Working with the owner/developers and a team of artists, architects and native plants experts, the rugged natural character of farm and floodplain was preserved even as residential and commercial environments were built. The innate qualities of the site are reflected in the new developments.
A series of walled courtyards created by architect Max Levy separates the dining, sitting and strolling areas. A dramatic pool juts into the native grasses and pasture below, while elevated walks allow the owners to view their perennial gardens. The remainder of the site is planted to prairie grass and meadow.
The beauty of this location is the ‘borrowed view’ of parkland, which extends the vista to infinity. It was a barren lot with two-foot wide beds around the edge and one tree in the middle when Dave and his wife bought it –but after sixteen years of experimenting, this property is a lush oasis. Wide sweeps of lawn lead you down to hidden pools and fountains, bordered by a profusion of plants for texture and flowers. A recently added green roof cools both the porch below and the bedroom next to it–while creating an aerial lawn for camping and stargazing.
As this home underwent renovation to create a more modern look, the landscape was in danger of being left behind. An outdated 70’s aqua pool got new, darker plaster to reflect the sky and waves of ornamental grasses, while the oversized concrete pool deck was trimmed down and resurfaced. A low concrete wall with a stainless steel spillway adds sound and movement, creating a subtle new focal point in the landscape.
A new built Contemporary house in the Bluffview area of Dallas – we used many native and adaptive plants. Two of our favorite signature plantings are the Zoysia grass, left unmown, and Arizona Cypress ‘Carolina Sapphire” … A pretty stellar combination, don’t you think?