Residential

Sometimes the small properties are the most challenging for a landscape design team, as demonstrated by this less-than-an-acre site in Lake Forest. Much was expected of it in terms of use, and Sara Furlan, landscape architect and project director, and her team not only maximized the property, but went on to take the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association top award in 2004.

A family with two children and a dog live in the contemporary 1950s style house and the landscape was designed with their needs in mind.

When Mariani started its work on this long, narrow lot, there was standing water in the soggy, flat backyard, segregated spaces and bad views. The garage placement separated the house from the backyard.

Mariani’s solution to the water problem was to install a fishbone drain tile system that runs through the center of the rear garden and collects gutter rainwater as it travels to the front yard, where it empties and ultimately surface drains to the street.

The garage placement problem was solved by creating transitional garden spaces using interesting features to direct the viewer’s eye. A water fountain, arbor and decorative fence within the sunken garden allow the view from the house to be more inviting. The garage was dressed up with flowering vines growing on lattice work on the sides and roof of the structure so that it became part of the garden. From the fountain an arched gateway introduces a long view across the back lawn. The rear gazebo garden has several rooms in its circular layout and a planting scheme that provides privacy.

This space gives the owners a quiet place to read and look back toward the house. Screening on three sides of the gazebo enforces the views and privacy. The fire pit area includes a surrounding seat wall for casual entertaining. Fencing for the family dog, a basketball hoop and trampoline for the children takes care of the family’s diverse needs.

“We accomplished rich sequences of experiences in a small space,” notes Sara upon winning this distinguished award.

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