ANGELICA & MATT NORTON

CONSTRAINTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Angelica & Matt Norton , Landscape Designers & Owners of Open Envelope Studio

Discuss How To Craft Schematic Designs in Landscape Architecture

In our last article, we covered concepts and narratives in landscape design. Now we will delve into specifics on how to schematically organize a space based on a client’s wants and needs. A good sequence of decisions begins with determining where elements are allowed, where they will fit and how they will connect and, finally, identifying opportunities within the space.

To determine where design elements are allowed, we analyze the site and research code to determine their constraints. The word “constraints” doesn’t have to be a dirty word, since constraints actually serve as a useful tool in narrowing down decisions for you. City regulations, for example, limit the scope of our work to the property line, tell us that built objects must be located outside setbacks and easements, limit our impervious cover and guide us in working around the critical root zones of protected trees. With these constraints alone, our design decisions we have to make are cut in half.

To determine where different elements will fit and connect on-site, we consider standard sizes for comfort and functionality. We start with 10 feet by 12 feet or 12 feet by 12 feet for most outdoor living spaces. These are connected by a hierarchy of pathways that guide users through space. Primary pathways are typically between four or five feet, secondary pathways at three feet, and informal pathways really can’t be narrower than two feet. Pools are typically rectangular over square, and size determines whether it’s more of a plunge or lap pool. There is more flexibility for the size of sod and planting beds, but even they have minimum requirements to ensure functionality.

Once you have your design elements ready like puzzle pieces, it’s time to consider your design opportunities. You may have room for a living space in a sunny or shady area; you’d obviously choose the shady area because the client would be spending a lot of time there. If an area feels more public or private, the space may dictate whether it lends itself to entertaining or contemplation. Views and privacy screening could narrow down alignments and locations for planting beds. And, finally, we know that outdoor cooking spaces are best located closer to the gas line and indoor kitchen. It’s really common to want to stack spaces against the house, but moving a patio with a fire feature further out into the space could activate more of the yard.

This was our process for siting the pergola shown, which had to fit outside of a substantial CRZ. We had limited impervious available, and the pergola needed to be a certain size to feel comfortable for dining and lounging. It overlooks the pool, and screens on either side make it feel private.

It may all feel like threading a needle to work with code and fit everything the client wants and also make a space feel intuitive, logical and functional. But, ultimately, it all clicks together and a space will tell you where it wants to be. Next, we’ll explore taking those decisions made in 2D and reconciling them with grade.

GET IN TOUCH WITH

Angelica Norton, ASLA

Owner of Open Envelope Studio LLC

Phone: (512) 925-0155

Email: angelica@openenvelopestudio.com www.oes.design

With Varden Walls, create landscapes that captivate and inspire. These plantable blocks offer a versatile canvas for crafting unique vertical gardens that leave a lasting impression. Use

Effortless Installation

Our landscape retaining wall blocks, backed by over 30 years of expertise, are designed for simplicity. Lightweight and easy to handle, they streamline the installation process, making it a breeze to build walls up to 5 feet tall. Say goodbye to complex installations and hello to efficiency.

Embrace sustainability and beauty with Varden Walls. These living masterpieces support thriving plants, cooling the environment, and enhancing habitats. Transform boundaries into vibrant, living landscapes that evoke awe and admiration.

What would you do if you had creative control over a modestly sized, zero-lotline landscape with no real budgetary restrictions? Would you try something completely new or catch yourself leaning on old conventions?

Shane Dantin, owner of Dantin Builders and Pinnacle Exterior Construction, the two companies responsible for bringing this space to fruition, is a proponent of thinking outside the box. His stance on the matter is rooted in his experience collaborating with Grant Murphy of GM Design Studio, former principal at Reich Landscape Architecture, on projects like this: a Baton Rouge residential development, winner of awards from the Growth Coalition and Louisiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

“We’ve worked with Grant on a lot of projects in the past, and one of the things I’ve always appreciated about his design process is that he doesn’t hold back on ideas,” says Shane, “Our goal was to make this project a showcase piece that challenged us to do things differently. We reached out to Grant because we knew he could push the exterior far beyond what we typically see in Louisiana.”

Daydreaming, the group knew, could not go on forever. With only a few months to execute the vision, ambitious planning warranted practical consideration. However, Grant’s ideas were never interrupted out of concern for logistics. Instead, out of respect for the design process, they all worked together to solidify the plan on-site—after Grant’s presentations.

“Shane told me the reason he was so quiet during our first presentation was that he was trying to figure out how to build it the whole time,” says Grant. “I think that’s a good example of how we operated here, informed by the expertise of everyone involved. Normally in the architecture and landscape architecture world, the design process happens in a silo. Then it’s put out to bid, and the lowest bidder usually wins. In this scenario, we were all at the table from the start.”

Also sitting at that table were the architect, The Front Door Design Studio, and the interior designer, The Design Studio of Louisiana. Making the exterior feel like an extension of the interior rooms was a central aspect of the design narrative, brought to life through unwavering attention to detail, specifically regarding materiality.

The same aggregate taking in water from the custom fountain at the front of the house is used in the interior planters. Italian porcelain tiles, identical in size and color, cover the interior and exterior floors of the home. Still, the creative zenith for the team, in terms of actualizing this indoor/outdoor aesthetic, is symbolized by the beams reflected in the knife-edge pool and champagne spa.

“The beams are one of the most unique parts of the house, unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else,” says Shane. “They’re steel I-beams with wood-look tile epoxied inside. That came from Grant’s first drawing. When our interior designer saw the concept, she wanted to add the beams inside the home. You see them right when you walk in the front door.”

Wood elements, Shane explains, give the project a warm and organic feel that suits the Louisiana location. The inlay on the beams, easy on paper, became a notable challenge in reality, solved through communication. When Grant envisioned the beams, he imagined recycled wood from a local supplier. Through conversation, it became clear that the material would have to withstand intense sun rays. Switching to a tile emulating the desired wood type (white oak) satisfied this need. Then came the iterative process of ensuring all wood grain patterns lined up just so.

Every day, the deadline drew closer. Shane worked long hours to make up for time lost when he fell sick. Eventually, he pulled his son out of preschool to avoid catching the bug a third time and delaying the progress further. Having his boy on the job site emphasized a critical objective for the project: making it a safe place for children to play.

“I have young kids as well, and making the space safe was important to all of us,” says Grant. “In the backyard, there’s a private play area with a one-of-a-kind slide the Pinnacle team made by hewing and sanding a real log. You may not see them in the photos, which is a testament to the craft of the construction, but drop-down shades surround the whole outdoor living area. These shades have multiple functions. They enclose the space, block mosquitos and offer climate control.”

Another drop-down feature hides within the outdoor kitchen. Because screens tend to immerse anyone in their presence, the team wanted to give the homeowners the option to tuck their outdoor TV away and experience the quiet ambiance of the space. Off to the side, a floating fireplace offers a way to warm up after a soak. Displayed left of the stove is a personal touch—a collection of bonsai trees.

“What ties this project together is all the tiny details that a lot of people probably don’t notice at first glance,” says Grant. “The floating steps and planters at the front entrance are highlighted with light from below. There are floating steps inside the home too. That’s another example of the subtle nuances that connect the interior and exterior.”

Lighting was yet another facet contemplated thoroughly. The team understood that the family would often inhabit the outdoor space in dwindling daylight. With a phone app, lights activate instantaneously for that extra layer of va-va-voom that makes photos pop.

When Shane and Grant look at these photos, they recognize how the opportunity to collaborate and leave no stone unturned in the creative process led to a result beyond words.

Photos courtesy of ©Jordan Hefler Photography

Get In Touch With

Grant Murphy, PLA LEED GA

Owner & Principal at GM Design Studio

Phone: (225) 362-2817

Email: grant@gmdesign.studio www.gmdesign.studio

Shane Dantin

Owner of Pinnacle Exterior Construction & Dantin Builders

Phone: (225) 757–6138

Email: info@pecbuilt.com www.pecbuilt.com www.dantinbuilders.com