Max Madalinski_Residential Site Design_Cummington, MA

Creating Home

Transforming a Historic Homestead in Cummington, MA

Index 1— Introduction 2— Context 3— Existing Conditions 4— Legal Analysis 5— Views Analysis 6— Slope, Soil, and Drainage Analysis 7— Soils Test Results 8— Vegetation Analysis 9— Sun and Shade Analyses

10— 11— 12— 13— 14—

Summary Analysis Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Final Design Plan Detail: Gardens Around House 15— Plan Detail 1 16— Plan Detail 2 17— Detail: Northern Clearing and Lead Containment

A Landscape Design for

[client names removed]

By Max Madalinski The Conway School 332 South Deerfield Rd Conway, MA 01341

Fall 2015

Overview of Site and Project Goals A Young Couple Dream of Creating Home The approximately 17.8-acre site straddles Porter Hill Road on either side with the main parcel stretching to the north and a smaller parcel to the south. [The clients] have been coming out to this site for several years to pick apples and fell in love with the open but protected feel of the pasture surrounded by woodlands. When it recently came up for sale they purchased it in hopes of turning it into their new home. Unfortunately, leaks in the historical farmhouse's roof went unchecked, causing damage to the interior plaster and contributing to mold growth throughout the building. After consulting with local builders, and being advised that it would cost them more money to fix this building than to build new, they decided to contact the Conway School to get ideas on where and how to site their new home.

A young couple dream of turning this old farm field into their new home.

Project Goals Site a New House

Ana and Dave's ideal house site would be suitable for a passive solar home, and would take advantage of the existing and potential views to the north and northeast.

Site and Design a Low-Maintenance Driveway

The driveway to the new house site should be easy to plow in winter and should not erode.

Site and Design Productive and Ornamental Gardens Northern Parcel

[The clients] would like productive gardens large enough to feed a family of four ([the clients and their two sons, aged 9 and 6]). They would like to be able to grow at least 50% of their vegetables and 30 to 40% of their fruits, and would like to extend production through the seasons as much as possible.

Create Outdoor Spaces for Lounging and Entertaining

Outdoor spaces need to be sized so that they can be used to host up to 20 people during holidays and family events.

Create Outdoor Space for Sons to Play

Ana and Dave would like a space large enough to host five-a-side soccer games and with additional nooks and crannies for their sons to play in.

Explore Feasibility of Creating Tick-Free Spaces

Ana and Dave would like to have outdoor spaces and their sons' play area designed to reduce exposure to ticks if possible.

Farmhouse

Explore Feasibility and Potential Sites for a Natural Pool

Ana and Dave dream of having a natural pool. They would like to know where they could site a natural pool at the site if possible.

Examine Potential for Re-using Historic Farmhouse Southern Parcel

Ana and Dave are unsure of how to proceed with the historic farmhouse. They have thought about turning it into an office and performance space (Dave practices law and Ana is a concert musician), but also are considering tearing it down.

[The clients] love the open but protected feeling of the site.

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

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

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

A Landscape Design for

[client names and address removed]

1/17

A Historical Farmstead Abutting Tower Brook Historic Context

Environmental Context

The Cobb Family Farmstead and Cemetery

Tower Brook and NHESP Endangered Species Habitat and Vernal Pools

The northeastern corner of the site stretches across the southern branch of Tower Brook. The small section of the brook that passes through the property lies approximately 2/3 of a mile downstream from the headwaters of the brook. From the site, the brook continues to a wetland area located next to the Cummington Fairgrounds. The Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) has certified the location of a vernal pool in this wetland and also recognizes the combination of this wetland with the nearby fairground farm fields as habitat for the endangered American bittern (a wading bird in the heron family). Designs must be careful not to negatively influence Tower Brook and its associated rare wildlife habitats. k j

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The Cobb family owned a 39-acre farmstead, which included the current parcel, from the early 1800s until 1910. They grew and sold trees and crop seed and dabbled in silk culture here until a series of tragic deaths precipitated a change in ownership.

In 1909 Henry Austin Cobb's wife Katherine Cowles died and he would follow her only a year later in March of 1910. Henry's son Harry would inherit the farm only to tragically die only one month later in April of 1910 at the age of 44. The farm then passed into the hands of Harry's second wife Jesse B. Cobb (maiden name McCloud). While there is no record of her motives, it is likely that Ms. Cobb was quite grief-stricken at the rapid deaths of her husband and his parents, and in October that same year she sold the Cobb farm to one Julia B. Steere, reserving only the parcel on which her husband and most of his immediate family were buried for herself and her progeny to visit in perpetuity.

To this day, the cemetery remains a separate parcel nested inside the site.

From 1910 onward there is no evidence that the site was ever actively farmed again. The subsequent owners slowly divided the larger farmstead into various parcels among their heirs, creating the parcels that David and Ana own today.

There are many signs of the various owners strewn about the woods on site.

From old jars and bottles, rusted farm equipment, a pair of switch houses and various trash, it is clear that the woods have been used as dumping grounds over the years and the site has been somewhat neglected.

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Vernal Pool

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104 Porter Hil Road Endangered Species Habitat

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Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community

An 1860 map of Cummington. The polygon highlights the name "A. Cobb."

The American bittern only makes its home in areas where open fields abut wetlands. The NHESP has recognized the area at the base of Porter Hill Road as critical habitat for this endangered bird. If site use negatively impacts Tower Brook, it could in turn damage or reduce the availability of habitat for this endangered bird.

Historical gravestones of Austin Cobb (left, Died 1873) and Amos Cobb (right, died 1846).

Trash and debris are strewn throughout the woods.

Vernal pools fill up with water seasonally and provide habitat and breeding grounds for rare amphibians and insects that cannot survive predation by fish. The vernal pool at the base of Porter Hill receives water from Tower Brook. Pollutants and changes in water temperature or flow could affect the rare species that breed in these pools.

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

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

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

A Landscape Design for

[clients name and address removed]

2/17

Examining Site Conditions 1

Cobb Family Cemetery

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Historical Farmhouse

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The Cobb family cemetery (see sheet 2) lies just inside the western forest edge. The line shown depicts the property boundary of the cemetery plot.

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The original farmhouse sits 50' back from Porter Hill Road.

The roof had several leaks that have severely damaged the interior plaster and caused mold issues throughout the building. The basement's stone foundation and dirt floor only add to the moisture levels in the building, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

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Cobb Family Cemetery

3 Old Maple Trees Along Road and Large Red Oak

Six old sugar maple trees line the road. The trees measure approximately 4 feet in diameter and 80 feet in height. A large stump-sprouted oak tree abuts the western edge of the field where [the clients] have cleared out brush in front of the tree so that it can be seen more clearly. They would like to keep and showcase these seven trees.

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Apple Trees in Pasture

Large Red Oak

Farmhouse

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4 Maple Snags

Maple Snags

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Two maple trees at the southeastern corner of the northern parcel have died and the town road commission has marked them for removal.

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Porter Hill Road

Old Maple Trees

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

5 4 Garage

A garage lies southeast of the farmhouse on the opposite side of a three-foot-tall stone wall. The only door on the building faces away from the farmhouse.

Apple Trees in Pasture

Numerous apple trees create two orchard areas at either end of the northern pasture.

Most of the trees are fairly young and are likely no older than 25 years, but there are several large trees that could be older. [The clients] hire neighbors to mow the pasture through the spring, summer, and fall to keep the grass short. To reduce the number of times they need to hire someone to mow, they allow another neighbor to pasture sheep on their land.

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

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

A Landscape Design for

[clients name and address removed]

3/17

Limited Legal Constraints r we To

Most of the site remains unaffected by legal buffers or setbacks.

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25' Property Buffer and River Buffers

Cummington's by-laws specify a 25' setback for the construction of buildings from all property lines and a special 300' buffer from streams and rivers.

The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act stipulates a 200' buffer around rivers and streams. >> River buffers and property line setbacks take up less than 30% of the site's acreage. » There is ample space to site a new house without violating the boundary setbacks or river buffers. » Changes within the 200' river buffer would require additional permitting.

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Legal Constraints of Cemetery

Cobb Family Cemetery

The cemetery's status as an in-holding property creates a 25' border around the cemetery.

The deed in which the cemetery was set aside from the rest of the property reserves Jessie Cobb's descendants the rights to access and visit the cemetery, though a specific right of way was not stipulated. » The cemetery cannot be altered without legal permission being given or without being purchased by [the clients]. However, they also have no obligation to maintain the cemetery or an access path to it.

3 Wetland Buffers in Southern Field Two wetlands lie in the woods just to the property's southern and southwestern borders.

This graphic delineates wetland boundaries only roughly since they may stretch over the southern boundary and into these fields. GIS data sourced from MassGIS's online mapping tool (OLIVER) showed different boundaries from data downloaded from the MassGIS website and uploaded into ArcGIS. » A wetland specialist should be consulted prior to the implementation of any changes to the southern parcel to confirm the extent of the wetlands and their associated buffers.

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North LEGEND Approximate Wetland Buffer

200' River Buffer

Approximate Wetland Edge

300' Cummington River Buffer

Old stone walls mark the property line.

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

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

Property Line Setback

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

A Landscape Design for

[clients name and address removed]

4/17

Northern Views and an Eastern Eyesore A'

The site currently has numerous views to the north and northeast that could potentially be expanded.

The neighboring property contains an unsightly dilapidated cabin.

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Long View to North

1 Long View to North

From just north of the farmhouse a narrow view of distant hills can be seen just above the far northern treeline. » The view could be expanded with some clearing along the far northern forest edge. » A house or outdoor viewing space could be located in this viewshed to take advantage of this beautiful existing view while minimizing clearing.

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Northern Forest Edge

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Northeastern View After Leaf Fall

Area from which Long View to North can be seen

2 Northeastern View After Leaf Fall After the deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn, a long view becomes visible through the treeline to the northeast. >> There is potential to create a year-round view to the northeast.

Past clearing on the eastern neighbor's property has created a stand of young trees that do not currently block this view. >> If allowed to grow to maturity these trees will block any potential view in this direction. » Trees could be cleared up to the property line to open this view for year-round enjoyment, but the trees on the neighbor's property would also have to be cleared to keep this view open.

Farmhouse

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Collapsed Cabin on Neighboring Parcel

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Collapsed Cabin on Neighboring Land

On the narrow neighboring parcel to the east, a cabin has fallen into disrepair and collapsed. There is also a good deal of trash, a collapsed woodshed, and a rusting tractor in this area. >> The area of the site with the best views overlaps the area with views of this eyesore. » The collapsed cabin would need to be removed or some sort of screening installed to minimize or remove the view.

North LEGEND Positive Seasonal View

Positive Year-Round View

Negative Seasonal View

Negative Year-Round View

1 Long View to North

Section A-A'

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

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

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

A Landscape Design for

[clients name and address removed]

5/17

Steep Wooded Slopes and Gentle Fields r we To

The steep northern portion of the property creates less suitable conditions for clearing, building, and gardening. The areas around the historical farmhouse are flatter and better suited to Ana and Dave's goals.

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1 Steep and Erodible Northern Slopes As the site stretches further north the ground becomes steeper, with most of the slopes becoming greater than 15%.

Slopes over 15% are at a higher risk of erosion if exposed, are difficult to traverse in a vehicle, and more costly to construct upon.

The potential for erosion is increased by the overlap of areas of steep slope with moderately erodible Marlow-Berkshire soil type. >> The area of steep slope provides poor conditions for the goals of siting a new house and low-maintenance driveway, for siting productive gardens, or for clearing to increase the northerly views. >> If disturbed, exposed soil could be carried into Tower Brook and reduce the flow of water to the vernal pools and wetlands further downstream. Âť If changes to areas of steep slope are required they should be accompanied by erosion control measures.

Ma rlow -Be Per rk u-M sh arl i ow re

2 Flatter Areas Wrap Around Historical Farmhouse The areas of the northern field surrounding the existing farmhouse are relatively flat and mostly less than 10%. >> Vegetable gardens can be prepared and maintained more easily in flat areas. Buildings on flat sites can be accessed easily with machinery and do not require large retaining walls, making them cheaper to construct. Flatter driveways can be constructed for less, traversed in vehicles more easily, and are less prone to erosion than driveways over 15% slope. Âť The flat areas around the house could serve as the prime locations for meeting many of Ana and Dave's goals in any proposed design and would generally be cheaper to implement.

Farmhouse

Interpolated Topography

Contour lines located in areas of pink on the graphic were interpolated from United States Geological Survey (USGS) maps due to the difficulty of surveying through deep woodlands. >> A more detailed survey of these areas is recommended if making changes to any portions of the site highlighted in pink.

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Perc Test Location

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LEGEND 0 - 2% Slope

5-10% Slope

15-25% Slope

Presumed >25% Slope

2-5% Slope

10-15% Slope

>25% Slope

Water Movement

Approximate Area of Flatter Slopes Around Farmhouse

Approximate Division Between USGS Soil Types

USGS Soil Types

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Marlow-Berkshire

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Eolian deposits over glacial till Moderate Erodibility Depth to Water Table 32" Depth to Bedrock >200 cm

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Peru-Marlow

Glacial till Slight Erodibility Depth to Water Table 18" *Perc Test showed 48" Depth to Bedrock >200 cm

*No septic currently exists at the site.

An initial perc test taken by the clients indicated that the site could accommodate a septic leach field in the location marked above.

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

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

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

A Landscape Design for

[clients name and address removed]

6/17

Inconsistent Soil Test Results Soil tests provided inconsistent lead contamination results. Areas around the farmhouse are presumed to contain toxic levels of lead. The soil tests indicated moderate levels of fertility.

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Inconsistent Lead Test Results

A soil sample taken from the area highlighted by the dashed red oval indicated low levels (1.7 ppm; the UMASS soil lab recommends <22ppm) of soil lead content.

Notes provided from soil testing done by [the clients] indicated moderate soil lead content (between 50 to 60 pmm) in areas highlighted with dashed blue ovals. » Since the soil test results were inconsistent, more testing should be done prior to implementation to determine if these areas actually have differing lead contents or if testing errors may have produced the varying results.

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High Lead Content Around Farmhouse

The EPA did not ban the use of lead in paint until 1978. The historical farmhouse dates back to the early 1800s and has likely been painted with lead paint several times over the years.

• Paint scraping can distribute paint chips up to 15' from a building. >> Areas within 15' of the farmhouse are presumably contaminated with levels of lead that would be considered High to Very High if tested due to the repeated scraping and application of lead paint over the years. » If plantings go into the area surrounding the farmhouse, an expert in lead containment and remediation should be consulted to ensure proper procedures are followed.

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Approximate locations of client soil tests

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Soil Test Location

Farmhouse

Soil Testing Indicates Moderate Fertility

Soil testing indicated mixed levels of major nutrients (very low P, low K, optimum Ca, and above optimum Mg), good levels of organic matter (7.0) , and an acidic pH (5.8).

Many vegetables grow best at a pH from 6 to 7 and require higher levels of P and K. >> The pH and nutrient levels indicated by the soil test seem unusual. Typically, high levels of Ca and Mg associate with soils with a basic pH (above 7). Lime (an amendment used to raise pH) consists mainly of Ca and/or Mg. Soil and Plant Tissue particular Testing Laboratory » It may be possible to choose plants that enjoy these 203 Paige Laboratory Holdsworth Way soil conditions and meet clients' goals for161 productive and University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003 ornamental gardens.

Phone: (413) 545-2311 soiltest@umass.edu » Nutrient and pH results also indicate thate-mail: more testing should be website: soiltest.umass.edu done to confirm the test results were not an anomaly.

Sample Information: Soil Test Report »» The use of appropriate amendments could boost and Samplefertility ID: 104 Porter Hill Prepared For: create conditions that are better for growing the vegetables and May Madalinski Order Number: fruits it may be17923 difficult The Conway School that are desired by the clients. However, Lab Number: S151020-102 142 Whitney Rd toHillincrease the soil pH for vegetable gardens without Area Sampled: adding 2800 sq ft Brookling, VT 05345 Received: 10/20/2015 additional Ca or Mg. Reported: 10/29/2015 madalinski.max@gmail.com

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802-221-4468 Soil Test Results Results

Value Optimum Range Found

Analysis

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Soil pH (1:1, H2O) Modified Morgan extractable, ppm Macronutrients Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg) Sulfur (S) Micronutrients * Boron (B) Manganese (Mn) Zinc (Zn) Copper (Cu) Iron (Fe) Aluminum (Al) Lead (Pb) *

0.8 4-14 83 100-160 1429 1000-1500 328 50-120 19.1 >10 0.3 12.1 1.0 0.7 6.0 58 1.7

0.1-0.5 1.1-6.3 1.0-7.6 0.3-0.6 2.7-9.4 <75 <22

Value Optimum Range Found

Analysis Cation Exch. Capacity, meq/100g Exch. Acidity, meq/100g Base Saturation, % Calcium Base Saturation Magnesium Base Saturation Potassium Base Saturation Scoop Density, g/cc Optional tests Soil Organic Matter (LOI), %

12.7 2.6 56 21 2 0.91

50-80 10-30 2.0-7.0

LEGEND 15' Buffer Around House Presumed to Have High Lead Contamination

Approximate Location of Client Soil Tests`

Approximate Location of Designer's Soil Tests

7.0

Micronutrient deficiencies rarely occur in New England soils; therefore, an Optimum Range has never been defined. Values provided represent the normal range found in soils and are for reference only.

Soil Test Interpretation Nutrient

Very Low

Low

Optimum

Above Optimum

Phosphorus (P): Potassium (K): Calcium (Ca):

Cauliflower prefers a more basic pH in the range of 6.5 to 7.5. Potatoes, on the other hand, prefer a pH from 4.5 to 6 and are slightly better suited to this site's pH.

Magnesium (Mg):

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Sample ID: 104 Porter Hill

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

Lab Number S151020-102

Soils Test Results Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

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

A Landscape Design for

[clients name and address removed]

7/17

Diverse Vegetation Bro ok

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Hemlock Grove

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The site has a broad mixture of hardwoods and softwoods with several distinct groves that are dominated by particular species. Poison ivy grows profusely in the southern fields.

Hemlock Forest Along Tower Brook

From the small bend in the eastern property line down to Tower Brook, there is an abrupt shift from mixed deciduous forest canopy over to a dense hemlock grove. >> The hemlock grove provides shade for Tower Brook, keeping this portion of the river cooler and providing a niche for river species that require cooler water. >> If the hemlocks here die then the brook ecology will likely change because there will be no evergreen trees to provide deep shade in this part of the brook year round. » Any designs that suggest clearing of trees should take care not to destroy the relationship between this hemlock stand and Tower Brook.

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Beech Grove

2 Dense Grove of Young Beech Trees A large grove of young American beech trees and saplings stretch from north to south along the western edge of the property.

American beech frequently spreads via root suckers or clones, which explains why there are so many young beech trees here. >> The lack of older beech trees suggests that this stand is being affected by some disease (possibly beech bark disease) that is killing off older trees and leaving only younger ones. » If trees need to be removed these beech would be good candidates since it seems that a disease prevents them from growing to maturity. A forester should be consulted prior to clearing.

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Large Red Oak

Old Maples and a Red Oak

Several large and very old maple trees line the road. Brush in front of a large red oak has been cleared out by [the clients] to show off this impressive tree.

Two maple snags line the road in the southeastern corner of the northern portion of the property. They have been marked for clearing by the town road commission. >> The living maples and the large red oak are some of the clients' favorite trees on the site. >> The presence of the maple snags and several large stumps from maples that were recently cleared suggest that the maples may die off soon anyway at which point the town will clear them to protect power lines. » Designs could showcase the sugar maple and red oak trees. » Designs should attempt to remove as few of these prized trees as possible. However, because they may die soon, the maples along the road could be sacrificed if necessary.

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Maple Snags

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Old Maple Trees

Poison Ivy

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LEGEND

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Older Mixed Deciduous Forest

Hemlock Grove

Pasture Grasses and Forbs

Beech Grove

Younger Mixed Deciduous Forest

Black Locust Grove

Unsurveyed Fruit Trees

Surveyed Fruit Trees

Large Maples and Oak

Poison Ivy

Quaking Aspen Patch

Poison Ivy Patches

Poison ivy stretches along the forest edge in the two southern fields. >> The presence of poison ivy here creates difficulty for using these southern fields as an outdoor space, playspace, or productive garden. » Designs should either minimize use of these two fields or suggest methods in which the poison ivy might be eliminated so that the area will be safe.

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

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

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

A Landscape Design for

[clients name and address removed]

8/17

Getting the Most Out of the Sun Sun and Shade During the Winter Solstice

LEGEND Full Sun (6+ hours sunlight) Part Sun (greater than 3, but less than 6 hours sunlight)

While most of the site receives partial shade on the winter solstice, two spots of full sun indicate there is the potential for passive solar design.

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Part Shade (greater than 0, but less than 3 hours sunlight) Full Shade (no sunlight)

Two Small Pockets of Sun in the Upper Field

There are only two areas on site that receive full sun during the winter solstice.

At a minimum, a passive solar building should not be shaded between 9am and 3pm during the heating season and generally most resources suggest that the building receive as much sun as possible. » If the new house incorporates passive solar design without any clearing, then it would have to be placed in one of these two areas. Alternately, trees could be removed to create or expand areas that receive full sun on the winter solstice.

Areas of full sun at the winter solstice will also be in full sun during the summer. » A house or outdoor space sited for solar gain during the winter will require elements that provide shade to the occupants to keep them from baking in the summer sun.

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Pockets of Full Sun

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

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LEGEND

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Full Sun (6+ hours sunlight) Part Sun (greater than 3, but less than 6 hours sunlight)

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Part Shade (greater than 0, but less than 3 hours sunlight)

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Old Maple Trees

Full Shade (no sunlight)

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Sun and Shade at the Equinoxes Apple trees create shade that could affect the location and size of future vegetable gardens. Future structures will create shade that will influence the placement of vegetable and fruit plantings.

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Apple Orchard

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An approximately 1 to 2 acre strip of full sun stretches across the the middle of the northern field. An apple orchard breaks up the area of full sun by creating patches of partial shade.

Most annual vegetables require full sun.

Many resources recommend an area between 600 and 800 square feet for a garden that will provide ample summer vegetables for a family of four.

An area of 1/8th an acre would be required to grow a vegetable garden to meet the clients' goals and produce enough cover crops to provide the garden's fertility. » Enough of the site provides full sun between the equinoxes to easily site an 800-square-foot vegetable garden. However, if the clients want to expand the gardens to grow more or to begin producing cover crops, they would either have to grow in several different patches, or remove trees to increase the continuity of areas of full sun.

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A Large Block of Full Sun Broken Up by Orchard Trees

Areas of Full Sun During Equinoxes and Solstice Overlap

The pockets of full sun shown on the winter solstice graphic above overlap with areas of full sun during the equinoxes. >> Placement of a new house in areas of full or partial sun during the winter solstice will create pockets of shade in the area of full sun at the equinoxes. » It will be important to consider the relationship between the house and productive garden space to make sure that both receive the proper amount of sunlight during the right time of year.

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

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

A Landscape Design for

[clients name and address removed]

9/17

Summary Analysis r we To

Combining analyses of sun and shade, views, vegetation, soil type, and slope indicates potential areas for a house site, gardens, and outdoor spaces and risks involved in expanding the northern viewshed.

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Steep Slopes and Erodible Soil

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Views and Areas of Full and Partial Sun Overlap

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Areas of full sun during the winter solstice and equinoxes and partial sun during the winter solstice overlap with areas of both positive and negative views. » A house sited here could have pleasant views and adequate sunshine for passive solar design. » However, solutions for blocking or removing the negative view of the neighbor's cabin would be needed.

2 Mixed Vegetation Influences Available Sunlight Year Round

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Area of Overlap

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The large maple trees, orchard trees, and trees at the forest edge create variations in available sunlight. The age of these trees vary greatly. » It may be necessary to remove some of the older maple trees along the road to increase solar gain. While not an implicit goal, the clients do want to preserve the larger and older trees.

3 Areas of Steep Slope and Erodible Soil Impact Expansion of Northern View Trees at the northern forest edge that keep the northern view relatively narrow rest on areas of steep slope and erodible soil. This area also partially overlaps with trees that cool the Tower Brook ecosystem. >> Clearing to expand the viewshed in this area will be highly risky and problematic due to the potential to impact the brook.

Clearing many trees often leaves soils disturbed and exposed due to the use of skidders or excavators to move logs. Tree roots and leaf litter also play a major role in keeping the underlying soil stable during periods of heavy rainfall. » If the northern view expands, a clear plan needs to be put in place to prevent erosion. » Clearing should also not be proposed in the areas nearest the brook where the hemlock overstory provides shade to keep the brook cool.

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Mixed Veg etation Creating S hade E

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Southern Fields with Poison Ivy 0 20 40 Feet

4 Shaded Southern Fields Smattered with Poison Ivy Near Poorly Defined Wetland The fields on the southern side of Porter Hill Road receive mostly partial to full shade throughout the year, contain patches of poison ivy, and overlap with areas that could potentially be designated as wetlands.

Trees that create shade in these fields are mostly located along the southern edge of the property. >> The presence of poison ivy, lack of sun, and proximity to wetlands make the two southern fields more costly or unattractive to accomplish most of the clients' goals. » Changes to the southern fields would have to overcome these negative physical conditions and a wetland specialist would be needed to mark wetland boundaries and buffer zones.

North LEGEND Positive Seasonal View

Positive Year-Round View

Negative Seasonal View

Negative Year-Round View

Full Sun (6+ hours sunlight) at Winter Solstice

Part Sun (3-6 hours sunlight) at Winter Solstice

Full Sun (6+ hours sunlight) at Equinoxes

Approximate Division Between USGS Soil Types

Younger Mostly Deciduous Woods

Large Maples

Poison Ivy

Approximate Wetland Edge

Hemlock Grove

15-25% Slope

Marlow-Berkshire

Eolian deposits over glacial till Moderate Erodibility

>25% Slope

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

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

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

A Landscape Design for

[clients name and address removed]

10/17

Alternative 1: The Remodel "The Remodel" proposes the renovation of the farmhouse and indicates how the areas around the house site could be transformed to meet Ana and Dave's goals while preserving the site's historical

LEGEND New Tree/Shrub Removed Tree Area of Reduced Mowing

1 Small Seating Area for Enjoying the View

Area of Intensive Mowing

A small seating area with a firepit just to the north of the new fruit plantings can clearly see the northern view.

2 Productive Gardens in Full Sun

A large production garden takes advantage of an area that gets fullsun year-round. A small greenhouse provides greens into the early winter. New fruit trees wrap around the northern side of the gardens to create a sun-trap.

1

Seating Area

2

Fruit Tree Plantings

3

Farmhouse Renovated and Partially Torn Down

The farmhouse receives a complete gut and rehabilitation including full mold remediation. A courtyard replaces the section of the home that currently connects the oldest portion of the home to the barn.

4 Driveway Moves to Create a Clear Entrance

2

Greenhouse

3

Renovated Farmhouse

4

Barn

The driveway moves to the western side of the farmhouse. Two maple trees flank the entrance and a carport in the barn changes direction to accomodate the new driveway. Lumber from the old garage creates a second carport on the western side of the barn.

5 Hedges Protect House from the Road and Create Secret Entrance A large hedge wraps around the garden to the south of the farmhouse to create privacy and buffer the building from the road.

The enclosed area then becomes a secret ornamental garden.

A smaller hedge creates a private entry to the north of the new courtyard.

W

E

6 Tree Removal Makes Way for Winter Sun

The removal of numerous trees (including two sugar maples) to the southeast of the new hedge allows full sun to the farmhouse during the winter solstice. A small breakfast nook tucks into the southeastern pocket between the farmhouse and its northeastern addition.

E

5

Hedges

E E

E E

6

Pros

Tree Removal

0 20 40 Feet

• Preserves historical character of site and landscape.

• Uses fewer resources by re-using an existing structure.

• Gardens get access to full sun.

• Short driveway means less plowing.

North

Cons

• House remodel could cost more money than building new.

• Soil surrounding the house would have to undergo intense remediation to be safe for the clients' two sons.

• Views cannot be seen from the house.

• Only 50' lies between the house and the road and the protective hedge will not be able to buffer sound or dust kicked up by passing vehicles.

The carport in the barn changes direction to face the new western driveway.

A hedge could provide privacy from the road.

Alternative 1 332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

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

A Landscape Design for

11/17

Alternative 2: The Performance Barn "The Performance Barn" proposes the re-purposing of the farmhouse as a semi-public space that could be used for the clients' professional needs while a smaller house serves as living space.

LEGEND New Tree/Shrub Removed Tree Area of Reduced Mowing

1 Large Viewing Patio in Courtyard

A large patio with arbor allows for potential outdoor concert space and shows off the northern view.

Area of Intensive Mowing

2 Garage Moves, New Drives to Accommodate Additional Parking The garage moves just northwest of the barn and works with the farmhouse and the new building to create a protected courtyard space. A U-shaped drive allows for guests to easily access the performance space and serves as parking for several vehicles.

Additional parking lies to the west of the barn for events that require more than 6 guest vehicles.

1

3 Farmhouse Partially Rehabbed, Becomes Office and Performance Space

Viewing Patio

The existing farmhouse is transformed into a performance and office space, allowing for the new house to be somewhat smaller.

4 New House in Pocket of Full Sun

2

A relatively small new house takes advantage of a patch of full sun at the winter solstice. No trees need to be cleared to increase this site's potential for passive solar design. The house's L-shape creates a private outdoor space. The house's proximity to the farmhouse allows for easy access and maintenance of either space.

New Drives and Parking

6

New Trees

5 Natural Pool Serves as Light Reflector and Rainwater Catchment The natural pool lies downhill from the house, allowing it to be filled using rainwater captured by gutters on the new house. The pool stores and reflects additional heat from the sun, increasing the warm microclimate in the productive gardens. Overflow from the pool is captured and infiltrated by swales planted with berries and hazelnuts.

W

E

6

E

Trees removed

E

6 Trees Removed and Replaced to Allow Sun for Vegetable Gardens

E E

3

Farmhouse

4

5

Natural Pool

Some apple trees and some of the southeastern forest edge are removed to create an area of full sun for growing vegetables. Fruit and nut trees re-planted to the north of the gardens reflect sunlight onto the gardens below to warm them earlier in the season.

E E

New House

5

0 20 40 Feet

Overflow Swales

Pros North

• Re-use of farmhouse allows for smaller house, saving on construction of new building.

• Reflection of light off the natural pool onto the gardens creates a warm microclimate to extend the growing season.

• Large maple trees along the road do not need to be cleared.

Cons

• Having two buildings means extra maintenance and heating costs.

• Additional permitting might be required to convert the farmhouse into a public space.

• May be difficult to maintain privacy from guests coming to the performance space.

• House doesn't have direct line of sight to positive views.

A patio provides an outdoor space for enjoying distant views.

A smaller ranch style house serves as living space.

Alternative 2 332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

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

A Landscape Design for [client names and address removed]

12/17

Final Design LEGEND

Northern Clearing

1

New Tree/Shrub

The final design proposes a completely new building and potential dismantling of the farmhouse.

1

Removed Tree Area of Reduced Mowing

Clearing three-quarters of the treeline between the neighboring parcel to the east and the site begins the process of making the northeastern view last year round. Acquisition of the neighboring parcel or creation of an easement allows for the removal of the dilapidated cabin and clearing of young trees that could block the northeastern view.

Clearing an approximately quarter-acre patch along the northern forest edge expands the narrow northern view. The use of erosion control mats and quick reseeding of meadow grasses stabilizes soil in this erodible area.

Area of Intensive Mowing

3

4

4

New House

2 Hazelnuts Provide Food for People and Wildlife While Temporarily Blocking Negative View

Vegetable Gardens

To the east, hazelnuts planted in off-contour swales provide an additional source of food for both the clients and surrounding wildlife. They serve as a screen until the neighboring cabin can eventually be removed.

A

Hazelnut Swales

2

3 Expandable Veggie Gardens in Full Sun Removing one apple tree allows sunlight to reach an 800-square-foot garden. The dashed line shows the area the gardens could expand into as needed.

Former Farmhouse

1

Cabin Removed

W

6

E

7

Playspace

Natural Pool

E

E

Driveway Alleee

E

A'

4

New House in Full Sun and Viewshed

5

Fruit Tree Allee Along Drive

Clearing two large maples and young woodlands along the western edge of the property creates full sun for the new house during the winter. The old farmhouse site turns into a dense hedge or reverts to forest.

Clearing two large maples and young woodlands along the western edge of the property creates full sun for the new house during the winter.

E

5

Clearing to North and East Expands Positive Views, Old Cabin Removed

E

6 Open Playspace Clearly Visible from House

E

A mown field to the south of the natural pool provides a 60'x90' open space, large enough to host a game of futsal (a Brazilian five-aside soccer game).

7 Patio and Pool to Create a Warm Microclimate

0 20 40 Feet

Sunlight reflects off the natural pool and the new house to warm a stone patio. When temperatures drop, the stones radiate the heat, creating a warm outdoor space. Here the pool's location lines up with the angle of the winter sun so that it can reflect light into the building even on the darkest day of the year (see section below).

Winter Sun

Old Red Oak

Section A-A'

New House Natural Pool

Play Field

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

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

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

A Landscape Design for

[client names and address removed]

North

13/17

Plan Detail: Gardens Around House LEGEND

2

Portable Polytunnel

New Tree/Shrub

3

Portable Fencing

Removed Tree Area of Reduced Mowing Area of Intensive Mowing Water Movement Water Movement Through Underground Pipe

4

Natural Pool

W

A reduced mowing plan could create habitat for wildlife while maintaining safer areas around the house, play fields, and vegetable gardens. Vegetable gardens utilize a portable greenhouse to extend the growing season and portable electric netting for protection from widllife. Rainwater harvested from the building's roof fills the natural pool, which in turn irrigates berry swales and gardens.

1

Mowing in Critical Areas

Frequent mowing is limited to the play fields and the area arround the house.

Grass in distant fruit and hazelnut orchards is allowed to grow through the E spring and early summer and then mowed during harvesting seasons. This would reduce habitat for ticks and their hosts in areas of highest use while allowing spaces farther away to serve as wildlife habitat.

E

2

Reduced mowing allows fields to grow up into a meadow, providing wildlife habitat and adding visual E interest.

Portable Polytunnel

To extend the growing season, a 10'x24' polytunnel made of flexible ribs and greenhouse plastic could be temporarily erected over several garden beds.

Inside a layer of fabric row cover provides additional buffering from cold winter air. A portable polytunnel can cost as little as $100, allowing Ana and Dave to learn the art of growing winter greens without breaking the bank.

E

A portable polytunnel extends the growing season for less cost than a glass greenhouse.

3

Portable Electric Fence Protects Gardens

A small electric energizer and portable polywire fencing protects vegetable gardens and young fruit trees from deer. Additional rolls of polywire can be purchased as needed if the garden's square footage expands. Once the gardens reach a fixed size an edible hedge or ornamental fence could be erected to offer additional function and/or visual interest.

4

Portable electric fence can deter deer until the garden size stabilizes, after which an ornamental hedge or fence offers protection and visual interest.

Natural Pool Captures Rainwater and Irrigates Gardens

A downspout from the new house's roof collects rainwater and sends it via an underground pipe to fill the natural pool. Overflow from the pool irrigates a series of swales planted with berries. A small submersible pump installed in the natural pool pulls water out to irrigate the vegetable gardens as needed.

If the natural pool installation needs to be put off due to cost, rain barrels or a cistern could serve as a cheaper interim irrigation alternative for the vegetable gardens and berry swales.

Rain barrels could serve as interim water storage if the natural pool proves too costly.

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

Plan Detail: Gardens Around House 332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

A Landscape Design for

[client names and address removed]

North

14/17

Planting Plan LEGEND Shade Garden

Sunny Kitchen Gardens

Fruit Tree Allee and orchards

Berry Swales

Natural Pool Bio-Filter

W

North

E

E

Name

Botanical name

Function

Hydrangea Common Lilac

Hydrangea Emacrophylla Syringa vulgaris

Rhododendron Elderberry Flowering Quince

Rhododendron spp.

Sambucus canadensis Chaenomeles speciosa

flowering, medicinal edible/medicinal flowers, wine flavoring, prefers pH of 6.5 to 7.0 evergreen edible/medicinal fruti, wine, insectary small beautiful shrub, tart, spritzy lemon-like fruit

E

LARGE SHRUBS/TREES

E

E E

HERBS Peppermint Lavender Sage Thyme Rosemary Parsley Lovage Chives Lemonbalm Walking Onion Seakale Good King Henry Yarrow Echinacea Violet Hot Pepper Chamomile Licorice root Rhubarb Spearmint

Mentha × piperita lavandula spica Salvia officinalis Thymus vulgaris Rosmarinus officinalis Petroselinum crispum Levisticum officinale Allium schoenoprasum Melissa officinalis Allium ×proliferum Crambe maritima Blitum bonus-henricus Achillea millefolium Echinacea purpurea Viola spp.

Capsicum spp.

Matricaria chamomilla Glycyrrhiza glabra Rheum x cultorum Mentha spicata

tea, culinary, medicinal, aromatic culinary, medicinal, aromatic culinary, medicinal, aromatic culinary, medicinal, aromatic tender perrenial, culinary, medicinal culinary culinarly perrenial culinary, aromatic culinary, medicinal, tea, aromatic culinary, aromatic culinary, edible greens/flowerettes culinary, edible greens medicinal, nutrient accumulator, insectary insectary, medicinal edible, insectary, groundcover culinary, edible tea, medicinal, ground cover medicinal (tea), N-fixer, nutrient accumulator edible, nutrient accumulator tea, medicinal, ground cover, aromatic

Passionflower Grape Hops Wisteria

Pasiflora incarnata Vitis spp.

Humulus lupulus Wisteria spp.

edible fruit, beautiful flowers edible fruit, wine aromatic, medicinal, beer-making, fast growing ornamental, nitrogen fixer

Name

Botanical name

Function

Honewort

Cryptotaenia canadensis

native, edible greens, stems, seeds insectary

Giant Solomons Seal

Polygonatum × hybridum

edible shoots/roots, medicinal

Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

edible fiddleheasds

HOUSE ARBOR

HERBS

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

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

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

A Landscape Design for

[client names and address removed]

15/17

Planting Plan Name

Botanical name

Function

Apple (semi dwarf-standard)

Malus spp.

fruit

Pear (semi dwarf-standard)

Pyrus spp.

fruit

Peach (semi dwarf-standard)

Prunus persica

fruit

Plum (semi dwarf-standard)

Prunus domestica

fruit

Crabapple

Malus spp.

fruit

PawPaw

Asimina triloba

fruit

Asian Pear

Pyrs pyrifolia

fruit, few pests/diseases

American Persimmon

Diospyros virginiana

fruit, few pests/diseases

Sweet Cherry

Prunus avium

Fruit,cold hardy cultivar: 'Stella'

Name

Botanical name

Function

Blueberry (highbush)

Vaccinium carymbosum

fruit, needs acid amendment

Currant

Ribes spp.

fruit, shade tolerant

Raspberry

Rubus spp.

fruit, shade tolerant

Dogwood (cornelian cherry)

Cornus mas

Gooseberry

Ribes spp.

fruit good for jam, dense wood used for tool handles fruit, shade tolerant

Dwarf Cherry

Prunus cerasus

fruit, pie cherry

Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon

fruit, needs acid amendment

Nanking cherry

Prunus tomentosa

fruit, highly ornamental

Name

Botanical name

"Hardy" Thalia

Thalia dealbata

* Natural pool plant list provided by Chris Rawlings of Water House Pools LLC

Horsetail Reed

Equisetum hyemale

Iris

Iris spp

Variegated Sweetflag

Acorus calamus varigata

Variegated Cattail

Typha Iatifolia varigata

Bogbean

Meyanthes trifoliata

Arrow Arum

Peltandra virginica

TREES

TREES

Forest Gardening and Plant Communities The graphic at left shows a simplification of how plants could be stacked together to create a garden that mimics the structure of a forest. Arranging plants in this fashion provides higher yields in less space and reduces the amount of labor required to mow or weed.

For more information search edible forest gardening online and/or consult the following books: Edible Forest Gardens by Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier Gaia's Garden by Toby Hemenway Creating a Forest Garden by Martin Crawford

Diagram by Graham Burnett

Paw Paw Fruit

Nanking Cherry Blossom

Honewort Flower

"Hardy" Thalia

Flowering Quince

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

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

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

A Landscape Design for

[client names and address removed]

16/17

Plan Detail: Northern Clearing Clearing the approximately one-quarter-acre area of woods shown in the graphic to the left could potentially cause erosion due to the slopes and erodible soil type in this part of the property. Laying down straw blankets, planting shorter trees that will not block the view, and seeding the area with grasses immediately after clearing could prevent this potential problem.

LEGEND New Tree/Shrub Area Cleared for View Expansion

"New England Conservation Mix" from New England Wetland Plants LLC Name

Botanical Name

Name

Virginia Wild Rye

Elymus virginicus

Common Milkweed Asclepias syriaca

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

Spotted Joe-Pye Weed

Eupatorium maculatum

Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

Grass Leaved Goldenrod

Euthamia graminifolia

Creeping Red Fescue

Festuca rubra

Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum New England Aster

Aster novaeangliae

Partridge Pea

Helipsis helanthoides

Solidago juncea

Early Goldenrod

Botanical Name

Straw blankets planted with trees and seeded with grasses protect vulnerable steep slopes from erosion while the plant roots develop.

Plan Detail: Lead Containment Cardboard The presumably high level of lead with hole cut around the farmhouse presents to let roots challenges for re-using the through remaining space. Trees can be planted into mounds of fresh soil laid over a cardboard indicator. The indicator reminds the digger not to disturb the lead-contaminated soil below. Phosphorus and lime added to the soil help immobilize the lead Mulch and slow its uptake by plant roots.

Alternately, phosphorus and lime amendments could be added to the soil and the area could be left unmowed and allowed to revert Clean Soil back to forest.

In either case, stones from the old farmhouse foundation placed in a Lead Contaminated soil 15' ring around its footprint could mark the area contaminated with lead and a memorial sign or plaque could explain their meaning to future owners and visitors.

A lead expert at your local extension office or NRCS branch should be consulted prior to any form of lead remediation or containment.

Stone Farmhouse Memorial Markers

Former Farmhouse

W

Trees Replace Farmhouse to Provide Screening From Road

E E E

Recycled stones from the farmhouse foundation could be propped up or built into cairns to remind site owners and visitors of the continued lead contamination.

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

Detail: Northern Clearing and Lead Containment 332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Designer: Max Madalinski Fall 2015

A Landscape Design for

[client names and address removed]

North

17/17