Perched atop a two-story structure, towered over by a connecting residential high rise and surrounded by studio apartments, this unique urban pine forest stands in a bed of low-hanging fog and reaches to the clear skies above. One hundred and one white pines, planted in a loose formation of elliptical mounds, seem cast adrift in a sea of washed river stone. Dwarf mugo pines cover each mound like a carpet with raised Corten steel edges mediating the pine and gravel dialogue. This minimalist mono-culture of a landscape is a poetic distillation—both sample and symbol—of the peace and repose to be found in the great pine forests of the world. Whether standing in the middle of it, or simply viewing it from afar, residents can enjoy the year-round display of lush greenery; wooded decks outside the residents’ lounge at the forest floor offer a closer view of the varied topography, as well as fresh mugo pine scent from the forest’s understory.
Normandie Court
Normandie Court is a large luxury residential complex which occupies an entire city block of the Upper East Side. Coinciding with the transformation of the 2nd Avenue corridor by the MTA subway expansion, the owners were inspired to redesign the exterior and landscape. They called on SWA/Balsley’s experience and vision to provide a complete redesign, which wou...
Zakin Residence
SWA worked closely with the client and architect in siting the house to maximize views and preserve opportunities in which to develop the landscape. The varied program for the landscape included a small family vineyard, a multi-use field, flower gardens, fountains, terraces, a koi pond, swimming pool and spa, tennis courts, courtyards, a heli-pad and guest par...
Fuzhou Vanke City
Central Lake Forms Spine for Recreational Living
The Yongtai residential project, located inside the Red Cliff Scenic Area, borders the Dazhang River and consists of a 45-hectare watershed area surrounded by 12 small hills. It is part of an overall development that features a boutique hotel, a shopping street, clubhouses, residential high-rises, townhou...
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...