ENTRY NUMBER: B-13
PROJECT STATEMENT
It is somewhat antithetical to the principles of permaculture and sustainable design to layout a long-range plan for the homestead landscape. This is because, such landscapes evolve from a constant process of observation and experimentation. With that in mind, this proposal does not detail every plant species or exact dimensions for landscape features. Rather, it creates a framework - or infrastructure - for the ongoing process of exploration and improvisation that generates a sustainable homestead. I commend the homeowner for endeavoring to change the status-quo of the American Home. I wish you the best of luck and I look forward to watching this project evolve.
SHED
WHITE PINES
HOUSE BACKYARD
STANHOPE
AVENUE
DRIVEWAY
SIDE YARD SIDE YARD
APPLES
EXISTING CONDITIONS STANHOPE AVENUE
0
10
20
SCALE: 1” = 20’-0”
40
N
DECIDUOUS TREES
LEGAL • The property is zoned “Low Density” (LD) • Two parking spaces are required (8’x18’) • Building is limited within lot setbacks (Front 15’ Back 20’ Side 10’) • Noncommercial raising of farm animals is permitted
SOILS • The soil type is “Caesar loamy sand” (526A) • Very low water holding capacity* • The property is located on a stratified drift aquifer (Transmissivity of 1,000-2,000 sf/day) *This soil will require additional organic matter to support agriculture
CLIMATE • An average of 44 inches of rainfall per year • USDA Hardiness Zone 5 • Frost depth 4’ • 15,000 gallons of rainwater fall on the house roof in one growing season (May-October)
WIND + SUN ANALYSIS
NORTHWEST
WINDS
SUMMER
10’ SETBACK
SOL
STIC
E
S WINTER
E TIC OLS
20’ SETBACK
15’ SETBACK
SHADED AREAS
SITE ANALYSIS STANHOPE AVENUE
0
10
20
SCALE: 1” = 20’-0”
40
N
10’ SETBACK
HOUSE LANDSCAPE
The proposed design creates a small pea stone patio immediately behind the house. The patio is lined with sugar maples, which extend around the southeast and southwest sides of the house to keep the house and patio cool during warm weather. Sugar maples were selected for their iconic New England form and to provide sap for maple syrup in the spring. Just beside the patio is a large rain barrel or cistern to store rainwater diverted from the roof by new gutters. This water should be used to irrigate the gardens. The current asphalt driveway is reduced by about 50% allowing for better stormwater infiltration on site. The remaining parking is enough for three vehicles and access to the shed has been maintained. A stone path links the driveway to the backyard and garden plots. The garden plots are 20’x20’ each, with the intent that each year one plot would be cultivated while the other is seeded with a cover crop to rebuild soil structure
and fertility. A 20’x20’ plot should be plenty of space to provide 50% of the vegetable needs for a group of four people. If more space is desired the plots should be extended south, not cultivated simultaneously – it is crucial to build and protect the soil.
SURROUNDING SPACES
The yard beyond the garden plots remains relatively unchanged so that it may serve as a range for a chicken tractor. The size of the tractor will depend on the needs of the family, but a maximum of eight chickens should be plenty. The eastern edge of the property, which is currently very open to the neighboring property, is an ideal micro-climate for a row of small fruit-bearing trees. These trees will augment food supplies and provide privacy. The western property line is already well screened and should be
allowed to grow-in each year with native grasses and forbs. A single, fall mowing should keep down woody vegetation. Shady areas below the existing trees should be planted with edible groundcovers and small shrubs. These may include blueberries, viburnums, huckleberries, raspberries and blackberries. The final element is perhaps the most adventurous. Freshwater fish raised in closed-system ponds are one of the most sustainable sources of protein available. The design shows a half-shaded fish pond at the rear of the property. The pond should be lined with fruiting shrubs to provide feed for the fish. There are no regulations in Keene regarding aquaculture, but this should be reviewed by the zoning board prior to construction to avoid any ‘public safety’ concerns.
FRUIT TREE HEDGE
SHED
REDUCED DRIVEWAY
PLOT A
COMPOST CHICKEN TRACTOR
STANHOPE
AVENUE
STONE PATH RAIN STORAGE
WHITE PINES
PLOT B HOUSE SHADED PATIO
CHICKEN RANGE FISH POND
SUGAR MAPLE SHADE-ROW APPLES
EDIBLE GROUNDCOVERS & SHRUBS
MEADOW EDGE
PROPOSED DESIGN STANHOPE AVENUE
0
10
20
SCALE: 1” = 20’-0”
40
N
DECIDUOUS TREES