15 Brilliant Designs That Work Around Nature
On the contrary, they build around what Mother Nature has given them. Others base their design of a space around a resident tree or a new one they plant before construction. Take a look at this roundup of projects where creative solutions have honored the way trees grow naturally over time.
Courtesy of Nature by Anouk Vogel
Built around the twin trunks of a maple tree, the Campbells’ outdoor deck provides tranquil views of the lake and a chance for the family to spot roaming wildlife while enjoying their morning coffee. During warmer months, the wide space creates an ideal secondary dining room, shaded by the canopy of leaves overhead.
Because the Japanese maple in the courtyard had to be planted before the ipe deck was laid, Kurath designed a small removable panel to allow access to the tree’s base. The Shozis can pull up the bit of decking to tend to the tree and replace it when they’re through. And because the boards line up perfectly, only the gardener need know it’s there.
To save the tree, Carpenter called in an arborist, who helped Carpenter and the Domineys nurse it back to health. Carpenter then built the parts of the pavilion around the tree, moved the foundation away from the roots, and used permeable concrete slabs so that water would properly drain into the ground.
Architecture firm Mithun designed the tree house so that it would tread lightly on the land. The firm originally considered prefabricating the entire structure offsite but, in the research process, concluded that craning large modules into place would potentially harm the canopy. A combination of a bolted-together prefab structure and site-built wood housing yielded the least intrusive construction option.
Published
Last Updated
Topics
Garden & LandscapesGet the Dwell Newsletter
Be the first to see our latest home tours, design news, and more.