Residential
A Modern Farm House
Lake Bluff, Illinois
This modern interpretation of a farm complex was designed to showcase the native environment and its integration with the distinctive architecture of this new home. The resulting landscape is more than just breathtaking; it creates the appropriate context by restoring the property to its former prairie roots. The landscape architects designed and managed a prairie restoration, transitioning from the classical details of the home to the native surroundings while protecting the site’s most valuable asset, a 300 year old Oak savanna.
Located on the last remaining farm land adjacent to Lake Michigan in Illinois, the development of this14-acre site was originally surrounded by controversy. Many local citizens feared the development would disrupt the perceived native setting and existing wildlife. Although the site was indeed rural compared to the general region, the landscape architect had determined that it was made up of primarily non-native, agrarian species and actually a monoculture of grazing grasses and weeds. The property supported very few native plants. The design concept was to take this site back to its prairie roots while incorporating the homeowner’s sense of style.
The design combines more formal landscape design elements close to the residence which contrast with the restored natural surroundings of the grounds. The result: tremendous interest created by the tension of the formal gardens against dramatic vistas of the restored prairie which appear endless.
The Landscape Architect was engaged early in the process and had the opportunity to locate the footprint of the main house, the guest quarters and all of the circulation routes. Extreme care was taken in protecting 300 year-old oaks and maples while locating these structures. The ultimate locations were selected for the least impact on the environment while creating an interesting sequence along the entry drive and allowing for dramatic views from the residence. The main view from the living area terminates with an incredible existing White Oak. During the site analysis the landscape architect also discovered a dry creek bed which empties onto the property from the northwest hardwood forest. The drainage pattern winds its way through the prairie around the southwest side of the home to the southeast side of the property. Water collects here and acts as an ephemeral or “vernal” pond, supporting wood ducks and salamanders in the spring and then drying up until fall when it holds water again. The grading of the site respected this drainage pattern and the design even turned it to an interesting focal point for the guest quarters by selecting plants which thrive in the area.
The architecture, designed by Ed Noonan, has been described as an abstract representation of a farm complex featuring classical architectural details used in a contemporary fashion. The Landscape Architect used the classical details of the home as inspiration while designing details for the formal gardens and pool. Classical elements can also be seen in the materials used and layout of the walkways, steps, pool copings and fencing. Many of the hardscapes combine these classical elements with the contemporary twist of cleaner lines. Other details include: whimsical floating steppers, a rill which connects the outdoor pool to the residence, a curved masonry seat bench and raised waterfall pool steps which speak to keeping the focus on the dramatic views. Surprise is also added to the properties through sculpture placed throughout, such as the wind chime at the terminus of the rose garden. The mowed paths through the prairie encourage exploration and include a labyrinth.
During installation the landscape architect oversaw the entire process ensuring tree protection was installed as specified. Fencing was placed outside of the heritage trees drip lines to prevent any root compaction to the long term maintenance of the prairie to ensure it developed as planned.
Challenges included the removal of the existing grazing grasses and invasive buckthorn. The area was cut, treated and burned over several seasons and then the entire site was re-seeded with a northern prairie seed mix of grasses and forbs. Care was taken in the layout of mowed trails through the prairie which act as fire breaks to protect the residence when the prairie is burned. The site was drill seeded so not to disturb the prairie soil profile that was still intact given the site had never been disturbed by tilling.
The end result not only thrilled the owner but the community as well. Since the installation the owner has donated part of the property back to the community in the form of permanent open land park.
