In conjunction with Selldorf Architects.

In conjunction with Selldorf Architects.

In conjunction with architect Studio Goetz.

In conjunction with Selldorf Architects.

This project, a collaboration with Elizabeth Roberts and Ensemble Architects, provided a unique opportunity to bring the garden indoors in in a substantial way. The abundance of natural light entering through the double-height fenestration and the clearance to install full-depth below-grade planters, provided the necessary conditions for a dramatic interior vine planting. The exterior garden elements strongly relate to the interior through stucco walls, also covered with vines, and vintage tiles, selected by the client, which extend from indoors to outdoos. A plant palette featuring contrasting shades of deep purples  to bright greens and grays complement the graphic black and white tiles.

This Park Slope garden is a textured oasis for a single-family brownstone.  The deck, covered by a steel and Wisteria trellis, provides privacy, sun-protection and beautifully frames views out to the garden. The garden level is paved with a combination of large blue stone pavers and small slate mosaic tiles along the joints.  The drifts of perennial plantings, the perimeter fence, and the wide, floating Ipe stair treads help ground the views of the deck structure.

A series of garden structures punctuate and enclose this vibrant garden in Brooklyn. Secreted behind a wood-framed, single-family row-house and a contextually sensitive street-front gate, this garden provided welcome design challenges and opportunities due to its unique “double-lot” width. The garden’s initial and long-term sustainability was a top design consideration, reinforced by the clients’ hands-on approach to its up-keep and their need for beautiful and resilient outdoor spaces that responded to the needs of their whole family. 

The cedar shed was split into two halves to create a tightly framed view, drawing you through the sheds to the inviting garden beyond. These structures form a gateway between the active work spaces at the front of the garden and the private areas in the rear.  Tucked behind the clients home, a trellis provides shade and privacy over the dining area while supporting clamoring wisteria vines. A smaller, complementary trellis sits directly opposite, supporting a garden swing and several climbing roses. 

The rear of the garden is the most secluded and intimate area, enclosed by a canopy of native river birches and the two trellises. Low seat walls are constructed of recycled brick (found on-site, formerly used as paving) and dry-laid, natural cleft bluestone. All of the stone paving is set on a permeable base with ground covers planted between the wide joints.  The planting combines elements of a tranquil, shaded woodland and a rambunctious cottage garden.  Hydrangea, ferns, summer and fall flowering anemones, roses, camellia, and wisteria were all selected in close consultation with a horticulturist and the client (who is a plant-lover and avid gardener).

The completion of their new garden prompted the owners to undertake a major kitchen renovation.  This included opening the exterior wall for cottage windows that allow the kitchen to “borrow” the garden’s textures and wonderful light.

The oak cabinetry, shelving and a built-in bench and desk accommodate a wide range of activities and showcase the owners’ ceramics and art collections.

The unusually deep rear-yard of this Park Slope brownstone allowed for a design that created distinct spaces for formal dining, a breakfast nook, and two serene seating areas.  All are connected and unified by bluestone paving and surrounded by lush perennial planting and a grove of Styrax trees.  The high stucco garden wall provides privacy and a quiet backdrop for the planting.

An elegant garden and a deck that extends off the rear parlor of a single-family Brownstone in the Upper West Side, Manhattan.

The paving pattern based on Mondrian studies of the oval and grid.  Composed of natural cleft bluestone and black slate paving, smooth stucco walls, curved steel stair and railing, deck, and perennial plantings.

The lower floors of a converted 1897 tenement building were combined and rebuilt as a vibrant  home and office space. A design practice now occupies the original storefront (once a tailor’s shop); and the family’s living quarters are behind and above. In the garden, a steel and cedar trellis supports a grape and wisteria. The open kitchen and dining area juxtaposes new cabinetry with preserved  plaster details and vintage pine flooring.

Two separate flats were combined to create an owner’s duplex for a young family in this 4-family brownstone.  The grand proportions and Italianate details of the parlor level were preserved and showcased through the use of bold wall color, the tension cable lighting, and the new archway connecting the stair case and living areas.  The kitchen area includes custom cabinetry, versatile soapstone counters, a child’s play-loft, and a steel and bluestone deck.

Transforming this 2,000 square foot roof into a garden has enabled the residents of this 16-unit building in Hell’s Kitchen to enjoy their magnificent views of Mid-town and the Hudson.

The garden’s southern end features a passive “meadow” area with lounge chairs and the north end features generous stadium steps leading to a large dining area, ringed by Birches.  The perennial understory provides year-round year-round interest through diverse textures and movement.

For this garden, located on top of  a garage roof, the client’s existing pagoda structure was modified and raised up, and integrated into a continuous wrap-around Ipe platform, which also serves as a bench.

Bluestone paving throughout unifies the garden while the lush, textured planting complements the simple lines of the Asian-inspired structures.

Located in the Cobble Hill Historic District, this brownstone roof garden incorporates traditional planters (for trees grasses, and perennials) along with a shallow green-roof tray system (for succulents).  The aluminum and Ipe decks “float” on structural steel beams over the low green carpet of the green roof trays.  The elongated shade structure provides coverage and enclosure for the dining area.  

1,500 s.f. Terrace for penthouse in historic Emery Roth Building.  Structural considerations concerning loading and hanging steel and wood trellis between existing brick and terracotta  chimneys. Composed of steel, bluestone and mahogany. Wind tolerant plantings included pine, birch, Japanese maple, sweeps of roses, grasses and lavender.