Passive Solar House Siting and Landscape Design

Future Site for the Hua Home:

Designing a Sustainable Landscape for a Passive Solar Home.

Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA

Introduction • • • •

Project Overview and Goals....................1 Context......................................................2 Existing Conditions..................................3 Passive Solar House Plans......................4

Site Analysis • • • •

Index

Slopes & Drainage....................................5 Sun, Shade, and Soils..............................6 Winds, Wetlands, Utilities, and Views.....7 Summary Analysis....................................8

The Conway School Graduate Program of Sustainable Landscape Planning + Design Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

Design Alternatives ...............................9 • Hanging on the Edge • Arrive within Sight • Moving on Back

Final Design

• Whole site................................................10 • Focus Area..............................................11 Grading Plan...........................................12 Precedents...............................................13 Plant Palette............................................14

Goals

n mo rim ck Ro Rd

Upper Terrace

2. Create outdoor gathering places.

The plan will incorporate outdoor gathering places on the site. Some will be directly adjacent to the home for easy access and others, like the boulder overlook to the southwest, will have a path for ease of visiting. Aesthetic and/or food-producing vegetation will accent the gathering areas.

3. Plant low-maintenance vegetation for food production and to enhance outdoor space.

Additional vegetation will be planted throughout the site that is attractive, edible, and low-maintenance, like the lowbush blueberries to the right. A vegetable garden and a variety of edible fruits and herbs will be included, preferably near the house. If a plant requires a large amount of maintenance, the clients would like it to be edible. Dwarf fruit trees that are easier to pick and trim are preferred. Some recommendations on the upkeep and maintenance of potential plantings and vegetated areas will be included. Native and edible plants already on the property, including the blueberries and raspberries, will be preserved when possible.

http://www.renegadegardener.com

Example of a stone patio

http://www.blogspot.com

Boulder overlook V

Neighbor Middle Steep Area Southeast Lower Terrance

Southwest Lower Terrace

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4. Design outdoor play areas for the children.

Places for children to play outdoors that are safe and visible from inside the house are important. A natural approach to play areas could be as simple as mounds of boulders and stones created using excavated material. A sledding hill or outdoor winter play space, along with a skating rink, will be explored. The play areas for the youngest children should be visible from the house.

251 Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007

Neighbor

South-facing view of Hua’s future house

Lowbush blueberries and exposed rock

http://www.lakecountyohio.gov/

Simple rock and dirt mounds are ideal play areas

Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

The property has three main distinguishable areas based on the topography of the site. The lower terraces to the southeast and southwest are moderately sloped , and the section in the southwest leads to a wetland off the property. The middle steep area is steeply sloped (mostly above 15% grade) and bisects the property into an upper and lower area.

The upper terrace contains the flattest and most open and usable space. The site contains many large rocks and other evidence of the glacial till deposit that shaped the area. There are many rock walls surrounding the property which suggest that the area may have been agriculture or pasture in the past.

Existing drive

1. Site a passive solar home, driveway, and future additions.

A passive solar house will be sited to make use of the sun to heat and cool the building. Maintaining views from the home to the mountains in the east is a strong desire of the client. The driveway will also accomodate the addition of the garage in the future.

Active solar will be added in the future. Landscaping will help the function of the solar home in all seasons by protecting from winter winds and providing shade to the building in the summer.

Hua Family Residence

Xingcheng and Jennifer Hua purchased a property in Belchertown in June 2014 to build a home for their family of seven including, five children aged 1 to 13. They are moving from East Longmeadow to Belchertown to live closer to nature and to live a more sustainable lifestyle. They are interested in sustainability in their home and landscape. They want help siting a passive solar house to reduce their energy needs. They also hope to incorporate gathering spaces, gardens, and play areas for their family.

The Hua property is a 4.3-acre parcel located a few miles from the center of Belchertown.

It was forested before the former owner put the property up for sale. It has undergone several rounds of clearing and now has a cleared area that opens to the south. Much of this has been cleared to increase the solar gain of the property, but slash and low vegetation remains, helping reduce erosion and increase infiltration. The trees that remain make up a mixed conifer woodland with understory vegetation such as blueberries.

Project overview and goals

Overview

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Introduction

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332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Context Overview

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Quabbin Reservoir

In September 2010 the entire site was forested. Three years later some of the trees were removed to make room for a house and for solar access. Today, many more trees have been removed with some left as borders and habitat.

In the larger context, the region is heavily forested with a mosaic of fields, wetland clearings, waterbodies, and other areas that comprise a diverse array of ecosystems in the area. This makes the clearing of trees on the site less of an impact on regional ecosystem health.

251 Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007

Axe Factory Brook

To Springfield Reservoir The site is southwest of Belchertown off a steep section of Rockrimmon Road. It is the combination of two parcels which three years ago still had complete canopy cover. The neighborhood is somewhat densely populated as seen above. Some adjacent buildings are visible (shown with arrows) but can be screened to help increase privacy on the site.

Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

September 2010

Context

Belchertown is a small rural town located in west-central Massachusetts. It is near interstates 91 and 90 making travel around the region very easy. It is located between the larger Quabbin Reservoir to the northeast and the Springfield Reservoir to the south.

The Springfield Reservoir is of particular importance because the property is located within its watershed. The client’s property is represented by the red star below. It is located 3.6 miles from the center of Belchertown. This is a short drive but difficult to reach by foot or bicycle, especially in this hilly area. It is also within close driving proximity (in miles and times below) to many other towns including Amherst, Northampton, South Hadley, and Holyoke.

buildings and property boundaries

Hua Family Residence

Hua Property

Springfield Reservoir

September 2013 Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

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The remaining trees are a mixed conifer woodland containing a large amount of oak and white pine. Blueberries are also common in the understory.

Some invasives, like Common Buckthorn, have become established in the areas that have been cleared the longest. The most prevalent native plant in these areas is pokeberry.

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Neighbor

The site has been cleared several times. Initially, the two parcels were cleared to make room for separate homes. After the purchase of both parcels by the Hua family, there was another round of clearing to open views and solar access. Fortunately, much ground vegetation and slash have been left to limit erosion and increase soil stability.

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If you travel to the boundary of the property in the southwest corner, the forest and understory plants begin to change.

The soils are much wetter and beyond the property line is the Axe Factory Brook previously mentioned.

A small part of the 200ft stream buffer is on the property and this area will be avoided in any planned changes.

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Due to these steep areas, access to the property is limited to two locations, one into the upper terrace and another into the southeast lower terrace.

The areas are separated by a steep slope that runs through the middle of the property. Once inside the property there is an open area that has been cleared to build the house, to gain access to winter sun, and to capture views. There are flatter and steeper parts to the open area. Part of the flatter section is shown in B which is looking northeast, and in A that is a view to the south. The southern edge of the cleared area is shaded by the forest edge in the winter. The northern, flat part of the open area is surrounded by forest.

Existing Upper Terrace Access

251 Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007

The Hua family property is a 4.3-acre lot just outside of Belchertown center.

It is located off a steep section (near 10% grade) of Rockrimmon Road. The slope of the property that meets the road is above 25% over a section of around 200ft.

Hua Family Residence

Existing Conditions

Looking south-southeast is an almost 180° panoramic view.

The southern edge of the upper terrace drops off, showing the thicker forest in the distance.

There is also an attractive view of birches to the southwest.

The southern forested edge is far enough away, and elevationally low enough, to allow winter sun to warm the house and gathering areas A on the upper terrace.

B

Large Boulder Overlook

B A

Middle Steep Area

200’ Steam Buffer from Axe Factory Brook Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Southeast Lower Terrace

Neighbor C

The upper entrance to the property is not very steep but both sides slope toward the driveway, channeling water and increasing the erosive potential. Additionally, if not drained properly this could lead to an icy surface in the winter. The rocky mound on the south of the driveway impedes views of oncoming traffic. Regrading this area would improve visibility and increase drainage, lowering the potential for erosion and ice.

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Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

Existing Lower Terrace Access

Existing Conditions

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Upper Terrace

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The current house design is roughly 2,6oo sq. ft. and consists of two floors. The upper floor is at ground level and contains the garage, kitchen, dining room, living room, and the master bedroom and bath. The lower floor is partially built into the hill and contains a family room, two childrens’ bedrooms and bathrooms, along with a wash room, mechanical room, and storage.

The south-facing side has many windows to optimize solar gain. The north windows have been minimized to improve insulation, and consequently, there is less visibility to the north. There is a large window on the east side of the house oriented towards a view of the mountains in the distance. Clearing the tall trees to expose this view also increased visibility into the neighbor’s backyard. Trees will regrow in the cleared area and will need to be maintained periodically to keep the desired view. One of the biggest objectives is to incorporate the house into the environment and create a seamless connection between the home and landscape.

Garage

Bedroom

Dining Kitchen room

Living room

Patio

The south-facing elevation offers views to the tree line and hills beyond. It is also the most important aspect of passive solar heating. Though keeping it open in the winter is important, being able to provide shade in the summer will keep the house from overheating.

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Lower Floor - Below Grade

West

South

East

Bed room

Family room

Bed room

North The lower floor features a sliding glass door that will allow access to a lower patio with views down the hill and to the trees at the edge of the property. It may be very warm in the summer and some shade should be provided.

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

The views from the eastfacing kitchen windows and the patio are important to the family.

The cleared area offers views to the distant mountains, especially in the winter. The area will be left open and maintained in a way to encourage the sight line.

It also has potential for gardening and as a safe play area within the view of adults in the house.

The lower floor has the potential to have moisture issues. A footing drain will help collect water and allow it to drain to daylight.

251 Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007

Main Entrance V

Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

A screened western porch provides access points to the property and will be comfortable and bug-free for most of the year. The setting sun can offer a beautiful sight, but has the potential to make this room very hot. Deciduous trees located here help shade the summer sun while allowing winter and spring sun to warm the house.

Hua Family Residence

Upper Floor - On Grade

Passive Solar House Plans

The house plans supplied by the architect show the position of the house on the edge of the high terrace. Each orientation is marked with the cardinal direction it faces, the aspect.

The south side contains much more glass and is the side that will receive sun throughout the year. On the east side, the kitchen and patio are visible. The window in the kitchen has the view of the mountains to the east.

The north elevation of the house is the first view from the driveway and main entrance.

It is also a place that will be subject to chilly northwest winter winds. The vegetation in view of the house should allow sight in and out while protecting from winter winds. It should be interesting, attractive, and low maintenance, an easy space for the family to access and maintain.

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Passive Solar House Plans

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332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Analysis

Axe Factory Brook

Slopes & Drainage

All of the water on the site will eventually end up in Axe Factory Brook, which lies about 200 feet from the southwest corner of the property. Through a circuitous route seen on the right, the brook joins with other streams and eventually empties into the Springfield Reservoir. Any work on the site needs to consider the potential drainage into a drinking water supply.

Very steep slopes of greater than 15% cover a large area of the site and separate the lower terrace from the upper terrace. The steep slopes increase the speed of run-off and the potential for erosion during storm events. Much slash has been left on the cleared areas, reducing this effect. There is also a heavily eroded ditch in the east of the property along the road. The addition of vegetation or check dams could help alleviate further erosion and increase infiltration.

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Slow Drainage Upper Terrace

Neighbor To Axe Factory Brook

Lower southest terrace

>25%

25%-15%

15%-10%

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

10%-5%

5%-2%

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251 Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007 Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

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Fast Drainage

Ditch along road

Slopes and drainage: • The property is separated into 3 distinct regions based on slope ¤¤ The flatter upper terrace to the north ¤¤ The lower, flatter, areas to the southeast and southwest ¤¤ The very steep middle section • Water runs radially down from the upper terrace to the lower terrace and eventually into a reservoir. Inputs and run-off should be slowed and infiltrated as much as possible on site, and toxic chemicals should be avoided.

• A large amount of disturbance on the site could lead to erosion but slash left from clearing and well-drained sandy soil will help infiltrate water from the surface. The current vegetation helps to minimize runoff.

• Steep slopes limit accessibility on the property between the high and low terraces.

• The driveway is not properly drained and will be subject to erosion.

• Steep slopes like the one pictured below along Rockrimmon Road are lacking vegetation and vulnerable to erosion.

Slopes & Drainage

Neighbor

Hua Family Residence

Springfield Reservoir

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Soils

Through the online soil survey and testing from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst the following information has been established.

Neighbor

> 70% nR mo im ckr Ro

50% - 70% < 50%

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These numbers don’t account for the fact that in this geographic region the sun only shines 55-65% of the time year round.

Neighbor Due to the physical and chemical nature of the soils, raised beds are recommended for vegetable and herb growth. These soils will be easier to amend, build soil fertility, and give more space for the roots above the rocky soils. The blueberries and raspberries already on the site will thrive but would produce more with extra nutrients. Any fruit trees on the site will need amended soil.

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Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

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251 Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007

• The soil is Canton fine sandy loam • It is a glacial till deposit that is very to extremely stony.

• There is no indication of bedrock near the surface but within 36” there is a strongly contrasting layer that is more dense, gravelly, and stony.

• The soil has a pH of 4.7 making it very acidic like many areas in New England.

Although this isn’t good for most plants some, like blueberries, do well under these conditions. The calcium level is extremely low which can lead to acidic soils.

• It has very high levels of iron and aluminum . High acid levels increase the solubility of aluminum and make it more harmful to plants.

• The nutrient level is quite low. Soil will need to be amended for added fertility. Some native vegetation already growing there will be suitable for the site.

Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

The proposed house location will be close to the area shaded by the southern tree edge. Doing the final siting with a solar pathfinder is recommended.

Along with the amount of sun in the growing season, soils are another key aspect to growing plants on the land. Much of the plantable area of the property has adequate light for even the most sun-loving plants. However, the soils will be a limiting factor to food and plant growth on the property.

Hua Family Residence

The design of a passive solar house relies on proper siting, super insulation, air sealing, and glazing ratios. Southern windows should be 7-12% of the floor area, eastern and western windows should be 3%, and northern windows should be 1% of the floor area.

Active solar system requirements are for 6 or more hours of sun a day.

Cleared spaces have opened up the south aspect, which has created a section of greater than 70% solar gain in the winter.

Areas closer to the forest edges receive less winter sun and are eventually completely shaded. The shaded area comes almost to the upper terrace and the proposed locations of the house will be just north of the <50% shade edge.

Sun, Shade, & Soils

Sun & Shade

Potential Winter Solar Gain

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Analysis

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332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Analysis

Winds, Wetlands, Utilities, and Views Leach Field As part of readying the property for a house the Huas had a civil engineer recommend a place for the leach field which is marked in purple. The leachfield and the pipe down to it will have to be kept clear of large vegetation. This area could be used as a path to access the leach field and the field itself could be used for recreation.

NEIGHBOR

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251 Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007

Stream Buffer The stream buffer in the southwest of the property is the outside 40 feet of the 200 foot resource area that runs along the Axe Factory Brook. The resource area limits the alteration within the buffer without special permission from the conservation commision. There is also a wetland that lines the edges of the brook but does not extend onto the property. Though the wetland is not on the property, these wetland systems are very important and should be protected.

Views Many places on the property have great views to the surrounding forest and to the mountains in the distance. The clients have expressed a desire for views of birches on the property, and have a particular interest in seeing the mountains to the east from the house. The view could be blocked by vegetation growth over time and will need to be managed periodically.

There are exposed views to the closest neighbors and screening them would help reduce visibility onto those properties. There is also the potential for a house to be built at the bottom of the slope that may affect the southern views from the house.

Hua Family Residence

Northwest Winter Winds Cold winds can steal heat from a house in the winter. It is particularly important on this property because of its exposed location at the top of the slope. There are some trees that could block the wind but more may be needed to adequately protect the house and outdoor spaces.

Winter Winds

> 60% SOLAR GAIN IN WINTER

Slow Drainage

WINTER SHADE RECOMMENDED LEACH FIELD SITE.

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ws ble Vie

Views Moun to tains

200 FT STREAM BUFFER VIEWS NEIGHBOR

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ACCESS POINTS TO PROPERTY NOTEWORTHY AREAS

Edge of the 200ft stream resource area

The Huas would like to see the mountain to the east from their new home.

Clearing for this view has also opended a view to the neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home which will need to be screened for privacy.

Potential house lot

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

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Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

Fast Drainage

Winds, Wetlands, Utilities, & Views

d SLOPES OF 15% OR GREATER

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Entrance to the site • Main access to the site is from Rockrimmon Road.

Any other access is extremely limited by steep slopes.

• The ground is compacted which doesn’t allow water to permeate into the soil increasing the potential for erosion.

• The entrance from the road collects water from steep slopes on either side increasing erosion.

• The north-facing drive receives minimal sun during the winter and could potentially freeze if not well drained.

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• 70% of the potential solar gain in the winter makes it very suitable for passive solar heating.

• Less than 10% slopes make access and gathering spaces easier to site than the surrounding slopes.

• The soil has poor nutrients and high acidity so many food producing plants would need soil amendments.

• There are great views south toward the forest edge.

Symbols

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Fast Drainage Upper Terrace

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Moderate slope, moderate sun • Moderately steep slopes of between 10% and 15% don’t allow easy access but are still navigable.

• Moderate winter sun allows for enough passive solar gain.

• Summer sun makes it a good place for gardens.

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Neighbor Middle Steep Area

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Southwest Lower Terrace

Southeast Lower Terrance

0 20 40 Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Steep shady slope • Slopes are greater than 15% making foot access difficult.

• Recently cleared area could be prone to erosion.

• Tree regrowth will need to be managed to maintain solar access.

• It is very shaded during winter months making it a poor place for solar gain.

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Mountain views • The view corridor to distant eastern mountains also opens views to the neighbors below.

• It is recently cleared and moderately steep.

251 Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007

2 Upper flat terrace

Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

A

Neighbor

Access points to the property

Hua Family Residence

1

SUMMARY ANALYSIS

The Hua’s property is located off a steep section of Rockrimmon Road in Belchertown. The site’s two flatter terraces are separated by a very steep slope limiting access between them. Much of the site has been cleared in the last three years and there is slash on the ground which will help reduce erosion. Most of the remaining trees will be kept. The soil on the site is glacial till which is described as very to extremely stony. It is well drained, nutrientpoor, and very acidic - great for blueberries!

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Summary Analysis

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Hanging on the Edge

The clients’ originally sited the house on the edge of the slope giving the kitchen a great view to the east. The kitchen, dining room, and living room are on the ground floor and kids’ bedrooms are beneath.

The driveway is extended to the west to allow for views to the main part of the house past the garage.

Pros • Best view to the eastern mountains.

• Unique walk-out patio on the lower flo0r.

• Lower floor is surrounded on three sides by earth that will help thermoregulation Cons • The flatter play area is to the north, which has limited sight access because of fewer north windows.

• The most lawn area increases mowing.

• Requires the most material to be excavated.

• The first view of the house is the garage not the front door.

Mid succession Meadow & forest edge Wildflower

Lawn

Patio Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Early Succession

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Arrive within Sight

This design moves the driveway farthest to the west, hugging the existing tree line. All of the house’s living space is above grade and the childrens’ bedrooms are on the second floor.

Pros • Smallest amount of lawn to mow.

• Least amount of material to be excavated.

• Vegetable gardens are integrated with patio.

• Allows a great view of the house entrance upon arrival.

• Bedrooms could be heated passively since heat rises.

Cons • Longest driveway.

• Would either lose views of the mountains from the kitchen if located on the west, or the eastern kitchen is far from the garage increasing the distance traveled with groceries.

• Bedrooms would be on the top floor reducing the ability for a large vaulted ceiling.

Forest edge & wind screen

Meadow & Wildflower

Lawn

Patio Early Succession

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251 Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007

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Moving on Back

The house is moved north shortening the driveway and allowing for increased summer shade. Landscaping south of the house draws people to a patio on the edge of the slope that has views to the east. The location allows additional trees to grow on the southern steep slope and buffers views to a parcel of land that could possibly be developed there.

Pros • Shortest driveway of the three designs.

• The flat play area is to the south and most visible from the house because of increased windows on the south facade.

• Requires less excavating than the first design.

Cons • East views to the mountains are not available from within the house.

• Requires steps up to the main floor and down to the back yard increasing the disconnection between inside and outside spaces.

• The house is closer to the north neighbor than in other alternatives.

• First view is the garage not the home.

Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

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Hua Family Residence

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Design Alternatives

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332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Design Alternatives

North Meadow & Wildflower

Patio

Lawn

Patio

Early Succession

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332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Final Design Whole site

Ne

The house is built into the edge of the slope capturing the long views to the east. The entrance to the site has new vegetation to create a unique experience that allows for the landscape to unfold and the house to be seen first. The lawn and play area is visible from the kitchen’s large east windows. The terraced gardens make use of the slope to make usable space for growing. Much of the property also maintains an open unforested area that is beautiful, requires little maintenance, and is sustainable.

h ig r bo

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251 Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007

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Entrance Grading The hill to the south of the driveway entrance has been graded to allow for better views of oncoming traffic along Rockrimmon Rd. The side of the driveway has also been altered to divert storm-water off the driveway to reduce erosion and to reduce the potential for ice after winter thaws.

Hua Family Residence

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Through the Woods Trees have been added along the driveway to block views to and from the road. They also reduce erosion and help create a sheltered and enclosed feel to the property. With this addition, views to the garage will be limited and allow for a forested entry to the main part of the property.

5

Garage

House Neighbor

Aspens and First View of the House Trees are added to the northern border to buffer views of the neighbor’s property. Some trees are removed to frame views to the southwest when entering the property. A distant view over the rock wall is revealed as the house comes into view. Here there will be views to the birches in the distance and the grasses and flowers that have been added there.

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Boulder overlook

Meadow grasses and Wildflowers This area is an open and unique environment. The birch trees offer a stark whiteness to the green grasses and wildflowers. The spacing of the trees has an open feel and leads to the denser forest vegetation in the distance. The grasses and wildflowers provide food for birds in the winter and are preferred habitat for some species of birds and mammals. This area will also only require one cutting a year in late winter to allow animals to eat the seeds during the coldest months. The cutting will allow nutrients and organic matter to return to the soil.

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

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Boulder Gatherings A path to the large boulder in the southwest has been established using wood chips from the property for easy access. A few steps have been created on the steepest areas. A small firepit could be easily placed on the boulder for fires away from the house.

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Early Successional Slope For Sun The steep slope south of the house will be kept in a state of early succession to maintain sun for passive solar gain. Trees should be kept small to allow shrubs, grasses, and other herbaceous vegetation to flourish. Tall trees should be cut every 5-6 years to prevent the shading of the house in the winter, and to make sure the vegetation on the ground continues to hold the steep slope intact. Berry bushes are planted sporadically for human and wildlife eating. A few trees have also been strategically placed to grow and shade the house in the summer without posing danger to the house.

Also, keeping a section of the slope clear of brush and bushes would be a great place for sledding.

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160 ft Privacy Screening and Views The lower east terrace of the site has been planted to block the view of the neighbor that has been opened by clearing the taller trees. The planted species will be coniferous and allow the view to the distant mountains while acting as a natural screen to the neighbor’s home. This will also begin to enclose the lower area that was cleared when the property was two lots.

Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

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Framing the View Ahead Trees have been added to accentuate the winding forested path to the house. They also block views of the parking area and garage focusing attention forward and allowing the house to be the first visible structure on the property.

Although some limited glimpses of the garage will be seen between trees, it will act as a screen particularly in the summer.

Final Design: Whole Site

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Focus area around the house

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Entrance Screen Master Bedroom Living Patio

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Shade for the Summer The area by the west porch contains the beginnings of a trail that leads to the giant boulder below. This west-facing location has medium-sized deciduous trees planted to shade the area on hot summer days. The slope on the southwest of the house will be seeded with a native grass and wildflower mix and maintained annually or as needed.

Lower Patio The walkout from the lower floor is a stone patio with the cracks and gaps filled with creeping thyme. The tall trees to the south have been removed due to the dangers of them falling on the house, the grading work that will need to be done, and the lack of shade they provide. They have been replaced with trees that will pose less of a risk to the house, and in the future will offer summer shade. There are outside stairs that lead from the lower level to the eastern garden beds and the kitchen patio. There is a pergola above the lower patio with vines providing additional cover. This will block the summer sun from getting into the lower floor and offer a shaded area on hot summer days.

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Skating area

Future Garage

Dining

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Kitchen

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Patio

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Terraced Garden Beds Garden beds line the stairs that connect the lower and upper stairs. The access to them is from the stairs between the lower patio and kitchen patio. They have 2 foot retaining walls to create flat areas for the vegetables. The area directly adjacent to the house is a vegetated slope. The beds are created from soil brought in from off site along with some mulch to help increase the organic matter. If desired the planting beds can easily be expanded along the terraces and to the east of the kitchen patio.

5

Kitchen Patio and Gardens The kitchen patio has a split level. The entrance area near the door will be level with the house.

The lower patio area will be 1.5 feet down with stairs offering a place to sit in addition to space for tables or chairs. There is an herb garden and shade garden between the patio and the garage.

Grass for Play The enclosed lawn area offers a place for children to play within view of the large east windows of the kitchen. It has been graded to a flat surface using excavated subsoil from construction. The area is mostly enclosed by a rock wall that is roughly two feet high and wide. Eight dwarf fruit trees line the outside of the area and help define the space. They will need to be planted using off-site soils and mulch, along with soil amendments to help them survive on the nutrient-poor and acidic natural soils of the property. These trees offer a contained feel while still allowing sight through them.

This area also features a shaded vegetable garden west of the path between the garage and the kitchen patio. To the east of the same path will be an herb/kitchen garden in a raised bed.

Additionally, the dotted area will be graded slightly below the rest of the area and can be flooded to create a skating rink once the temperatures drop. Once winter arrives the opening in the rock wall is shut with sandbags and will be ready to flood.

251 Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007

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Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

Driveway

Boulders and Blueberries On-site materials and plants create an environment that fits into itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s locale. There will be large and small rocks taken from other places on the property to create the hardscaping. Some of these rocks will be dug into the ground, or mounded with dirt, and planted with low-bush blueberries. Huckleberries, heathers, and other native wildflowers, legumes, and grasses will stabilize the soils and not obstruct views to the front of the house. This offers a unique entrance to the house as well as berry bushes and flowers to attract pollinators. A rock wall creates a barrier between this area and the taller grasses and trees to the west.

Hua Family Residence

6

Meadows and Wildflowers This is another location on the property that will have tall grasses and wildflowers. It contains a few more trees and offers some open views beyond the rock wall. The grass area will blend into the forest edge to the east and to the early successional area to the south.

Final Design: Focus Area

The three main zones around the house are the stony patch to the north of the house, the lawn section to the northeast of the kitchen, and the garden area to the south of the house. Each of these has particular elements that will be discussed in further detail on this page and on the plant palette (sheet 14). These areas of the house offer unique habitats for plants, animals, and people.

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332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Final Plan

North

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Infiltration basin Uphill from this area swales have been created to move water away from the driveway and away from the lower, confined area of the driveway. At the end of these swales an infiltration basin has been created to catch and percolate water. An outlet has been added to the basin away from the driveway for overflow during large storm events.

3

B

Garden terraces The terraces in front of the house make use of the grade change created by the lower floor and uses the excavated material to create a series of steps and garden areas. Each step is a six inches riser and a three foot wide tread allowing easy access.

The two main levels of the terraces are created with twofoot retaining walls constructed with wood or stones. These terraces will be filled with fertile soil brought in from off site. A few more swales are created on either side of the lower patio to help move water away from the house.

4

Flat lawn area This area has been graded to a relatively flat area that will be planted with grass. In addition, a depression has been created allowing it to be flooded to create a skating rink during the winter. On the southeast of this area, there is a gap in the rock wall and a series of swales that will hold gravel and vegetation to allow the flooded area to drain at a shallower angle than the water would normally take to reduce erosion.

B A

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

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251 Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007

A

Entrance The entrance to the driveway has been graded for increased visibility to the road, and to help slow stormwater drainage.

Directly to the south of the entrance is a ridge that impairs vision to the road in that direction. Material has been removed to lower the slope at the road. Directly adjacent to the driveway, a swale filled with gravel has been created to divert water off the driveway to the ditch running along the edge of the road.

1 r ck Ro nR mo im

d

4

2 Rock and Vegetated Swale

Swale

Rock outcropping

3

Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

1

Hua Family Residence

The site requires significant regrading for the house and some grading for the driveway. The grading around the house levels the ground to the north of the main entrance and to the northeast of the kitchen. The south of the house has hills and terraces the help maintain a slope of less than 33% that helps limit erosion. The west of the lower patio is a slope that meets the house, and to the east of this are terraced beds that are using the created contours to grow vegetables.

Grading Plan

Grading Plan

Rock and Vegetated Swale 0

20

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

40

60ft

0

20

40

60ft

North

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The lower patio would benefit in the summer from a pergola.

It would allow shade in the summer and sun in the winter as the deciduous vegetation dies or is cut back. There are many vines such as wisteria, honeysuckle, and trumpet vine that will shade the house and patio but will also have flowers for beauty and to attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

The patio could use creeping thyme to fill in the gaps between stones which smell good when stepped on.

A meadow with wildflowers offers a perennial grass solution that only needs annual mowing. Different flower species can be chosen to have blooms throughout the year.

Rock and blueberry area

Lowbush blueberries grow well in these soils and among rocks. Large and small rocks will be added to the landscaping and dug in, or mounded with soil to create exposed rock surfaces.

Around these blueberries along with huckleberries, heather, short grasses, and other plants that do well in acidic, rocky soils are planted on the site.

251 Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007

Meadow and wildflowers

www.annies-garden.com

Terraced garden

The terraced garden uses the contours to the south of the house to make beds for vegetables. These would be made with either wood or stone retaining walls, depending on the clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; preference. The walls could double as seating on the edge of the patio. Fertile soil will be brought in from offsite which is better for growing vegetables.

Along the stairs connecting the lower and upper patios there will be a small vegetated swath between the stairs and the house. This small strip of soil could be used to grow more vegetables, small berry bushes, or flowers.

www.gskenney.com

Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

www.gjhikes.com

Vine covered pergola

Hua Family Residence

An area similar to this would be viewable upon entering the property and would be located to the west of the house. This picture is thicker than what is planned but offers a glimpse into how the grasses and birches look together.

It shows how sight is limited but not blocked. In the future the area has the possibility to get thicker like in the photo. Trees of other species will need to be periodically removed, and the grasses will need to be cut annually.

Precedents

Birch meadow

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Precedents

www.blogspot.com

North www.fineartamerica.com Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

www. http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/

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Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium

scoparium

Grass

2 to 3

Indiangrass

Sorghastrum

nutans

‘Prairie View’-IN Ecotype Southlow’-MI Ecotype

Width (ft.) tufted

Grass

3 to 7

tufts

Sideoats Grama Perennial Blue Flax Big Bluestem Partridge Pea Illinois Bundleflower

Bouteloua Linum Andropogon Chamaecrista Desmanthus

curtipendula perenne gerardii fasciculata illinoensis

‘Butte’ lewisii Niagara’

Grass Flower Grass Flower Flower

2 to 2.5 1 to 2.5 3 to 8 .5 to 2 2 to 4

Purple Coneflower

Echinacea

purpurea

Flower

3.5

Blackeyed Susan Grey Headed Coneflower Lanceleaf Coreopsis Shasta Daisy Annual Gaillardia Perennial Gaillardia Blue False Indigo

Rudbeckia Ratibida Coreopsis Chrysanthemum Gaillardia Gaillardia Baptisia

hirta pinnata lanceolata maximum pulchella aristata australis

Flower Flower Flower Flower Flower Flower Flower

1 to 2.5 4 1.5 to 3 1 to 3 2 1 to 2.5 .5 to 1.5

Oxeye Daisy

Chrysanthemum

leucanthemum

Flower

1 to 3

Birch savanna Plant List Common Name

Project: Hua Botanical name: Genus Botanical name: Species Variety

Type

Ht (ft.)

Paper Birch

Betula

papyrifera

Tree

50 to 70

Width (ft.)

35

White Pine

Pinus

strobus

Tree

50 to 80

20-40

Flowering Dogwood

Cornus

florida

Tree

20 to 35

25-30

Virginia Wildrye

Elymus

virginicus

Grass

2 to 4

bunch

Autumn Bentgrass

Agrostis

perennans

Grass

.5 to 2.5

tufts

Creeping Red Fescue

Festuca

rubra

Grass

1 to 3

Partridge Pea Slender Bushclover

Chamaecrista Lespedeza

fasciculata virginica

Legume Legume

.5 to 2.5 2.5

White Doll’s Daisy

Boltonia

asteroides

Flower

3 to 5

Name: Lowbush Blueberry Patch Plant List Common Name

Project: Hua Botanical name: Genus

Botanical name: Species

Type

Ht (ft.)

Lowbush Blueberry

Vaccinium

angustifolium

Shrub

.5 to 2

Black Huckleberry

Gaylussacia

baccata

Shrub

1 to 3

Heather Aster Creeping Red Fescue

Aster Festuca

ericoides rubra

Flower Grass

2 1 to 3

Partridge Pea Slender Bushclover

Chamaecrista Lespedeza

fasciculata virginica

Legume Legume

.5 to 2.5 2.5

White Doll’s Daisy

Boltonia

asteroides

Flower

3 to 5

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium

scoparium

Grass

2 to 3

coastal plain coastal plain

Variety

‘Prairie View’-IN Ecotype

Width (ft.) spreading

bushy

tufted

Tolerances Sun/Shade

Wet/dry

full sun

Average to dry

full to partial sun full sun full sun full sun full sun full to partial sun full to partial sun full sun full sun full sun full sun full sun full sun full to partial sun full to partial sun

Average to dry

Tolerances Sun/Shade Sun to partial shade Tolerant of sun and shade Tolerant of sun and shade Full sun to light shade Sun to partial shade Sun to partial shade Full sun Full to partial sun Full to partial sun

Tolerances Sun/Shade

Soil fertility

dry dry moist to part dry average to dry moist to average moist to average moist to moderately dry average average to dry average average to dry average average to dry average to moderately dry

Wet/dry

Soil ferility

Moist

Acid

Moist

Can handle acid

Moist

Can handle acid

251 Rockrimmon Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007

Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) can be planted as a ground cover or between pavers on the lower patio.

Ht (ft.)

Moist Moist to dry Moist to dry Average to dry Average to dry Wet to moist

Wet/dry

Soil ferility

Full sun to light shade Partial sun

Average to dry

Acidic and sandy Acidic and sandy

Full sun Sun to partial shade Full sun Full to partial sun Full or partial sun Full sun

Average to dry Moist to dry

Average to dry

Designer: Jeff Frisch Jr Fall 2014

Several vines could be used for the pergola including grapes (Vitis spp.), virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), trumpet vines (Campsis spp.), and wisteria (Wisteria spp.).

Type

Hua Family Residence

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) could be planted to screen the neighbor to the southeast and allow views. It would grow slowly in the soils on the site.

Plateau Tolerant Wildflower & Grass Mix Project: Hua Ernst Seeds Plant List Common Name Botanical name: Genus Botanical name: Species Variety

Plant Palette

This palette lists many plants that prefer the acidic, well-drained soils on the property. The palette includes plants for the birch meadow proposed to the west of the house, wildflowers and grasses for the tall grass meadow, and the lowbush blueberry patch to the north of the house.

Some more simple plant recommendation have been made for different parts of the property.

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Plant Palette

Average to dry Average to dry Wet to moist Average to dry

North

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