New Canaan, Landscaping by Gunn Landscape Architecture
This new 6,000 sq ft home was built on the crown of a hill approximately 3.1 acres in size and surrounded by mature deciduous trees. The owners tore down a smaller house on the site and enlisted Specht Harpman Architects to create this modern marvel. Gunn Landscape was brought in to collaborate on a cohesive landscape that includes several living spaces. Both the home and the landscape celebrate clean lines and “pure volumes, to define outdoor room-like spaces.”
A pool was built off of a stylish pool house. The structure has an outdoor kitchen, which includes a sink, beer tap, fridge, ice maker, built-in cabinetry, and a grill — everything an avid entertainer needs to host a small or large gathering.
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The residents also wanted a sunken lounge where they could entertain guests. In the lounge, northern sea oats and equisetum surround ample seating. It also includes a gas fireplace, so the owners can enjoy the area even on a cold evening.
All of the pathways were created with poured concrete with contrasting ipe wood architectural details, including the deck and stairs.
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Best Tips: Evaluate your current outdoor space and future needs. When you meet with your landscape architect, come armed with ideas about what works and what doesn’t work in your current space.Think about how you want to use the space and consider sections as ‘outside rooms’ where you relax, dine, entertain, or have fun with your children. Future-proof those ideas and think how you may want to use the space five years from now.
Think in phases and prioritize. On large scale projects it may not be possible to achieve everything you want on your budget in one go. For example, do you want to add a pool or sculpture garden down the line?
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Biggest Mistake: Thinking of the landscape as parts rather than as one holistic setting.
