case2

View of "public space" with fountain centerpiece on left and deck in the background
On one side of the terrace a 16" high deck was created, becoming a platform from which to see the Central Park Reservoir, which was previously obstructed. The deck was set back 3 feet, 6 inches from the parapet wall both for safety and to prevent vertigo . The idea was to maintain a safe, yet spacious and relaxing environment. An added benefit came in the form of a "private" walkway created between the deck and the wall, formed by the setback.

Reverse view from rear of deck area revealing willows and junipers in foreground and seasonal plantings and fountain in background
We selected hardy, wind-resistant and fairly maintenance-free plantings, without sacrificing texture, form and color. For example, above a grouping of stern evergreens, the free-flowing river birches were used to screen a neighbor's window. Similarly, the looseness of willows provided counterpoint to compact and pointy junipers.

Case #2: ROOFTOP OASIS

Location:
Park Avenue, New York City

Owners:
Walker and Alexa Thompson:
A frequently traveling, semi-retired attorney and child psychologist. The Thompsons contacted us after having been frustrated in several previous attempts to develop a rooftop garden, by draconian and constantly changing Co-op Board regulations. Alexa stated, "It's crazy, we bought this apartment seven years ago and we still feel like we have no outdoor space."

Their Concerns:
The Thompsons are frequent travelers and were worried about a garden needing a lot of care. The location also invited high wind gusts and an erratic "micro-climate" due to its exposure and surrounding buildings. "On top of that, I'm scared of heights," Alexa explained. "Still, our kids are on their own now, and I'd like to create a pleasant outdoor area where my husband and I can relax or entertain." Alexa is an animal lover and Audubon Society member and wanted the garden to attract a variety of fauna.

Design Challenge:
To transform a 2,000 square foot stark square, atop a Park Avenue duplex apartment, exposed to high winds, rapid temperature changes, and a variety of strict Board regulations, into an accommodating, intimate rural landscape.

Solution:
A variety of drawings and proposals were quickly drafted to puncture the draconian Board regulations. Then, the patio was partitioned into several distinct areas. An arbored entranceway was constructed, which encouraged usage during the dynamic spring and autumn seasons. A wider public space, designed for entertaining and family gatherings, was created as the terrace's centerpiece, with soothing trickles of water flowing from a fountain.

Wherever possible we utilized plants, which would attract beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees, as well as birds. Great care was taken to use the deck and plant material to evenly distribute the weight on the roof, eliminating annoying submerged puddles, in addition to various safety hazards.

The Result
Alexa reflected, "What you created has gone way beyond our expectations. We had no idea our rooftop could be this beautiful....The terrace has become the crown jewel of our apartment."