Client:

Private Residence

Contractors:

Mariani Landscape

Category:

Constructed/Residential

Painstaking attention to detail and a concerted effort to create a setting which complements the context of a home’s architecture has successfully resulted in creating a piece of the European countryside in southwest suburban Chicago.

The landscape architect was charged with transforming an existing landscape that lacked inspiration and included a large asphalt driveway covering most of the front yard and a retention area encompassing the entire backyard that flooded after every rain. Developing a series of garden rooms based on the family’s lifestyle and capitalizing on the site’s grade changes, the landscape provides a large lawn to play sports, a peaceful place to dine al fresco and an easy exit from all levels of the home. The existing driveway was removed and replaced with a heated antique brick driveway to allow for more open space. The landscape architect collaborated with an engineer to develop an underground system which would minimize above ground water retention while still meeting the requirements for the subdivision. Plantings were selected to create a cottage garden look accentuating the home’s architecture while vertical accents bring scale to the large residence. Trees were planted on new rolling berms to screen the road and enclose the front yard. Summer can be enjoyed under the reclaimed timber pergola or on the two-level stone terrace, which is shaded by a custom copper ceiling. Other outdoor rooms include a formal four square garden with a custom stone water feature.

Reflecting the richness of the home, vintage landscape materials and an attention to detail creates a one-of-a-kind environment uncharacteristic for a subdivision setting.