After Photoshop Rendering
Schematic design with proposed grading plan
CAD-drafted basemap with contours produced from surveying the site with robotics.