Gathering Place

The design of this rear yard residential landscape design involved a five-step process included program proposal; site survey, grading plan and rainwater harvesting calculations; programmed design elements; final design master plan and construction budget estimate.  Since the site area was sloped, the topographic survey was employed to determine if and in what way rainwater runoff would influence the future use of the Gathering Place.

The landscape master plan design for this lake-side lower area of the rear yard of the Davis residence creates a formal and inviting Gathering Place for both family and friends. A circular pattern or motif representing radiating waves formed from dropped a pebble into a body of water (Lake Gaston), visually connects the outdoor landscape elements to the detailed exterior elements to be incorporated in the future renovations of the existing residence. While preserving the lake view from the second story porch, the major site elements surround and radiate out from the central campfire ring.  An adjustable cooking half grill, a curved wooden seat wall, and circular permeable patio with movable furniture add comfort to the enjoyment of the central fire ring. Additional surrounding elements include raised fragrant herb beds, large potted flowering shrubs, and a wooden sunbathing deck. Undulating stepped block walls adjacent to the sea wall help creating additional planting beds while making the lakeshore view more inviting.  An access path connects the fire ring area to the central wooden walkway and steps, the under-walk firewood storage bin and the furniture/equipment storage shed.

Another access path leads to a covered pavilion set back into the tree cover. A small wood deck mirroring the sun bathing deck, acts as the entrance to the multi-pillared wood structure.  Open on all sides with a tongue and groove ceiling and copper colored metal roof, the pavilion rests atop a raised floor of Holland pavers.  This unique structure supports a large daybed swing that is suspended from double rafters by a set of chains.  Intended as a separate gathering place, the addition of a table and chair set provides for a more intimate entertaining or dinning experience.  Placed within an Olde Manor block wall ring enclosing a bed of gravel, the rain runoff from the roof is absorbed directly into the landscape. Several large flowerpots can be planted with large ferns, bringing color and texture to the area. Additional radiating stepped block walls, mirroring the radiating pebble pond drop concept, provide for additional plantings while protecting the structure and surrounding landscape from possible erosion caused by stormwater runoff from this steeper terrain.

With the purpose of creating a unified design for the future renovations of the Davis residence, the facade end design of the swing seating group pavilion was guided by (1) the wooden framework design of existing rear porch extension combined with (2) the proposed radiating circular waves created by a dropped pebble in water employed in the conceptual master plan design. Paired columns support a roofline matching that of the existing house extension with arcs cut from the supporting angled braces. An optional set of radiating metal rings is attached to the facade face to acentuate the pattern.