Heather d. Heimarck 26 FREMONT STREET . SOMERVILLE, MA. 02145
HHEIMARCK@GMAIL.COM
Achushnet River Panorama
ACHUSHNET RIVER SAWMILL ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION FEASIBILITY AND SITE PLANNING STUDY New Bedford and Achushnet, Massachusetts
Community and Coalition Site Walk
Heimarck & Foglia LLC, in collaboration with the environmental engineering firm Louis Berger Group Inc., created an ecological restoration masterplan for the Coalition for Buzzards Bay. The organization’s goals were to use sustainable practices to improve water quality, to restore wildlife habitats, and to create site accessibility for the general public. Heimarck & Foglia LLC fulfilled these objectives through extensive research into land use, site conditions, the watershed, and the surrounding neighborhood in order to define potential user groups. In addition to habitat restoration, the plan introduced universal accessibility through self-guided circulation and established potential links to recreation systems based on water or land. The project focused on sustainability issues including: creative re-use of existing site buildings, best practices for managing site demolition waste, solar and wind energy potentials, use of green roofs, permeable paving, and composting toilets. For the forthcoming implementation phases, Heimarck & Foglia LLC established initial contacts for funding with local and national arts and recreation foundations.
Proposed budget: $2.5 million Initial sponsorship from NOAA Client: Coalition for Buzzards Bay In collaboration with the Louis Berger Group Inc. Date: 2008 Neighborhood Context Study
Heather d. Heimarck 26 FREMONT STREET . SOMERVILLE, MA. 02145
The Filling of the Back Bay (1865 map)
Charlestown in1923- Millers River adjacent railroads and dams
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The park and buildings on the current Museum of Science (ca. 1947, Cambridge Historical Commission)
THE CHARLES RIVER BASIN MASTERPLAN Boston, Cambridge, MA. The Master Plan for the Lower Charles River Basin, adopted in 1995, has proven its worth through the successful implementation of the recommendations over the past decade. Heather Heimarck, as landscape designer for Carr, Lynch, Hack and Sandell Urban Design, assisted in the final phases of this multi year project. A Masterplan report documents phased improvement recommendations for the underdeveloped, derelict lower basin.
Charlesbank Meadows alternative plan
Entering Nashua Meadows from the Boston Esplanade at Leverett Circle
The project area included underutilized, inaccessible waterfront sections of Cambridge, Charlestown, and Boston including Lovejoy Wharf, North Point, the Lower Lockes and Nashua Meadows. Implementation of the new park spaces was carefully documented for interagency coordination and use including the examination of: existing Memorandums of Agreements; inventorying historic structures; Chapter 91 licenses and permits; geotechnical reports; fish ladder studies; land acquisition; remediation areas; transportation analysis and cost estimates. The goal of animating the new basin with publically accessible parks, interpretive signage, improved ecology and quality of open spaces along the river has been largely achieved. Public use of the area has grown dramatically and continuity of recreation systems along the waterfront achieved. The lower Charles River basin is under Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation jurisdiction.
Heather d. Heimarck 26 FREMONT STREET . SOMERVILLE, MA. 02145
HHEIMARCK@GMAIL.COM
Master Plan view of the New Charles River Basin and associated Northpoint Development and Revere Landing Park.
REVERE LANDING PARK Charlestown, Massachusetts
Visitor reading interpretative plaque.
Revere Landing Park is an important urban park on the lower Charles River Basin. It is located at the last lockes on the Charles where the river meets the sea. The park was designed to accommodate short range artery-related construction requirements, while establishing long range pedestrian and bicycle links to the Charles River Esplanade. This neighborhood park involved artist collaboration, community participation, historical interpretation, and environmental improvements to the lockes, fish ladder, and recreational facilities. Ms. Heimarck was the landscape designer for Carr, Lynch, Hack and Sandell.
Collaboration with artists produdced this stone and ceramic art-wall (detail).
Informal theatre and open green infront of the lower lockes.
Heather d. Heimarck 26 FREMONT STREET . SOMERVILLE, MA. 02145
HHEIMARCK@GMAIL.COM
Performances in concert tent
PS21: PERFORMANCE SPACE FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY Chatham, New York Lead on Master planning team to oversee project including a one-year consultation to PS21 board of directors and advisors in developing program requirements and 50-year projections. Historic venacular informed the site design
The 100-acre site offers unique opportunities for integrating a state-of-the art 400 seat performance facility, separate workshop dormitories & individual practice studios with historic buildings and rural character of the land. The overall goal was to enhance and improve the site ecology, reduce dependence on local resources, and create an inspiring atmosphere for artist workshops, full symphony performances, and community recreation opportunities. The board’s commitment to conservation encouraged integration of building, storm, and vehicular systems, leading to various groundwater recharge and wetland mitigation strategies. The project is currently undergoing a $15 million capital campaign drive and opened a temporary facility in 2006. In collaboration with Foglia Design Associates; Jasonoah Ltd
Rain garden aisles in the parking bays.
Heather d. Heimarck 26 FREMONT STREET . SOMERVILLE, MA. 02145
Historical restoration of vital downtown theater
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Frank Lloyd Wright replica planting urn
RICHMOND CENTERSTAGE Richmond, Virginia This project is commissioned by the Virginia Performing Arts Foundation and the City of Richmond. The limit of work covers an entire civic block in downtown Richmond. The built forms are a mix of restoration Art Deco and new modern additions; the program encompasses dance, music, and theatre. Current scope includes two buildings and an interim active openspace initiating urban renewal objectives. New theater as urban revitalization center piece
As part of Richmond’s downtown renaissance, the streetscape relates to the building’s central location and celebrates the theatre. Entrance carpets, stone motifs, and the pattern of the building’s elevation served as inspiration for material choice and design, while integrating a planting and site furnishing vocabulary established in Richmond’s public improvement plan. Discrete furnishing relating to the theatre are placed at select entrances. Overall accessibility, safety, and welcoming ambiance are paramount to the design. Design: 2005 l Multi phas project construction In collaboration with Wilson Butler Architects (WBA)
Historic renovation and modern addition
Heather d. Heimarck 26 FREMONT STREET . SOMERVILLE, MA. 02145
HHEIMARCK@GMAIL.COM
Purple lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabillis) was planted in the courtyard. Its seasonal inflorescence coincides with the start of school in September.
Exterior courtyard space for viewing and passive recreation
Elliptical planters being formed and prepared for planting bamboo
Black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) will be used in the courtyard beds.
WATERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL Watertown, Massachusetts The addition to Watertown High School’s cafeteria space designed by Kennedy & Violich Architects generated renewed interest in the existing interior courtyard. The courtyard was incorporated into the project and turned into a green garden and outdoor social room. Composed with a mixture of grasses with green and purple bamboos planted in elliptical planter beds, the design included a lawn and a paved walkway between building wings. The courtyard provides pockets of space for sitting, reading, talking, and laughing, and is an aesthetic and seasonal ‘looking glass,’ a habitable ‘hang-out’ for the community. The challenges of this project included the creation of a usable and dynamic space that can withstand the wear and tear of teenagers, provide an exterior room, incur minimal maintenance, and meet the School’s fiscal budget.
Glass facade construction, facing exterior courtyard
Architect: Kennedy & Violich Architecture Ltd. Ms Heimarck,Landscape Architect, Principal in Charge.
Heather d. Heimarck 26 FREMONT STREET . SOMERVILLE, MA. 02145
HHEIMARCK@GMAIL.COM
HONAN-ALLSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Boston Public Library Branch, Allston, Massachusetts This award-winning project involved the conception of a library facility with three courtyards and two glass reading rooms amidst the courtyards. Daytime use and circulation is discrete from the nighttime program. Design and construction documents addressed preservation of existing trees, accessibility, and low maintenance gardens appropriate to the maintenance capability of the library and the project budget. Critical to the project was community participation and the integration of their concerns into the design and requirements of the public library and city agencies.
Reading Courtyard
Winner of the BSA, AIA, and ASLA Honor Awards; AIA National Award, and 2003 Harleston Parker Medal. Example of Building and Courtyard Materials and Texture
Project Budget: $6.4 million Architect: Machado & Silvetti Project Manager/Senior Associate at Richard Burck Assoc.
Central Courtyard and Evening Reception Area
Heather d. Heimarck 26 FREMONT STREET . SOMERVILLE, MA. 02145
Site Plan including rooftop garden courtyard
HHEIMARCK@GMAIL.COM
Plant material and loam installation.
CAMBRIDGE PARK PLACE
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Rooftop courtyard above parking garage. Exposed sand areas will be concrete walkways.
The project involved the conception and creation of a large, rooftop terrace that incorporated private residential patios with a public common and pool. The site is within the 100 year flood plain; the success of the project required the careful integration of building storm water management systems with a sensitivity to LEED (green) points for philosophical and development motives. The site design met with all of the Landscape LEED requirements including brown field clean-up. Strict accessibility and conservation requirements informed the design while maintaining tight budget constraints. There are three distinctive exterior environments: the wetland zone, detention area adjacent to a public street, the streetscape and entry facing the train station, and the social common area of the courtyard. Construction was completed Fall 2002.
Artist’s rendering of the building entrance and retail patio, front left corner.
Senior Associate/Project Manager with Richard Burck Assoc.
Heather d. Heimarck 26 FREMONT STREET . SOMERVILLE, MA. 02145
HHEIMARCK@GMAIL.COM
Master Plan- Main House Area
“SEA CHANGE” RESIDENCE Northeast Harbor, Maine. Restoration of a modern, ocean side masterpiece designed by Wallace K. Harrison, architect and Isamu Noguchi, sculptor. The wooden building’s complex vertical curves were complemented by free form furniture and outdoor living areas designed by Noguchi.
Aerial view before fire
Reconstruction of house after fire
In 1999, the entire building and immediate landscape were destroyed by fire. Restoration included the building, grounds and furniture. HighMark Land Design investigated the original landscape design through historic photographs and archives. Inventory and care of surviving trees was key to the historic preservation this site deserved. Slight revisions were made from the original plans to steward the design toward native woodland species and improve screening of outdoor living areas. In addition, planned succession will occur in areas removed from the immediate house area. Ms Heimarck documented the proposed restoration area and performed construction observation services as principal-in-charge. Project Architect: Heinrich Hermann
Native plants restore local habitat to pre-burn conditions.
Buttonbush Swamp
Heather d. Heimarck 26 FREMONT STREET . SOMERVILLE, MA. 02145
HHEIMARCK@GMAIL.COM
Tree House
Vegetable Garden
Parking Versaille Maze Inspiration for the ‘Wonderland Walk’
WAYLAND RESIDENCE Wayland, Massachusetts The small lot is tucked amidst conservation land, a buttonbush swamp and woods. Priorities included capitalizing on views and developing a design that is compatible with the limitations of the large septic field, parking, and setbacks. The project provides sunlight to the house and select production garden areas, capitalizing on microclimates, and weaving in a ‘Wonderland Walk’, a seasonal maze that connects private, playful niches. The design is fun, practical and serene, incorporating a sequence of open and closed garden spaces. The garden is dynamic, tall full-bodied grasses and perennials in the summer and fall, that are low in the winter and spring resulting an open expanded space for part of the year. A native plant palette developed by bird and butterfly specialists at Audobon to enhance the wildlife habitat. The design borrows views of the larger landscape, increasing the apparent size of the property.
Heather d. Heimarck 26 FREMONT STREET . SOMERVILLE, MA. 02145
Inground vegetable garden and rainwater beds, left.
HHEIMARCK@GMAIL.COM
Planting Plan
NEWTON RESIDENCE Newton, Massachusetts
Front steps feature local stone and boulders
By working closely with the architects, the team sited this new home to take advantage of the unusual sloped wooded lot, maximize natural light into the house, and provide a recognizable relationship to the street. Vehicular access capitalized on the disturbed portions of the site, minimized views of cars, and provided an outdoor play area for a family of growing boys. The house is at the nexus of three distinct garden types: the open estate front lawn with shade trees rolling into the sunken parking court; a woodland garden enhancing the preserved trees and privacy, with a family outdoor deck; and working garden for vegetables and cutting flowers. Attention to detail can be seen in the marrying of finished steps and deck to site stone outcrops. This new home beautifully combines materials to give it the patina of age and belonging to the older neighborhood, while employing recycled materials in the interior and green technologies on the exterior: porous pavement; rainwater recovery systems for irrigation and cleaning; solar technologies; and a largely native plant pallette. It is a model of environmentally responsible technologies inside and out.
Extensive stormwater catchment and irrigation system underneath parking court.
In collaboration with Miller/Boehm Architects LEED Silver, pilot project