Beaumont Quarter is a unique site. Located at the foot of an escarpment overlooking the Waitemata Harbor and Rangitoto Island beyond, it sits across from a Victorian-styled park and was originally a gas works. However, the architecture of the residential units in Beaumont Quarter suggests a modernist reinterpretation of the traditional New Zealand Terrace House. In order to bind these elements, the landscape design adopted the clean lines and forms of a modernist palette. It is a sparse counterpoint to the Victorian plantings beyond. Rather than an indigenous bush garden or a traditional English garden, the landscape design of Beaumont Quarter strikes an altogether original design language.
It is inspired by Le Corbusier’s Barcelona House and the traditional New Zealand Terrace house. Using the one house, one tree principal, the fundamentals of modernism are extended into the landscape in form, material and transparency.
A linked interplay between civic spaces and private courtyards is achieved with terraced circulation corridors extending to its urban neighborhood beyond.
40 Mercer
The elements of landscape that Thomas Balsley Associates has designed for 40 Mercer is integral to the dynamic and successful environment created for the modern Manhattan lifestyle, in the trendy SoHo district. A private park at the ground floor connects the bustling activity of Broadway with the sophisticated serenity of the galleries and shops that line Merc...
One Uptown
Bringing a singular landscape design expression to a site featuring two buildings designed by different architects, the SWA/Balsley team worked to seamlessly integrate a variety of outdoor spaces to accommodate the mixed-use One Uptown. At the ground level, tree-lined streetscapes and bike lanes lead visitors to a coworking and dining courtyard along Burnet Ro...
Ray Residence
Perched on a promontory overlooking Gustavia’s harbor entrance, this home site is one of St. Bart’s most dramatic. It enjoys all of the qualities of the Caribbean lifestyle: sunset, ocean and harbor views, breezes, porches, gardens, lawns, courtyards, and an extraordinary swimming pool.
Beginning with an extensive analysis of the sloping rocky site, the...
Martha Stewart Summer Residence
When first approached, the property looked as if very little had changed in eighty years. Everything about it reflected an interest in summer breezes and beaches rather than labor-intensive gardening. In dramatic contrast, the new owner’s primary interest was in entertaining within a landscaped environment.
The final plan reconciles competing space requ...