Analysis :
On a north facing slope, beneath the airy canopy
of a successional northeastern forest, this hillside
is a massive pitched plane, directing your view
down to a marshy wetland. Large rock outcrops
and massed understory vegetation fill patches of
the landscape loosely defining small spaces.
Water is only audibly evident, traveling underfoot
in a constant babble, it is heard virtually
everywhere but only seen at the low point of the
property. Deer and pheasant were spotted the first
day out, and every rock we turned over revealed
a salamander or comparable organism. This is a
nearly pristine patch of forest only 30 minutes
from Amherst, MA.
An uplifted formation of bedrock near the high
point of the site implies an ideal location to
build the home and terraces.
On a north facing slope, beneath the airy canopy
of a successional northeastern forest, this hillside
is a massive pitched plane, directing your view
down to a marshy wetland. Large rock outcrops
and massed understory vegetation fill patches of
the landscape loosely defining small spaces.
Water is only audibly evident, traveling underfoot
in a constant babble, it is heard virtually
everywhere but only seen at the low point of the
property. Deer and pheasant were spotted the first
day out, and every rock we turned over revealed
a salamander or comparable organism. This is a
nearly pristine patch of forest only 30 minutes
from Amherst, MA.
An uplifted formation of bedrock near the high
point of the site implies an ideal location to
build the home and terraces.
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Upland Forest Home
Leverett, MA
Leverett, MA
Program :
Conceived for a pair of landscape architects, this
home borrows inspirational views from the marsh
below, while indirect light lends itself to ideal
working conditions in the two detached studios.
Stormwater from the uphill portion of the site is
harnessed and channelled through the cascade wall
at the rear of the house. It disappears under the
main courtyard to punctuate through from the other
side, announcing itself in the form of a series of
descending aerating fountains, ultimately moving
down into the marshes.
The footprint of the house and gardens is minimal,
serving only as much function as is required by the
client. Impervious surfaces are limited to 1,200' sq.
to impact the site as little as possible.
Conceived for a pair of landscape architects, this
home borrows inspirational views from the marsh
below, while indirect light lends itself to ideal
working conditions in the two detached studios.
Stormwater from the uphill portion of the site is
harnessed and channelled through the cascade wall
at the rear of the house. It disappears under the
main courtyard to punctuate through from the other
side, announcing itself in the form of a series of
descending aerating fountains, ultimately moving
down into the marshes.
The footprint of the house and gardens is minimal,
serving only as much function as is required by the
client. Impervious surfaces are limited to 1,200' sq.
to impact the site as little as possible.