high meadow
High Meadow emerges from an existing grove of towering spruce and nests its courtyards and gable-roofed structures between groupings of preserved aspens and pockets of native meadow. The aspen canopy frames cross-valley views and brings the surrounding ecology close to the viewer.
Locally sourced stone used for walls, field boulders, and monolithic stair treads complements the indigenous planting palette that encompasses the site. Boardwalks extend out from the architecture, elevating one above meadow planting areas, while mowed lawn paths etch out routes into the landscape. Pockets of meadow planting are shaped to intercept and slow water as it moves through the site, directing flow toward a small pond and ultimately the Roaring Fork River. Subtle design interventions in the landscape allow the carefully sourced materials, stark architectural forms, and existing beauty to shine.
project type: landscape architecture
location: aspen, colorado
architecture: lake flato
photography: marion brenner photography
client: withheld by request