Landscape Design Consulting PC
Curated Landscapes For Outdoor Living
Outdoor Living | Rye, NY
Owner Testimonial: "I am in the final innings of a large-scale pool and hardscaping project that Sean Walters has shepherded through since the first days of design and regulatory agency approvals. We are working with a very challenging but dramatic topography. Early on, Sean offered many ideas showing us that he loved our property and took great pride in his work. Once we narrowed it down to one concept Sean remained flexible to edits and town-driven forced modifications. This engagement by Sean made the process of seeking approvals from multiple town agencies and boards (while maintaining the integrity of the original vision) far less stressful.
​
All too often in large-scale and complex projects, numerous tradespeople operate in silos; this can make communication and efficiencies challenging. Sean takes pride in his work and the process. He was available to address any concerns we had and often drove conference calls and meetings to clear up any issues – often well outside of his architecture and design focus, thus eliminating the silos.
​
This was a very complex project and many of the considerations and limitations were well outside of pool design or landscape architecture. Sean repeatedly stepped in to meet our needs in researching an answer or lining up experienced consultants to advise on how to move forward. He thinks of nearly everything and always with a tether to the original design integrity.
​
I very much look forward to completing our pool in the coming weeks and know that Sean will remain engaged until he is satisfied that all details have been addressed…all you can ask for." - Tim S.
Above: Before, during, and after photographic sequence illustrating a dramatic transformation informed by LDC's visionary landscape design. Curved retaining walls function as metaphorical ripples radiating from the bay door projection at the back of the residence to form a gestural dialogue across existing and recently completed features.
Above: Located in a heavily regulated area, the project required approvals from the City Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Board of Architectural Review. Project consultants included a surveyor, civil and structural engineers, and an attorney. Time frames for complex projects are contingent on variables that cannot always be quantified.
Above: Engineered retaining walls were required in order to create a level terrace for the poolscape. The 6' step ladder in the first image affords a sense of scale... in places, the retaining walls are over 12' high. A mechanical rock chipping permit was obtained in order to remove rock outcrops and create a level platform, or bench, on which to work and build.
Above: Cascading foliage of weeping cutleaf Japanese Maple trees framing the staircases and the pool extend the effect of the waterfall into its surroundings, albeit in another texture. Once mature, and with uplighting, these trees will resemble Tiffany lamps at night -- an iconic LDC design motif whereby a simple line is extruded into an organic and dimensional form.
Above: Another angle illustrating engineered retaining wall construction. Note the 8' step ladder in the first image, and the woven steel matrix that will provide structural support for the walls that are one part of a larger system including terraces and stairs, patios and walkways, planting and lighting, a luxury pool and spa, grading and drainage, and an outdoor kitchen.
Above: Stunning images of the completed landscape spilling out of the hillside in the same manner that the existing residence emerges from the tree line. Critical alignments, balance and symmetry, color and texture, and other thoughtful considerations are recurring threads across LDC projects that are woven into our curated landscapes for outdoor living.
Above: The vanishing edge of the pool frames borrowed views of the surrounding areas while maintaining a connection between the upper and lower terraces. Perimeter Boxwood plantings around the lower patio terrace provide an organic safety barrier and privacy screen while echoing the effect of the vanishing edge by blurring into the trees beyond.