Project Description
Remnants of dry mesic oak forest and tidal marsh welcome visitors to this 4-acre Rumson, New Jersey property. With elevations that range from 1’-15’, creating level, usable space within the provisions set forth in both the NJ Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) and the NJ Flood Hazard Area Control Act (FHA), was an architectural and artistic challenge. Because of CAFRA and FHA, thoughtful spatial arrangement with minimal soil grading and disturbance was necessary in order to incorporate certain design elements, most notably the raised gunite swimming pool.
Entering the driveway, towering wind-swept oak trees majestically dot the landscape of this property whose origins date back to 1665 with the signing of a Deed of Sale for the area from the Lenni Lenape Indian Tribe. Portions of the main house date back to the mid 1800’s while additions have been added over the years to accommodate current living amenities and a larger family makeup. Entering the backyard, custom cedar, pool compliant gates and fencing secure the pool area while allowing views beyond. As you enter the gate, a bluestone patio and lush plantings frame a 20’x50’ rectangular gunite swimming pool that is elevated 4’ at the far east end. Stone walls surround the pool area, providing level useable space to an otherwise sloping property. On either side of the pool, chunk bluestone lawn steps provide a graceful transition to a lush open lawn and warm season meadow beyond. Plantings were chosen not only for their color (whites, blues and greens), but their availability to withstand harsh northern winds and salt spray from the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers and Atlantic Ocean.
Initial analysis and planning allowed the site design to preserve nearly 2 acres of native meadow, which conserves the property’s water use, lessens chemical and fertilizer use, provides habitat for wildlife, and ultimately reduces the client’s economic expenditures.
Guided by the ecological importance of the greater Navesink River and Shrewsbury rivers, the overall design plan intended to compliment the homes unique architecture while also being mindful of the homeowners request for a simple design with a New England aesthetic.
The landscape architect was solely responsible for all phases of this project from initial schematic design, through construction documentation, through construction administration. A thoughtful collaboration between the landscape architect, consulting engineer(s) and various contractors resulted in a harmonious blend between the existing buildings and new landscape.
