Our work at the Friends Seminary included the design of a roof terrace over a new building addition. The client requested a Peace Garden so we designed a white garden that features a Dove Tree supported by a line of Serviceberries. Custom planters planted with Inkberry hedges serve as the backdrop for white flowering perennial beds and a raised fountain features water lilies. The shifting geometries are articulated with wood planes formed by wood deck paving, by custom benches supported on metal blades and by curved wood edges at planters.
This landscape was part of a larger project designed by Kliment Halsband Architects that included the conversion of three townhouses into a new school building. Since the original townhouses were landmarked the existing facades were restored and the landscape was designed to present an appropriate street front for the historic context.
New stoops were provided at two non-functional doors and the third building was given an at-grade door to provide an accessible entry for the school. The landscape is designed to echo the three townhouse fronts with similar landscape elements framing each building. Connecting walkways allow the garden to be fully accessed inside the perimeter fence. Damaged surviving fragments of the original fence were copied and a new historically accurate custom fence was provided for all three buildings. A Sweetbay Magnolia tree was planted in the front yard of each of the townhouses.
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