THE PROBLEMTHE PROBLEM The site consists of an irregularly shaped lot containing about two acres. It is located on a minor road in a semi-wooded development on the north shore of Long Island. The land slopes gently and irregularly up from the road to a point about twenty feet above it. About a third of the way back, along the westerly property line, there is a level stretch. There are no rock outcrops, but there is a small stream along the southeastern edge of the plot. There are a few large Hickory and Oak trees disposed about the property, and a grove of mixed hardwoods occupies the northern section at the top of the rise. The level land at the westerly side of the lot offered the best site for the house, which can be so arranged that the approach is on the western front and the gardens, lawns, and private areas are on the other. Service is on the northwest corner, and the garage is attached to the house at the rear. The driveway leads in straight from the street, plenty of space is left for passing at the house door, and ample turn-space is provided at the garage. The public area of the property, therefore, turns out to be that part of the lot lying west of the house from the street back as far as the end of the pass-court at the house. The service area extends from this point back to, and including, the garage court. This public area must be developed by grading and planting to give an adequate setting for the house as it is approached from the street, and must be sufficiently separated from the other parts of the property to afford them privacy. The service area must also be
set off by itself. The house happens to
be of Norman-French farm type, adapted
to American conditions. This, therefore, sets
the keynote of the landscape treatment, especially
in the development of drive and courtyards.
These have been paved with granite paving
blocks, using a mixture of light and dark ones,
laid in pattern, to give interest to an area
which might easily have been monotonous. Grass,
coming into the cracks between the paving blocks,
suggests the softness of age. Low walls, continuing
the lines of the house, form the court
areas, serve to separate the service from
the public portion. next
garden planning page... |
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