case1

Pre-construction view of dining pavilion

We dealt with the "rather ugly view" by creating a view of our own from within. Since the placement of the solarium created a couple of narrow walkways, we enhanced them by lining the paths with a series of built-in planters containing a variety of shrubs, perennials, annuals and vines, designed to celebrate the changing seasons with their altering displays of blossoms. Our aim was to compose a garden picture--carefully coordinated washes of color, informal, with drifts of flowers that recall their native English habitat.

"After" view with structures, furniture, and plantings
We selected combinations of various blooming times and colors which will continuously fade in and out. In the background, shrubs were added to give solidity and to help divide the parapet wall into separate bays for certain groups of colors. In addition, vines were used to enrich the back wall and small trees were used to supply height and accent. Supporting the foreground, mixed evergreens provide texture and interest when the flowers are not in full swing.

Case #1: TEXTURAL PROFUSION

Location:
Park Avenue, New York City

Owners:
John and Ruth Stenbeck CEO of a securities trading firm and a painter.

Their Concerns:
The Stenbecks wanted to create a very private and intimate setting in which to enjoy some of the attributes of their verdant Long Island country estate. Ruth was particularly interested in the foliage of her native Surrey countryside in England, and wanted a garden of different textures, colors and scents blooming throughout the year.

Design Challenge:
To transform a 1700 square foot viewless, drab space, atop a Park Avenue duplex apartment, fully exposed to the neighbors' view, into a private, quaint yet dynamic English garden.

Solution:
Because "privacy" requires building upwards photos had to first be submitted to the Landmarks Commission to prove that our structures and plants couldn't be seen from the street below. Then, we designed a dining pavilion and a separate and more casual sitting area, separated by a 300 square foot solarium. The solarium itself offers the Stenbecks both indoor and outdoor space options, in keeping with their desire to utilize the terrace year-round.

The Result
Shortly after our first meeting with Ruth, she departed for her summer vacation, saying "You do everything, I trust your judgment". Although she is rather reserved, upon meeting with her again after her return, her beaming eyes said it all as she said, "We're very happy with what you've done".