This summer residence of an international ambassador overlooks Franklin Lake, an exclusive club community in Franklin Lakes, N.J. Jacobsen Landscape was commissioned to perform the complete landscape design and construction of the lakeside residence. The goal of the project was to develop an outdoor living space that would accommodate the ambassador’s social schedule, while at the same time provide for a personal peaceful environment.
DESIGN CHALLENGES. The ambassador has traveled around the world and wanted to implement many cultural influences into the overall design. The owner’s tight schedule of events required that Jacobsen Landscape meet numerous deadlines, continuing construction throughout the winter months. Jacobsen also had to overcome a 40-foot elevation change from lake to house by successfully terracing hardscapes and planting work, including a water feature.
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Notes
PROJECT: Ambassador's Summer Residence LANDSCAPE CO.: Jacobsen Landscape Design and Construction Midland Park, N.J. DESIGNER: Glenn H. Jacobsen and Associates SIZE OF PROPERTY: 2 acres HOURS TO INSTALL: 3,500 MATERIALS USED: 200 tons of Swingle Wallstone; 80 tons of moss stone; 40 tons of bluestone; 3,200 square feet of paving stone; 120 varieties of plants, 8,000 flowering plants; 2,400 potted perennials. |
DESIGN SOLUTION. When we were initially asked to design this project, the house was in the process of a major interior and exterior addition and renovation. After several meetings with the client, house architect and building contractor, a plan was developed which would handle the grade change, create multiple terraced garden areas and incorporate a major water feature.
There were several groups of mature oaks and ash trees that were aesthetically valuable, but a challenge to work around. The trees’ trunks and root zones were protected from machines and the construction process. There was also ongoing building construction of a large solarium/conservatory that required special consideration from our production standpoint.
The center/focal point of the entire design was the water feature, consisting of an upper and lower pond with a 30-foot stream and waterfalls to connect the two ponds. The ponds were formed with ½-inch rebar and shot with 8-inch to 12-inch thick gunite concrete. Natural stone was set in place for a rambling stream and waterfall effect and a special “moss” rock was used for a natural look.
The 40-foot grade change from the house and conservatory to the lakefront was divided into several terraced levels. The steps were divided into landing areas and Pennsylvania quarry stone was chosen for function and beauty.
Landscape plantings were designed and installed for the different terraced areas. A perennial garden area was developed in one terrace area and a rose garden was added near the upper pond. The water feature was surrounded by flowering shrubbery. Special consideration as also made to the extensive use of colorful summer flowering perennials, as the main time frame for entertaining is in July and August.
After the initial construction, Jacobsen designers went back to the design board to develop a gazebo garden. This area was designed with an 18-foot cedar gazebo built on a platform near the lake level. A dry stream and natural stone path with bridges were designed as a walk-through of this area. A “magic rock” using a circular pump and hidden water reservoir, was designed as an accessory to the dry stream. Four 6-foot stone columns were constructed to frame the views from both the patio and gazebo area. The plantings and perennials were used to complement the design features of the upper terrace and planting areas.
A walking path was also designed around the 2-acre property.
The author is with Jacobsen Landscape Design & Construction, Midland Park, N.J.
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