Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com Project Entry: Pembrooke Estate Rain Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Sustainable Landscape &60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: The client contracted our company to solve multiple existing drainage problems. In a heavy rain event the existing French drain system would overflow, causing water to pool in the driveway. After investigating the system we found that the capacity of the French drain was undersized for the amount of storm water from the large rain events received in recent years. As a result of our findings and at the request of the homeowner, we designed a storm water management system to capture all storm water from the structures on the property and regenerate the underground aquifers for the volume of a 5.8” rainstorm. In addition to the new drain system, the homeowners wanted a rain garden to provide a backdrop for an existing formal garden, provide a habitat for wildlife, and provide screening from an adjacent neighbor. Throughout the design process many challenges were presented, including an existing gas line, which ran directly through the area that best suited the bioswale. The existence of the gas line caused us to alter the shape and depth of the bioswale in some areas. We also inspected the existing downspouts to make sure there were no obstructions that would impede the system’s efficiency, and then conducted a test pit dig to make sure we had sufficient percolation rates for disposal of storm water. To effectively capture the storm water runoff, the existing downspouts were piped from the main house and the large detached garage to a large catch basin located at the low point in the driveway. The driveway catch basin contains two outlet pipes at different elevations within the basin allowing water from smaller rain events to enter the bioswale and rain garden area to percolate into the soil before excess water overflows into a sediment trap which filters out any debris and is then piped to an underground StormTech® pit to slowly percolate into the ground. The other outlet pipe in the driveway catch basin is used for larger storm water events, taking the water directly to the StormTech® pit. Accepting and slowing the velocity of the storm water, mitigation of erosion, and filtering out pollutants contained in the “first flush” of rainfall are the primary functions of the bioswale and rain garden. Planting these areas with mostly native plant species helps carry out these functions while attracting and providing shelter for wildlife. The ‘Niobe’ weeping willow is the centerpiece of the rain garden, connecting with the axis of the existing formal garden. To screen the neighboring property we chose Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ for its graceful evergreen habit and tolerance of wet sites. ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood and Panicum ‘Cloud Nine’ were used for screening as well as winter interest. To provide deciduous structure to the garden Taxodium distichum and Magnolia virginiana were used in conjunction with witch hazel. Mostly native wetland perennials were used due to their tolerance of wet conditions and occasional drought. The area above the StormTech® pit provides space for the client’s family to relax. The rain garden and bioswale provide screening, storm water management, a habitat for wildlife, and plants that enhance the adjacent formal garden. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

The roof construction presented a particular challenge, with a very complicated arch that necessitated a thoughtful selection of materials to optimize success. The new white roofing material was chosen in part for its energy-saving properties. A photovoltaic system of solar panels was installed on the roof to provide electricity for the residence, while a separate solar pump system heats the pool. © Maxwell Mackenzie and BOWA

Set in Montana's tranquil Shields River Valley, the Shilo Ranch Compound is a collection of structures that were specifically built on a relatively smaller scale, to maximize efficiency. The main house has two bedrooms, a living area, dining and kitchen, bath and adjacent greenhouse, while two guest homes within the compound can sleep a total of 12 friends and family. There's also a common gathering hall, for dinners, games, and time together. The overall feel here is of sophisticated simplicity, with plaster walls, concrete and wood floors, and weathered boards for exteriors. The placement of each building was considered closely when envisioning how people would move through the property, based on anticipated needs and interests. Sustainability and consumption was also taken into consideration, as evidenced by the photovoltaic panels on roof of the garage, and the capability to shut down any of the compound's buildings when not in use.

This navy kid's room is filled with bright moments of orange and yellow. Ralph Lauren's Northern Hemisphere is covering the ceiling, inspiring exploration in space and ocean. A Solar System mobile and light-up Moon provide great fun to this sophisticated yet playful space.

This 100% Stainless Steel system is the essence of a disappearing guardrail. The Stainless Steel will take on the colors of the surrounding landscape, and truly provide the property with an unobstructed view. The beauty, structural stability, and corrosion resistance of this system provides a lasting investment in their home!

Lindsay's Skyward bald cypress / Taxodium distichum Skyward Spring Foliage :: Credit: Monrovia

Really fun project featuring: Drystack retaining walls using 14 tons of Cabinet Gorge wall block Juniper raised beds, stained Pergola, stain Irregular Flagstone Patio 165 sq foot Bluestone featuring many extra large pieces Cut bluestone risers for main stair case Raspberry Trellis Cucumber/squash trellis Galvanized Horse Trough Planters, both oblong and circular, including a double stacked one in lower area. 200+ foot long fence extension + gate. Wetland buffer planting of both ornamental and edible varieties of plants 4 zone, complete automatic drip system with micro valve (manual) controls on all beds

This mudroom is finished in grey melamine with shaker raised panel door fronts and butcher block counter tops. Bead board backing was used on the wall where coats hang to protect the wall and providing a more built-in look. Bench seating is flanked with large storage drawers and both open and closed upper cabinetry. Above the washer and dryer there is ample space for sorting and folding clothes along with a hanging rod above the sink for drying out hanging items. Designed by Jamie Wilson for Closet Organizing Systems

This mud room is in a perfect spot entered into from the garage. The custom built-in cabinets and hanging hooks provide plenty of storage for guest coats as well as for storing all of the belongings of the most important members of our families --our fur babies! Photo Credit @Leigh Ann Rowe

This greenhouse uses passive solar design, and several energy-efficient systems to provide fresh fruits and vegetables year-round, even in the dead of winter.

Modern shelving provides an ideal display for books and keepsakes in one streamlined storage system. • Tesoro Tuscan Moon finish provides contrast to the dark Grey walls. • Tesoro Cappuccino accents provide contrast. • Corsican Weave backing creates a seamless look. • Asymmetrical system creates interest in the design. • Toe-kick offers easy access.

Large irregular pieces of flagstone will be used throughout the project for floors and terraces while mesquite seating and finishes will help provide a natural sensibility to the site and this residence’s eco-system. (Photography by Lance Gerber)

Entryway - farmhouse entryway idea in Chicago

The landscape speaker system is a robust setup designed to be durable while providing excellent audio fidelity and volume. A subterranean subwoofer was even installed by the pool to add base that literally makes the ground shake! The luxury landscape speakers are also from James Loudspeaker.

Hydro Systems Sydney provides the perfect bath for a tub/shower combination. Nice soaking depth but not too high to climb over to take a shower. Photo by Kasper

Superlative room acoustics provide for a supreme level of music experiences in this wonderful trapezoidally shaped 500 sq ft / 46.5 Sq Meters room with 11 ft / 3352 mm ceilings. The enormity of the sound system (980 lbs / 445 Kgs) is invisible to the eye. The sound signature compliments the enormous living room Leader system at 3.5 tons / 7000 lbs / 3181 Kgs in addition to the equally stunning Music Studio system located immediately below the library.

The shower system is the Kohler Devonshire system including standard shower head, handheld shower head, and body sprays controlled by a multiport transfer valve. The grab bars provide additional safety.

**Featured in Home & Design Magazine! The inspiration for this unique project draws on the clients’ love of Paris and the city’s vibrant romanticism and mix of architectural styles. Our challenge was to elevate builder-grade finishes in a newly-constructed townhome to create an urban retreat with aged patina for this young couple. Soft industrial elements were layered over Old-World inspired details on nearly every surface for maximum impact. We added rustic wood ceilings and industrial beams to create drama, texture, and value throughout. A Parisian-inspired glass/iron wall divider relieves the open concept floor plan, creating a more intimate seating space. Oversized pendants of steel, blown glass, horsehair and faux horn provide soft illumination while drawing the eye upward to architectural ceiling details. Custom midnight blue built-ins create a library that frames the entry and study. The deep and dramatic color palette of paint and wallpaper that adorns the walls is a vibrant mix of cobalt, citron, teal and smoky lavender. Light pours into the rooms from the large windows, reflects off the oversized acid-wash mirror, and forms dramatic shadows on the walls, setting the mood for this home.

Modern shelving provides an ideal display for books and keepsakes in one streamlined storage system. • Tesoro Tuscan Moon finish provides contrast to the dark Grey walls. • Tesoro Cappuccino accents provide contrast. • Corsican Weave backing creates a seamless look. • Asymmetrical system creates interest in the design. • Toe-kick offers easy access.