Woodbine Estate

Formality on a Grand Scale - Woodbine Estate

A massive formal cascade is the central organizing feature of this new house and garden in Atlanta, Georgia.  There are three distinct levels that have their own purpose and program.  The terrace closest to the house has a large lawn for outdoor entertaining.  The next level is a grand lawn that is large enough to accommodate a large temporary event tent for expanded outdoor entertaining opportunities.  A mysterious negative edge pool creates a tranquil reflective surface when not being used bye the client’s children.  The highest level features an orangarie designed by the building architect.  The cascade connects the levels together and creates an impressive focal point from the house.  This is possibly the longest residential cascade built during the 20th Century.

A view towards the main house from the pool terrace.  The balustrade and stairs were custom fabricated out of Texas Cream limestone and assembled on site. 

View of the raised coping negative edge pool.  Water constantly trickles over the carved coping and creates a mirror to reflect the sky.

Detail of the carved limestone balustrade and cascade details.

Detail of the carved limestone balustrade and cascade details.

Photos by John Denson. This work has not been published in magazines at the request of the client.

Location:  Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia
Firm: Dargan Landscape Architects, Inc.
Principal In Charge: Hugh Dargan
Project Manager:  Graham Pittman

Role:  Responsible for technically complex construction drawings.  Worked closely with the project manager in order to execute the project on schedule and within budget.  The work shown is only a small portion of a large estate.

Atlantic Coast Garden - Sea Island, Georgia

Celebration of Genus Loci

This coastal south Georgia house are garden were planned in tandem and there was extensive coordination with the architect throughout the design process.  A design review committee and several wetlands posed additional requirements for design approvals prior to construction.  The garden features a mix of formal spaces near the home and informal spaces that blend into the stunning natural environment.  Views of the Intercoastal waterway were carefully preserved and protected. 

A small, sunken herb garden is one of many richly detailed spaces surrounding the main terrace and swimming pool. 

The landscape gradually becomes less formal as it transitions into undisturbed forest and wetlands. A whimsical swing provides a play place for the couples grandchildren.

Photos by Mary Palmer Dargan.  Published in Timeless Landscape Design by Hugh and Mary Palmer Dargan.

Location:  Sea Island, Georgia
Firm: Dargan Landscape Architects, Inc.
Principal In Charge: Mary Palmer Dargan
Project Manager:  John Denson
Role:  Project manager for design development and construction drawings.

Walden Garden - Altanta, Georgia

Making Useful Spaces on A Hilly Site

Late record producer Phil Walden purchased a lovely older home in Atlanta’s elite Buckhead district and required an exquisite garden to match the grandeur of the house.  To compensate for the extreme elevation drop from the front of the property to the rear, a design solution utilizing terraces and sloped lawns connecting spaces was implemented with stunning results.  A swimming pool, sports court, guest house and extensive gardens were all part of the program.  Garden parties were frequent events for this garden. 

Upper terrace garden. Boxwood and pierced brick walls provide structure for seasonal color.  The pool pavilion can be seen in the distance.   Photo by Mary Palmer Dargan.  Published in Timeless Landscape Design by Hugh & Mary Palmer Dargan.  Mr. Denson was responsible for the design development and construction drawings.

Grading plan for the Walden Estate.  The rear garden features numerous retaining walls and sloped terraces. 

Custom pool features a gray Pebbletec finish.  Underwater speakers were embedded in the pool shell so that the client could hear music under water.

Client: Phil Walden
Location:  Atlanta, Georgia
Firm: Dargan Landscape Architects, Inc.
Principal In Charge: Hugh Dargan
Project Manager:  Graham Pittman
Role:  Responsible for a portion of the presentation drawings, design development, and most construction drawings.

Kennedy Garden - Atlanta, Georgia

Residential Design - Making Vision Into Reality

A major renovation of a fine home required a complete redesign of the gardens and grounds surrounding the house. One area of special emphasis was the parking court.  A formerly bland expanse of asphalt was transformed into a welcoming and finely detailed parking court for guests.  An existing Italianate gazebo was carefully dismantled and relocated as the focal point of the parking court cutting garden.  Seasonal color enlivens the space and provides cut flowers in the summer while clipped boxwood provides structure throughout the year.

Above:  Cutting garden and gazebo.  Photo by Mary Palmer Dargan.  Published in Timeless Landscape Design by Hugh & Mary Palmer Dargan.   Mr. Denson was responsible for the design development, construction drawings, and laying out the design in the field with the contractor. 

Frontal view of cutting garden and relocated gazebo.  Wide joints were left between the bluestone pavers for creeping plants to grow in order to soften the paving. 

View of the parking court.  The gazebo  can be seen from the house and is a focal point for the residents.

Client: Mrs. Kennedy
Location:  Atlanta, Georgia
Firm: Dargan Landscape Architects, Inc.
Principal In Charge: Mary Palmer Dargan
Project Manager:  Graham Pittman
Role:  Responsible for design development, construction drawings, and site observation.  Assisted contractor in laying out cutting garden in the field and making minor adjustments to preserve the quality of the design and the client’s intent.

Saint Thomas Moore Prayer Garden - Conceptual Sketches

St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan, Kansas is planning to construct a prayer garden on the southern side of the existing church.  I participated as a member of a planning committee and produced some initial rough concept sketches using Google SketchUp to help the committee visualized some of the possible design solutions based on the program elements.  The design process is ongoing.

Portfolio - 2010