Plunge
A SOPHISTICATED SANCTUARY FOR OUTDOOR LIVING
Single-Family Residential
Nestled in the Incorporated Village of Brookville, New York this private residence was a master planning opportunity to create a multi-faceted landscape that would feel both intentional and effortless. The project started with siting of the home on the property to minimize the impact on existing mature trees to be protected during the construction process while also maximizing opportunities for rear yard amenity spaces. Our approach centered on creating a cohesive and unified outdoor living environment that would serve as a deliberate extension of the home itself.
-
Clients: Private Residence
Completion Date: 2024
Acre: 2.01
Collaborators:
Randeep Johar Design and Development
GHG Architects
Northcoast Civil Engineering
Steve Thurman Builder
Tim Hill Photography
Greywlf
ANCHORING WITH INTENTION
The home's architecture provided the starting point for the clean modern design vernacular that is woven into the project. Our design philosophy was to extend its precise language into the landscape, forging a dynamic dialogue between built elements and living forms. We established a consistent material palette, using durable stone and clean lines to create visual continuity inside to out. This thoughtful strategy allows the new pool and cabana to act as key anchors that ground the design and create the framework for outdoor living. This approach ensures the landscape is a deliberate extension of the home itself.
Our Services
Master Planning, Pool Design Integration, Outdoor Living Space Design, Material Selection & Coordination, Planting Design, Permit Application Support and Landscape Architecture Consultation.
CRAFTING FLUID TRANSITIONS
Since the site is generally flat, it was important to orchestrate a journey of discovery rather than revealing the entirety of the experience from afar. Rather than simply stitching together the wish list of amenities, we crafted a series of distinct yet connected outdoor rooms that unfold naturally. A stepping stone path through a water trough provides a whimsical route into the poolside sunken fire lounge. A visitor passes through a garden bed to enjoy a cold drink under the shade of the cabana. This accomplishes thoughtful circulation that invites exploration while maintaining clear sightlines between the home, pool area, and cabana.
NO RUNNING AT THE POOL
The introduction of a large-scale pool and adjacent water trough around the sunken fire lounge presented the perfect opportunity for responsible water management. Our design called for a salt sanitation system that eliminates the need for harmful chlorine additives that dramatically lower the pH of the water and irritate the skin and eyes. By creating a closed-loop system for the pool's filtration there is no surface run off contributing to erosion or creating an inhospital environment for plants. This conscious approach minimizes water use overall and ensures these prominent features not only provide visual and recreational value but also align with a commitment to environmental stewardship.
A BLENDED PLANTING STRATEGY
The planting palette was selected to provide year-round visual appeal and foster a deeper connection between the residents and the natural world. The entire palette is a blended strategy of native and non-native plants, chosen to achieve a harmonious and constantly evolving composition with four season interest. We used native species like Bee Balm, Baptisia and Wood Fern for their soft beauty and ability to attract pollinators, while complementing them with climate-adapted cultivars like Oakleaved Hydrangea, Japanese Maple and Crape Myrtle for their specific forms, textures, branching and seasonal interest. This cohesive design strategy creates a beautiful and layered garden environment, designed to thrive with minimal resources and maintenance while providing a continuously evolving backdrop throughout the seasons.
Ultimately, this landscape is a testament to the power of design to elevate daily life. By creating a harmonious and intentional outdoor environment, the project fosters a deeper connection to nature, offering a space for genuine well-being and lasting memories.
