project portfolio public & private
J O N AT HA N ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
w w w. j o n a t h a n a l d e r s o n . c o m POST OFFICE BOX 661 WAYNE PA 19087 phone 610.341.9925 fax 610.341.9926
jonathan alderson landscape architects | firm profile
Firm Profile
Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc. is a local design practice focused passionately on innovative approaches to shaping land. Founded by Jonathan Alderson in 1998, our firm’s aim is to create environments that are indicative of client needs and goals, while providing attractive places to live, work and visit. We are committed to protecting the environment and are striving to produce the best of sustainable designs whether storm water management, resource conservation, or habitat creation. We believe that the use of sustainable plantings and appropriate materials combined with a strong regard for site and ecology can lead to the creation of extraordinary places. As a firm, we prefer to see each project through from concept to completion (especially when working locally). In doing so we can capitalize on our relationships with nurseries, craftspeople and suppliers and guarantee our practice’s highest standards and attention to detail. We are local and have an intimate understanding of the region, its landscape and history. Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc. carries professional liability insurance for two million dollars for each claim; two million aggregate (New Hampshire Insurance Company).
Jonathan Alderson, CLARB, Principal
Mr. Alderson, the founder and Principal of the firm, is the design leader. He will be involved from conceptual development to construction documentation and will help to incorporate the clients’ goals and expectations throughout the whole design process. Mr. Alderson brings a wealth of design and construction experience to the team. Project experience includes: the design of the Top of the Hill Park, Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, and the design of a meditation garden for the Wellness Community in Wilmington, Delaware. As a project Landscape Architect at Skidmore Owings & Merrill, Mr. Alderson directed the design development and implementation of a $1.5 million landscape project (including prairie restoration and roof gardens) for the Spiegel World Corporate Headquarters. Mr. Alderson is a member of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, the U.S. Green Building Council and has been an active member of the Building and Site Committee for West Philadelphia Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Alderson has a BA from the University of Reading, United Kingdom, and holds a Master of Landscape Architecture with Certificate in Urban Design from the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Alderson, who has taught at Temple University, is a registered Landscape Architect in Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia and a member of the Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Boards.
Jesse Forrester, RLA
Mr. Forrester is responsible for development of design concepts and production of drawing sets, as well as project coordination with outside consultants. He brings a diverse background to the team in art, construction, and agriculture. Mr. Forrester holds a BS in Landscape Architecture from Temple University. Working with the Olin Partnership, he documented the Bethel Performing Arts Center in Bethel, NY, helped develop and manage the master planning and permitting of the Mill River Park and Greenway in Stamford Connecticut, and coordinated design development and documentation for the Brooklyn Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn, NY. Mr. Forrester is a registered Landscape Architect in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
Chris Pugliese, ASLA
Mr. Pugliese is responsible for the day to day project management including design development, construction details, presentation drawings, construction specifications and preliminary cost estimates, coordination and correspondence to clients and contractors, selection and purchase of landscape and hardscape materials. Mr. Pugliese brings a wealth of design build experience to the project team, having worked for six years for a landscape design build firm. While at the design build firm Mr. Pugliese participated in several significant projects at the Morris Arboretum including the restoration of the historic Spring House and master planning for the Fernery. Mr. Pugliese received a BA from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to his efforts to share his experience and expertise as an adjunct faculty member at Temple University Mr. Pugliese has been an active volunteer designer/ project leader with the Community Design Collaborative. Since 1998 Mr. Pugliese has worked on significant public and non-profit projects throughout the region.
Kwatee Stamm, Landscape Designer
Mr. Stamm is responsible for producing drawings sets, graphic presentations and computer generated 3d models, as well as assisting in the design process from conceptual master planning through construction details. Other duties include installation coordination, construction supervision and post installation monitoring. His previous work experience includes nine years of landscape construction, installation and production management. Mr. Stamm holds a BS in Landscape Architecture from Temple University.
Grace Herman, Landscape Designer
Ms. Herman contributes to the development of design concepts, graphic presentations, and construction documents. She holds a Bachelor in Landscape Architecture from Philadelphia University as well as a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington, where she attended under an Enhanced Graduate Teaching Assistant Scholarship. She received the Outstanding Student Award from the UTA Architecture Alumni Association upon graduation. In the past, she has worked as an intern for the Philadelphia Streets Department updating the City’s GIS files and the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership, where she gained experience working directly with a community. Currently she is involved with developing the concepts and drawing sets for Longwood Gardens.
Matthew Nelson, Landscape Designer
Mr. Nelson is the newest addition to the firm. Specializing in 3D digital modeling and presentation graphics, Matt is also responsible for developing design concepts, drawing sets, and construction details. He started as an intern while finishing his BS in Landscape Architecture from Temple University and became a full time designer upon graduating. His previous work experience includes a teaching role for the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture at Temple University where he worked as a Teacher’s Assistant in addition to being the technology liaison for the Landscape Design Studios. Matt has a background in plants, working two years for a retail nursery and as part of the Arboretum staff at Temple University’s Ambler campus.
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
jonathan alderson landscape architects | projects
PROJECT NAME CLIENT LOCATION DATE COMPLETED BUDGET PROJECT TEAM RELEVANCE OUTCOMES PROJECT NAME CLIENT LOCATION DATE COMPLETED BUDGET PROJECT TEAM RELEVANCE PROJECT NAME CLIENT LOCATION DATE COMPLETED BUDGET PROJECT TEAM RELEVANCE
PROJECT NAME CLIENT LOCATION DATE COMPLETED BUDGET PROJECT TEAM RELEVANCE OUTCOMES PROJECT NAME CLIENT LOCATION DATE COMPLETED BUDGET PROJECT TEAM RELEVANCE
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
LONGWOOD GARDENS LONGWOOD GARDENS Kennett Square, PA To be Completed by 2014 Withheld at owner’s request Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc. – Landscape Architect, Meliora - Civil Engineer, Gecko Group - Interpretive Designers, John Milner Architects, Inc. - Architects Creation of meadow landscape, Connections to the gardens, Trails, Landscape Shelters, Bridges, and Boardwalks. Creation of regional significant 87 acre Warm Season Grass Meadow. ANN B. BARSHINGER CANCER CENTER LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH Lancaster County 2013 3.6 Million Ballinger - Architect, Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc. Landscape Architect New drives and parking lots, Rain gardens and Bio-swales, Creation of Meadow Landscape and Gardens, Healing Garden and Water Features READING HEALTH SYSTEM EXPANSION READING HOSPITAL Reading, PA 2014 Withheld at client request Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc. – Landscape Architect, Ballinger – Architects, Roof Meadow - Green Roof Design, SSM Group, Inc. - Civil Engineer. Extensive and intensive green roofs. Over an acre of intensive green roofs that include raised Cor-Ten steel planting beds, walking paths, a pergola, water features, and healing gardens. SCOTT ARBORETUM SWARTHMORE COLLEGE Swarthmore PA 2010 $500,000 (Landscape) Archer Buchanan Architecture, Ltd. – Architect, Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc. – Landscape Architect, Gilmore Associates Civil Engineer Environmental Educational Visitor Center LEED Silver BLOCKLEY HALL UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Philadelphia, PA 2013 $300,000 Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc. – Landscape Architect, Meliora Design, LLC - Civil Engineer. Bike corral plaza for students and staff of Blockley Hall and the adjoining Southeastern quadrant of the School of Medicine. Includes seating, plantings, porous paving, lighting, security cameras, and rain gardens. The plaza is located on an inactive construction site and serves to organize a growing number of arbitrarily located bicycle racks congesting the nearby building entrances.
PROJECT NAME CLIENT LOCATION DATE COMPLETED BUDGET PROJECT TEAM RELEVANCE
VAN SCIVER SCHOOL RAIN GARDEN, SADDLER’S WOODS DELAWARE RIVER KEEPER Haddon Township, NJ 2012 Withheld at Owner’s Request Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc. - Landscape Architect. Rain garden design to offset stormwater runoff from the Van Sciver Elementary School’s parking lots in an effort to mitigate damage to Saddler’s Run Stream. The rain garden also serves as an educational element for the school and community.
PROJECT NAME CLIENT LOCATION DATE COMPLETED BUDGET PROJECT TEAM RELEVANCE
MAIN LINE HOME GARDEN WITHHELD AT OWNER’S REQUEST Wayne, Pa 2013 Withheld at Owner’s Request Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc. - Landscape Architect, Momenee & Associates, Inc. - Civil Engineer. Extensive planting design with dense native vegetation, rain gardens, meadows, and green roof in addition to a pergola.
PROJECT NAME CLIENT LOCATION DATE COMPLETED BUDGET PROJECT TEAM
GALLERY IN GLADWYNE WITHHELD AT OWNER’S REQUEST Gladwyne, Pa Phase 1 Completed 2010 Landscape $90,000 Point B Design - Architect, Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc. Landscape Architect Native plantings including a cool season meadow and lush masses of warm season grasses. An environmentally sensitive blend of dwarf fescue grasses is used in lieu of traditional lawn. Over time, natural processes deconstruct the meadow grid and new patterns evolve.
RELEVANCE
PROJECT NAME CLIENT LOCATION DATE COMPLETED BUDGET PROJECT TEAM RELEVANCE OUTCOMES PROJECT NAME CLIENT LOCATION DATE COMPLETED BUDGET PROJECT TEAM RELEVANCE OUTCOMES
ROSS RESIDENCE - THE SUSTAINABLE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS ROSS Chester County 2007 Withheld at owner’s request Moger Mehrhof Architects – Architect, Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc. – Landscape Architect, Regester - Civil Engineer New drive, Rain gardens and Bioswales, Creation of Meadow Gardens, and Green Roof Published Garden Design Magazine, ASLA Award PA & DE CHESTER COUNTY FARM BERWIND CORP. Chester County 2011 Withheld at owner’s request John Milner Architects, Inc. – Architect, Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc. – Landscape Architect, Momenee - Civil Engineer New drives and realignments of existing drives, Creation of Meadow Landscape and Gardens, Water Features Published in Philadelphia Magazine
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
longwood gardens | kennett square pennsylvania
Currently under construction, Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects is developing an expansion of the 87 acre warm season grass meadow. With an emphasis on improving the organizational layout of the circulation throughout the grounds, the design team focused on the meadow’s connections to gardens and existing trails, while maintaining ADA accessibility. The refined path system meanders through the woodland and meadow, from boardwalk to mown grass and creates a model system of connecting spaces. Strategically sited pavilions and bridges serve as rest areas and places of public assembly. The three distinct pavilion types, each built with reclaimed wood and rustic materials, acknowledge the agricultural history of the site. Several unique bridges were designed in the same vernacular including the “earth bridge;” a subtle masonry arch capped with soil supporting the meadow as it traverses a stream. Most importantly, Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects has developed a regionally significant warm season grass meadow that serves as a prime location for botanical expression. The plant palette spans a range of conditions including wetlands, sunny uplands, successional forest edge and a full shade woodland.
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
longwood gardens
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
longwood gardens
meadow threshold . hourglass lake bridge
wetland passage . meandering woodland boardwalk
meadow overlook . sunny upland meadow
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
longwood gardens
meadow threshold . hourglass lake pavilion and bridge
lush wetland and earth bridge
meadow walk . rustic pavilion
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
lancaster cancer center | lancaster general health
At the master plan level, the design creates a logical framework for the hospital’s campus while demonstrating itself as a model system for stewardship and sustainability. By using contrasting elements of native meadow, water, and simple landforms, the plan allows for a natural sense of way-finding with minimal signage. Best management practices are used in the parking lots with rain gardens and native meadow, collecting runoff from the paving before reaching the detention basin. The healing garden occupies the central courtyard and creates varied spaces for meditation while maintaining ADA accessibility. A glass curtain wall surrounds the garden and blurs the line between interior and exterior spaces, while views out through the building create a connection with the larger landscape beyond. Throughout the landscape water is woven as an element of continuity and demonstration of sustainability. The 28,000 square foot roof’s water runoff is captured and conveyed into courtyard water features before entering underground cisterns, to be used for irrigation, or bypassing into the larger pond and wet meadows beyond. The garden is a prime location for botanical expression for the hospital. Specific plant species were chosen to make the healing garden a sensory experience for patients and visitors alike.
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
lancaster cancer center
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
lancaster cancer center
parking area rain gardens
parking median wildflower beds
river stone bed catches roof runoff from gutters
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
lancaster cancer center
interior meditation space . views to reflection pool and healing garden
Site Photo• Porous Parking Areas
healing garden reflection pool
reflection pool . post construction
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
reading hospital | reading, pennsylvania
Working in tandem with Ballinger Architects and green roof pioneers Roofmeadow, Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects developed a network of conventional and roof top gardens spanning a range of extensive and intensive planting conditions for the Reading Hospital’s recent expansion project. The largest green roof elements include a healing garden and warm season meadow. Totaling over one acre, the healing garden and meadow combine to provide a series of rich experiences for the hospital staff, patients and the public. The roof garden circulation is defined by curving weathering steel planter walls which provide a variety of spaces including intimate nooks for reflection. Key elements like the oval lawn, water feature and pergola combine with larger spaces to define public spaces.
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
reading hospital
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
reading hospital
rendering . intensive green roof meadow
bird’s eye rendering by Spine 3D
rendering . intensive green roof and healing garden
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
reading hospital
rendering by Ballinger . healing garden outside of waiting room
bird’s eye rendering by Spine 3D
rendering by Spine 3D . recovery waiting room with garden space
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
scott arboretum | swarthmore college
Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects developed a design for the Landscape at the new Wister Education Center and Greenhouse at the Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College. The emphasis of this design is to create a sustainable landscape model while providing a teaching laboratory environment. Native plantings and rain gardens incorporate informative signage describing their environmental benefits. Elements such as permeable paving and reflective surfacing contribute to improved storm water management and reduced heat island effect. Great efforts have been made to preserve original vegetation while adding new selections to the collection and recycling any material that could not be preserved on site. Swarthmore College received a LEED Gold certification for the project.
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
scott arboretum
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
scott arboretum
education center and greenhouse
parking lot plantings
side entrance container planting
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
scott arboretum
campus plant palette
campus plant palette
campus plant palette
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
blockley hall | university of pennsylvania
Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects was selected by the University of Pennsylvania to reconfigure and improve bicycle parking within the campus southeastern quadrant. Previous bicycle parking had been distributed ad hoc around building entrances and a variety of bicycle rack types lacked organization and inhibited pedestrian circulation. Bicycle theft had also become an issue as many racks were situated beyond the range of existing security cameras. Utilizing a former construction trailer site along Currie Boulevard, the centrally located bicycle corral provides secure parking for over two hundred bicycles. In keeping with the University’s self-imposed sustainability requirements, the new corral design features permeable paving, rain gardens and native plantings, all of which help to improve drainage and eliminate flooding and muddy areas. Benches within the plantings provide an interlude from the busy street. Circulation was organized to balance the need for maximum capacity with high volume traffic while careful consideration was given to security camera placement providing the site with complete video coverage.
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
blockley hall
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
blockley hall
3D model . spatial study
Site Photo• Porous Parking Areas
bike corral section
3D model . spatial study
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
blockley hall
permeable paving and rain gardens
bike racks accommodate over 200 bikes
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
van sciver school rain garden | saddler’s woods
Saddler’s Woods is a 25.8 acre fragment of old growth forest in Haddon Township, New Jersey. Providing a local example of what the landscape looked like when European settlers arrived, it is home to over a thousand visitors each year for volunteering opportunities, recreation, and tours. With its land protected, the Woods are still subject to flooding and erosion as a result of storm-water runoff from adjacent buildings and parking lots. This runoff directly impacts Saddler’s Run, the stream that flows through Saddler’s Woods. Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects designed a rain garden and meadow at the adjacent Van Sciver Elementary School. Located on the periphery of Saddler’s Woods, the runoff from the Van Sciver School’s parking lots caused significant damage to Saddler’s Run. Down cutting of 10-20 feet in some areas of the stream has lowered the groundwater table in the woods. This has adversely affected the old growth trees that are accustomed to a higher groundwater table. To mitigate this damage, the team chose native and adaptive plant species to increase on-site infiltration while adding an educational element for the Elementary School and visitors to Saddler’s Woods. To foster a bio-diverse environment, several species of trees, hundreds of native shrubs, thousands of grass plugs, and hundreds of perennials were planted to mimic the way natural systems manage storm-water. The rain garden holds 6” of rainwater that slowly infiltrates over two days.
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
van sciver school
existing trees
existing shade
rain gardens with native plantings
existing evergreen
proposed shade
proposed evergreen
proposed flowering proposed shrub
grass path through native plantings educational signage (typical)
pooling feature trench drain . drains parking lot into raingarden meadow infill zone
trench drain add native plantings to provide connection to new rain garden
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
van sciver school
construction . rain garden planting day
heavy rain storm
construction . rain garden planting day
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
van sciver school
rain garden in summer
rain garden in early spring
rain garden in winter * Photography courtesy of John Nystedt of Delaware River Keeper
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
main line home garden | pennsylvania
Rain gardens, meadows, and green roof design are all critical parts of this complex site. Given a large building program within a relatively small site, much of the structure is below grade, requiring part of the lawn and gardens to occur over a green roof system. These plantings blend seamlessly with the adjacent terra-firma landscape and conceal the fact that a structure lies below. Rain gardens capture and cleanse runoff from the building and paved areas and are integrated into a larger meadow in front of the building. This meadow provides a lush, layered foreground that buffers the building from the road. Dense plantings and outbuilding structures such as the pergola create a sense of enclosure and provide privacy from nearby neighboring homes. All of these elements are designed using native vegetation and regional materials to make the building feel as though it has always been part of the surrounding historic town.
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
main line home garden
proposed evergreen trees proposed flowering trees proposed shade trees
proposed transplant existing evergreen trees existing deciduous trees
planting beds
hardscape
lawn
meadow
asphalt
rain garden
proposed shrubs
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
main line home garden
perennial bed
flowering vines on weathering trellis wood piers
driveway bridge over rain garden
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
main line home garden
view to open lawn
raised beds with urns and ornamental plants
walkway to front yard and driveway
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
d. gallery | gladwyne, pennsylvania
The goal of this project was to create spatial coherence between a newly constructed gallery, pool and the existing residence. Native plantings including a cool season meadow and lush masses of warm season grasses capture light, create movement and frame views. An environmentally sensitive blend of dwarf fescue grasses is used in lieu of traditional lawn, except in very high traffic areas. Underscoring the bold lines of the architecture, the meadow was ordered on a grid extending from the gallery. Varying densities in the grid create space for circulation and invite interaction with meadow. Over time, natural processes will deconstruct the grid and new patterns will evolve. Each year a new mosaic emerges.
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
d. gallery
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
d. gallery
meadow with allium bulbs and mature sycamores
plants as art . temporary boardwalk vegetation
boardwalk through meadow . connection from gallery to residence and pool
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
d. gallery
pool and hot-tub provide color contrast from the enveloping landscape
Site Photo• Porous Parking Areas
allium bulbs with concrete wall backdrop
gallery . landscape reflection
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
the sustainable house | chester county, pennsylvania
Respecting the spirit of the site – the plantings help restore the land while creating a harmonious transition into the larger landscape. A full, naturalistic palette of grasses and perennials echo the natural landscape while the use of simple indigenous materials such as dry-laid stone walls evokes the local character of Chester County. Groupings of deciduous trees to the south of the house facilitate passive solar insulation. Finely tapered earthen ramps evocative of the natural slopes to the north of the house provide insulation. Water features in the garden area are tied into the storm water system to minimize possible changes to the hydrology of the site. Every effort was made throughout the project to specify local material and to minimize the use of finite resources.
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
the sustainable house existing canopy trees
bioswale locally sourced avondale stone walls
earthen berm
cistern
lawn
main residence garage green roof
compost bins
private parking solar panels
deciduous trees prevent summer solar gain
visitor parking
native stone paving
mature oak tree
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
the sustainable house
earthern berm planting
Site Photo• Porous Parking Areas
lawn gathering space . lush perennial beds
front entrance . stepping stones through groundcover texture plantings
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
the sustainable house
game room sitting terrace . enveloped by green roof, local stone, and earthern berm
coneflower foreground . view to pasture beyond
perennial plantings against house
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
chester county farm | pennsylvania
The Landscape Master Plan for a 54-acre farm included native hedgerows, wildlife areas, meadows and gardens. Working with native plantings and appropriate materials combined with a strong regard for site and ecology, Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc. successfully connected a new farm cottage and barn complex to the natural landscape. The landscape plan features a “ruined barnyard” garden, farm cart tracks, intricate water features and a system of trails.
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
chester county farm
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
chester county farm
water features on axis . view through various garden “rooms�
views of the perennial garden
water rill and firepit terrace
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
chester county farm
perennial garden room with water feature focal point
crushed stone cart tracks . pastoral landscape beyond
winter interest against barn
JONATHAN ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
J O NAT HA N ALDERSON
landscape architects, inc.
w w w. j o n a t h a n a l d e r s o n . c o m POST OFFICE BOX 661 WAYNE PA 19087 phone 610.341.9925 fax 610.341.9926