Hess Landscape Architects

The Bank Barn

We recently attended a post-construction party celebrating the completion of a bank barn after two years of designing and building.  Our client led the design team as we strove to make her vision a reality.  Collaborating with Archer Buchanan Architecture, LTD and a talented team of Amish craftsmen, we endeavored to create a beautiful, yet functional space to house the client’s beloved horses as well as to entertain guests.

The party was a success, with all members involved in the process enthusiastically discussing their various roles as they wandered through the barn.  We were excited to hear all of the positive remarks over various elements of the project, from the hand crafted metal handles to the impeccable stonework.  It was very gratifying for us to hear our client’s enthusiasm and pride over the finished product.

Under a clear blue sky, a beautiful and edible rendition of the barn, created in cake by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) was cut and served.

Here are some pictures from the day:

Graceful bank barn entrance

Gorgeous Barn Doors

Celebrating the completion of the barn

The edible barn by The Poppysmack Cakery

One of our favorite shots of the horse’s new home

 

 

Metal Arbor

It’s very gratifying when old clients love and respect your design ideas enough that they want you back to develop a different aspect of their property.  About a year ago while working in the office the phone rang, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear it was a former client requesting that we perform new work.  Years ago we completed a pool and pool house for the homeowners; a few years later we redeveloped their driveway and entrance to their home.  Now they wanted us to recreate a vision they had seen while traveling in Italy for their home.  We were able to work with their idea and fashion a beautiful metal arbor that spans their rear terrace overlooking the pool and pool house.  Intentionally spare in its proportions, the delicate metal structure was constructed last fall and planted with Bignonia, a semi-evergreen, flowering vine.  Just a few days ago I was nearby, so I stopped in to see how it was evolving one year hence.  It just happened to be a bright and beautiful September day and I couldn’t resist taking some photos.  Here are a few of my favorites:

a little piece of italy

in just one year the bignonia is already reaching across

the arbor