While expanding the structure of the Lower School with Olson Lewis + Architects, Shore took the opportunity to recreate their existing playground with UBLA.  The intent is to include the design of natural and structured play spaces in the vicinity of the existing playground, including the area known as the “Third Grade Field” and incorporate the paved emergency access path into the permanent design.

At it’s very best, nature play isn’t scheduled, planned, or led by adults, nor is it confined by grown-ups’ rules.  Instead, it’s open-ended, free-time exploration and recreation, without close adult supervision.  For many of us, this sort of nature play virtually defined our childhoods. – Green Hearts, Inc.

Based upon the Lower School master plan provided by the Client, UBLA collaborated with the Playground Task Force on the design of an engaging, innovative, safe playground focusing on nature play and creative play features built of sustainable materials.   The team explored using natural and sustainable materials such as landform, wood, wood structures, and stone integrated with traditional play structures such as swings, slides, and basketball.   The proposed playground provides opportunities for climbing, digging, and free play while being sensitive to the need for shade, adult visibility, and budget.

UBLA's initial concept plan for programming discussions.

Key to the programming of the proposed spaces is an understanding of the level of interaction between the students and grounds.  A review of existing conditions and how students and faculty currently engage this area, and how they desire to, was aided by site visits during recess times for observation.  With a student group ranging from Pre-K/Readiness to fifth grade – and up to 200 students using the space at noon recess – play elements must be safe all ages but provide a bit of challenge for all levels.  There is also a clear desire to maintain and expand upon popular elements such as the swings and playhouse, and include a “signature” piece every child will remember into adulthood.

"The Village" will be created from the relocated play house and a new BigToys Potting Shed.

The ElephantPlay ClimbiNet will be a showcase piece, challenging kids to reach the top of the web of steel-core ropes.

Components were grouped so that a central paved space and “trike track” can be cleared of snow in winter for basketball, foursquare, and other recess games.  This concept also allows Readiness students free play spaces including the sand pit and playhouse village adjacent to the classrooms.  Taking advantage of the stockpile created by the building expansion, a berm will separate the play area from the Third Grade Field.

The use of interesting landform provides many opportunities for 'free play'.

This berm will feature the new 9-ft height embankment slide and rolling hill, and provide a platform for the Columbia Cascade Clatter Bridge assembly with follow/chase and fitness activities.  This two level hill allows faculty supervision of all areas of the playground and Third Grade Field will provide a natural boundary for younger students, as well as many opportunities for ‘free play’.

UBLA worked with Columbia Cascade to create this custom assembly to optimize follow/chase play and fitness activities.

The plan and program were refined throughout the bid process.

For long-term maintenance and sustainability, structures manufactured of steel and recycled plastic were selected.  Playing off the existing (and very popular!) natural boulders on site, the playground will be edged with cut tree trunks and boulders.  These elements provide seating and climbing opportunities, as well as plenty of nooks and crannies for exploration.  Trunks will also be used to create a performance space adjacent to the Lower School Building.

Final pricing and material detailing are wrapping up this month, with construction scheduled for Summer 2013.  UBLA will continue to work with the School’s Playground Task Force, Prime1 Landscaping, and JPLaRue throughout the construction process to insure that this exciting installation is completed for start of school.

Having provided landscape plans and permitting assistance for past projects on campus, UBLA was contacted for the redevelopment of the Forbes Courtyard, impacted by this year’s building expansion projects.  UBLA met with a group of students and faculty to discuss how the space works now, and how they might like it to be used in the future.  Marking up an existing conditions survey with frequent pedestrian routes and important landmarks, the group determined that this is largely a “transportation space”; moving people from one part of campus to another.  The goal for the future is to take advantage of the sunny lawn space and proximity to The Lions’ Den and Forbes Center by streamlining pathways and adding movable furniture.

 

Completed Terrace

UBLA’s Andover project is wrapping up the work on the back terrace, with our friends from New England Fieldstone turning their attention to the new walkway and fieldstone walls in the front of the property.  This project included some interesting challenges of negotiating tricky grade changes, maximizing a tight space and providing some privacy and separation from the driveway.

Some before and afters:

Entry before construction

New low granite wall, pergola and redesigned steps

Back of house before construction

Antique hardscape materials were carefully selected

Please feel free to contact us for more information on this project:  info@ub-la.com

We are thrilled to be part of the great things happening in downtown Beverly. Please update your address book:

UBLA
156 Cabot Street Unit 2A
Beverly, MA 01915-5822
978-922-2661

Early studies of the labyrinth location

UBLA was initially contacted about the addition of a labyrinth to provide opportunities for users to seek a sense of peace.  Through a careful study and positive feedback from the hospital board, the project has expanded to include 3 distinct areas- a secluded labyrinth, a public gathering and art display space, and a heavily planted winding walkway to a dropoff area.

Conceptual birdseye view

While all of the spaces will share unifying design elements such as wall materials and furniture, each will have a unique sense of place, with plantings and paving materials setting the tone.  A variety of colors and the introduction of art and sculpture will enliven the central public space while the labyrinth is encompassed by more dense screening materials to screen outside views and sounds.  The third space will be more transitional, offering respite for patients awaiting pick up, or staff out for a quick break.

Material pallette boards

We are very excited to be part of this project!  Stay tuned for much more as this project continues to develop!

Early schematic courtyard renderings

Working with a drought-tolerant plant palette, UBLA is designing a modern streetscape to complement the planned installation for 9-23 Griggs Street.

The Edge will also feature an outdoor patio / roof garden for resident social activities and amenities,  and a  spacious entry court with a modern pergola comprised of granite blocks, metal posts, wooden joists and cable rail lathing.

The proposed LEED Silver certifiable community is scheduled to open its doors in 2013.

Working with the owner, the Mount Vernon Company, we began by developing several concepts along with materials and plant palettes for review.

The selected concept creates two seating areas connected by a winding paver path.  Unwanted views are screened, and medium growing, upright trees provide a canopy and reduce the scale of the surrounding 4-story brick buildings.  Lush plantings weave throughout to soften the angular borders created by building footprints.  A small fountain was selected to provide the soothing sounds of water and help to lessen the traffic noise from Comm. Ave.

UBLA took the design from concept to construction documents on a fast track schedule to accommodate the owner’s desire to begin construction this fall.  Hardscape installation nears completion.

UBLA’s design more than doubled the size of the patio and visually widened the narrow yard by varying the patio edges and patterns. The existing bluestone patio was reused in the new project through careful color matching and pattern design, and existing cement landings and stairs were reclad in brick with bluestone treads.

Screening concerns proved challenging in the narrow side yard.  UBLA addressed this by planting Phyllostachys aureosuculcata ‘Lama Temple’, an upright variety of bamboo which can attain heights of 15′ within a 3-5 year span.  Its bold yellow/orange culms pop against the green of a 4 1/2′ universal board fence with an 18″ lattice topper.

Special attention was also given to the use of this space at night by incorporating 12V lighting.  The striking culms of the bamboo are uplit against the fencing, pathlights provide light around the edges of the patio, and two moonlights located in the existing tree canopy provide subtle effects for outdoor entertaining.

UBLA provided both design and construction management services, allowing us to oversee the project from concept to finished installation.  Calling on established relationships with local skilled craftsmen, we were able to maintain creative control, provide bid reviews, and deliver the project on schedule while saving the homeowner approximately 20% in construction costs.

And nothing says it better than before and after photos:

Furnishings, planted urns, and the balance of the planting and lawn are scheduled for early spring 2012!

Illustrating proposed locations for street and shade trees, shrub massing, entry and arrival area design, parking and drop off area, and site lighting locations, the landscape master plan improves vehicular and pedestrian circulation around the expanded Arts Center, making connections to the new Athletics Complex and existing Ice Rink. The siting of the building and parking carefully considers nearby wetlands and takes advantage of existing topography.

Natural stone from existing retaining walls and courtyards will be incorporated into seat walls at the building entries.

The completed project will contribute additional performance and display spaces for Pingree’s Arts Programs and accommodate both home and visitor team needs while maintaining the pastoral setting of the campus.

Source: Office of Geographic Information (MassGIS), Commonwealth of Massachusetts Information Technology Division

After the historic Warwick Theater and YMCA were razed for redevelopment, the park was left adjacent to the National Grand Bank parking area, and triggered a renewed interest in the upgrade of the 1/3 acre park. The open views created a focus on the park, and renewed interest in the landmark.

While maintaining the park’s present layout, with concentric circular walks and a tall granite monument listing the dead of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War at the very center, UBLA’s design will strengthen this axis, expand the south lawn, give needed definition to the space, and screen visitors’ views of the adjacent parking lot.  At an August Recreation and Parks Commission meeting, Matthew Ulrich presented design concepts and said he and the Commission should choose the trees and shrubs with the idea that “Plantings can soften the differences (between the differently designed monuments)” and include plants with ornamental value around Memorial Day.

UBLA proposes creating additional plant beds edged by low boxwood hedges to better define the north and south lawn areas, with benches and lighting providing contemplative spaces.  Vertically, these spaces will be framed by Stellar Pink Dogwoods, which bloom in time for the May holiday, and will soften views of the nearby Osborne Building.  Areas for seating and passive recreation will be created on both the north and south sides of the main circle while new plantings unify the various memorial styles.

Pedestrian-scale period lighting will be provided to allow for evening use and security.  Details may include ornamental metal fencing, brick columns at the Pleasant and Essex Street entrances, and evergreen trees for holiday decoration.  We are looking forward to working with the Recreation and Parks Commission and the Marblehead community to rejuvenate this milestone.

Satellite Image from Google Maps

UBLA joined the development team of the Planning Office for Urban Affairs, Development Synergies,  Samiotes Consultants, and The Architectural Team to help shepherd this 76 unit project through construction documentation.  We felt it was crucial to break the mold of typical affordable housing projects that appear unattractive and barren due to a weak exterior landscape design of simple lawn and foundation plantings.

A key feature of the landscape design was the development of a central courtyard which provides opportunities for community interaction while respecting the history of St. Joseph’s Church.

Birdseye view of Courtyard. Note: Building model provided by TAT

UBLA repurposed existing granite block walls and attached cap stones to provide a low, stepped seatwall and pillars to provide visual interest and set the greenspace back from the parking lot.

Reclaimed Granite Wall Exploded View

Large slab landings from the Church entry were then repurposed to provide ample seating for the cobbled sitting nook adjacent to the main entry.

Intimate cobbled seating area

Reclaimed Granite Bench Exploded View

Other key features of UBLA’s work included:

• Use of a diverse group of native plantings that are by nature low maintenance, drought tolerant, improve air quality, and provide habitat value
• Use of shade trees to block unwanted views, provide scale to the building, and mitigate heat island effect
• Major reduction in impervious surface
• Repurposing of on site materials to incorporate the old into the new
• Identifying and transplanting valuable specimen trees on the existing site
• Use of materials that respect St. Joseph’s Church and the history of downtown Salem: including cobble, historic brick and reclaimed granite
• Creation of a well designed outdoor space which brings neighbors together in a safe environment

View to main entry

We look forward to our continued involvement with the development team as this great project breaks ground later this fall.

At UBLA, we are fortunate to have a series of clients bringing in the landscape architects at the onset with other project consultants to help guide the planning process.  One such client is the Martins Companies, located in Danvers, MA, who brought us on board to help update Cadillac Village of Norwood with Norwood Engineering and ahp Architects.

The scope of work involved transforming the existing ‘circus tent’ structure into a more refined facade and improving the general aesthetics and circulation sequence.

UBLA provided site plans  reducing the paved area, increasing the landscape spaces, and  greatly improving the vehicular circulation.  Special care was taken to soften unwanted views and improve the customer’s experience of the site.

Cadillac of Norwood Site Plan

Cadillac of Norwood Landscape Plan

Molly Martins, Vice President of Martins Construction Company, Inc, said recently, “For 30 years we’ve been providing design/build and construction services to commercial, institutional and residential clients throughout New England.  We are currently working with the Village Automotive Group on seven different dealership projects, providing services from permitting to design and construction, the latest being Cadillac of Norwood.”  She went on to say, “Throughout this process, UBLA has been incredibly responsive.  Like Martins, they take a very collaborative approach which made them an ideal choice for us and we couldn’t be more pleased with the quality of their work.”

We look forward to working with the Martins Companies again in the future!

The Mixed-Use Parcel is comprised of 25 acres and will feature three neighborhoods – commercial, retail with residential above, and residential – as well as play areas and fitness trails. UBLA is working with Westford Road Development, LLC and LEES Engineering to detail public green spaces throughout the property and create a pedestrian-scale, walkable community destination. The proposal currently includes over 125,000 square feet of first-floor office and retail space, and over 150 residential units.

Incorporating the guidelines established by the Town’s Master Plan, the proposed Town Center Plan, and the proposed Middlesex Road Overlay District, the site will include wide side walks with paver feature strips, period site furniture and Colonial-style light fixtures; walking trails integrating the preserved wetland edge; pedestrian connections throughout the development, with potential connections to future office uses; and bicycle access and storage.

According to Scott Eriksen, the attorney for Westford Road Development: “We at WRD are firm believers that when it comes to presenting development projects, a picture is worth a thousand words.  In that regard, UBLA’s renderings and plans have been critical to the project’s development as UBLA worked closely with the development team to conceptualize, develop, and refine the images that WRD will use in connection with all permitting efforts.  UBLA also brought a fresh perspective to the creative process when it came to design and landscape features that we believe resulted in a better final product.”

In addition to the traditional planting plans, UBLA is providing site plan and grading review, assessment of potential LEED/Green Building opportunities, and plan and 3D renderings of the proposed design. These images help illustrate the Owner’s vision, and will be used throughout the permitting and marketing phases of development.

Scott Eriksen on why they chose this site for the project: “Westford Road Development, LLC (“WRD”) chose to develop its mixed-use community, Tyngsborough Commons, in Tyngsborough for a host of reasons.  First, the principals of WRD have been developing in Tyngsborough for over 25 years and have a strong commitment to working with the Town in connection with their projects.  Also, WRD believes that the project site is an ideal site for a mixed-use community like Tyngsborough Commons: it has easy access to Route 3, it is less than half a mile from Tyngsborough Town Center and has the land area necessary to support the development team’s bold plans for the village style buildings and outdoor amenities that will make up Tyngsborough Commons.”

This project will continue to go through permitting this spring, and construction is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2012.  Construction will be phased; the goal to achieve full build out by first quarter 2016.  Learn more about Tyngsborough, MA at http://www.tyngsboroughma.gov/

In our last post we explored some of the reasons a school might embark on a school garden project.  In this post we will discuss the ‘turn-key’ gardens we created for the Green Education Foundation Garden as a Teaching Tool program and expansion possibilities above and beyond the  basics presented here.  Here is a link to the GEF webpage:  http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=199&Itemid=569.  These simple garden sketches are meant to introduce a basic, scalable, edible garden and are in part based on the principles of ‘square foot gardening’ by Mel Bartholomew.  What is square foot gardening?  Basically, it is building 6″ high wooden (or other materials) raised beds that are then filled with a suitable soil / peatmoss / compost mix.  These intensely planted 4′x4′ boxes are easy to maintain(easy to reach across), and you are only watering and weeding the growing area.  Believe it or not, one box can grow enough food for an adult to eat a fully stocked salad every day for the growing season!

Garden #1:

• Consists of 4- 4′x8′ raised beds made of untreated wood (or rocks, cobbles, or other repurposed materials.)
• A ‘compost area’ for a small, portable composting unit
• Rain barrels to catch roof runoff and reuse for watering
• A small native plant garden to provide habitat value
• Pollinator plantings in pots (Milkweed, Echinacea, Monarda, etc….)
• A small gathering space for children and teachers featuring repurposed seating: strawbales and sawn tree trunks
• A small shed for tools or potting area

Garden #2:

This garden expands upon the features of garden #1 to include:

• Additional 4′x8′ raised planting beds
• A medium sized tool shed or potting area
• A larger gathering space

Garden #3:

This garden expands upon the features of garden #2 to include:

• Enlarged native plant bed
• Small pond for enhanced habitat value
• Use of a 3 bin compost system
• Reclaimed wood pergola for shade and structure.  See an example here: http://ub-la.com/projects/residential/penn_brook_house

Beyond the Basics:

Renderings will often help with fundraising campaigns

Beyond the basics, there are enormous possibilities for the ‘Garden as a Teaching Tool’ to be further developed into a full scale School Garden.  Please see our recent blog post about the ‘Importance of School Gardens’ for how a project like this can become the heart and soul of a school, creating a strong community bond: http://ub-la.com/blog/2011/03/04/the-importance-of-school-gardens-ubla-blog-series/

Some things to think about before embarking on a project like this:

• Is there appropriate space for a project?  This includes size requirements, topography, sunlight, location, etc…
• Who are the users?
• What will  the curriculum components be?
• Age of children involved?
• Are there users with accessibility issues?
• Is the space also going to function as an outdoor classroom?
• Are there people in place to take a leadership role in the project?
• Funds available?

These are just starting questions.  UBLA works hand in hand with 2 life long educators, Shirley Walker and Robin O’neill.  Since retirement, these foodies have become actively involved in the education component of Green Meadows Farm in Hamilton.  They are able to combine their strong teaching abilities with their knowledge of organic farming.  Shirley and Robin are integral team members of UBLA,  helping to  identify the stakeholders and integrate the curriculum component with school parents and faculty.  School Gardens can flourish, but the involvement of all stakeholders (including design team, curriculum advisors, parents, teachers, faculty and other staff) at the inception of the project will help guarantee success.

UBLA is now offering presentations for little to no cost for schools interested in embarking on a Schoolyard Garden project.  Contact us to learn more!

]]> http://ub-la.com/blog/2011/03/16/the-turn-key-school-garden-ubla-and-the-green-education-foundation/feed/ 0 http://ub-la.com/blog/2011/03/04/the-importance-of-school-gardens-ubla-blog-series/ http://ub-la.com/blog/2011/03/04/the-importance-of-school-gardens-ubla-blog-series/#comments Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:00:29 +0000 matt http://ub-la.com/blog/?p=542 Several months ago UBLA was engaged by the Green Education Foundation (GEF) to help develop their ‘garden as a teaching tool‘ segment.  Our work with the GEF involved creating a series of scalable, turn-key gardens that could easily be built with volunteers.

This project has really got our wheels spinning, because it touches on our passion for good design and how it can instill a bond with the outdoors, unite a school or community, and change people’s lives for the better.  In today’s world, the average child watches 4+ hours of television per day, eats a diet full of high fat, sugar and salt, and is completely reliant on their parents for driving them from place to place in an automobile based society.  These problems (and many others to lengthy to list) have led to an explosion of obesity and diabetes and a huge disconnect with the natural environment.

The Schoolyard Garden plays a crucial role in enriching the lives of children, parents, faculty and community members in many ways:

• Enhanced learning opportunities through ‘hands on’ involvement.  There are many creative ways in which Science, History, Mathematics and other subjects can be incorporated into the garden.
• Children establish many of their eating habits and preferences from K-8.  They are more likely to try a new food if they are involved in growing and preparing it.  Further, it has been documented that children’s fruit and vegetable intake increases by 2.5 servings per day when they are involved in an edible garden project.
• Children utilize creative play and independent problem solving not found in the traditional asphalt-oriented play yard.
• Establish a sense of environmental stewardship – a bond with nature they may take with them throughout life.
• Community involvement: through scheduled work days, functions held in the garden, fundraising and volunteer involvement, a thriving School Garden can become the heart and soul of the school.

The possibilities for this type of project are seemingly endless, and for the garden to be successful, there are many moving parts.  Identifying and involving all of the stakeholders at the inception of the project is key to it’s longevity.  In the coming months we will feature a series of blog posts about our work with the Green Education Foundation, gardening methods, design, and curriculum ideas.

Stay tuned or contact us for more information!

Expanding our reach up into Southern Maine, UBLA was contracted to help these clients with an overall scheme for their backyard.  After extensively analyzing the site, several problems became apparent:

• Parking in the winter is problematic, with no off street parking allowed.  Presently, the garage is used for storage, and a weakly defined area for one car is insufficient for owner / guest parking.
• Added approx. 10 years ago, the shingle style garage relates poorly to the main house, entry and parking.
• There is a slope of approx. 4.5′ from the porch steps to the threshold of the garage.  This slope is poorly graded and uneven.
• Several large trees  are in poor health.

The schematic design, shown at the top of this post, calls for a circular lawn space which would serve to unify the disconnected garage, parking area and main house.  This ‘Great Lawn’ would be given shape by a retaining wall, walkways, and plantings.  The retaining wall would allow for a gently sloping lawn suitable for grandchildren to play, and adequate space for the yearly summer lobster bake.  Walkways of either antique brick, or a native irregular stone will be used to further strengthen the connection between garage, parking area and main house, while also providing for easy wayfinding.  Existing trees will be evaluated and removed as necessary to accommodate additional owner / guest parking.

After a meeting between the design team and client, this project has moved beyond schematic design and into design development.  We are in the process of exploring materials for parking areas, driveway, wall and plantings.  The schematic design has also been passed along to a contractor for initial pricing.  This will provide crucial feedback on how best to proceed, and guide final materials selections.

]]> http://ub-la.com/blog/2011/01/27/on-the-boards-cape-elizabeth-me/feed/ 0 http://ub-la.com/blog/2011/01/12/private-school-landscape-and-permitting/ http://ub-la.com/blog/2011/01/12/private-school-landscape-and-permitting/#comments Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:16:50 +0000 rebecca http://ub-la.com/blog/?p=478 UBLA is working with Ruhl Walker Architects on plans and permitting for new faculty housing at St. Mark’s School in Southborough, MA.  The location selected on the campus is situated between two existing residences on a circular drive surrounded by faculty homes, including the Headmaster’s residence.  As part of the campus’ sustainability efforts, the area has been maintained as a meadow in recent years.  This factors into our proposed landscape plans.   

Existing site, with meadow growth and great views west

Though the School falls under the “Dover Amendment” of the Massachusetts General Laws (meaning that though the multi-family use is not allowed in the residential zoned property, the duplex can be permitted as accessory to the educational facility), the project was reviewed by the Town’s Department Heads.  As the project is quite limited in scope, disturbs less than an acre of land, and is not subject to Conservation Commission review, we were able to move forward.

Proposed Landscape and Grading Plan

Two faculty housing units have been created in a duplex-style residential building.  Parking for these units is provided in two one-car garages within the building, accessed via the School’s private fire access road.  Two visitor parking spaces have also been provided adjacent to two existing parking spaces on St. Mark’s Circle.  Though a duplex construction, the architectural scale of the homes is in keeping with the existing residences of the Circle.  Ruhl Walker Architects is coordinating modular construction for the units.

UBLA contracted Truman Engineering Services for utility design and construction administration services.  New utility services, including sewage, have been connected to the existing on-site systems. Due to the limited scope of proposed work, the Project was not subject to the State’s stormwater management standards, however, post-construction grading  maintains existing flow patterns to the extent practical, and new plantings will prevent erosion and insure water quality.

The proposed landscape plan includes a continuation of the meadow, through the use of seed mixes, as well as ornamental grasses and evergreen shrubs to frame private yard spaces.  Several large existing trees will be preserved, and ornamental and evergreen trees will be used to screen and direct views.

Landscape Plan Enlargement

Construction was completed in October, 2011, with finishing touches planned for Spring 2012.

Using ArcGIS and the Commonwealth’s database (MassGIS), we are able to map properties and identify development constraints such as wetlands and infrastructure, or opportunities such as proximity to schools and public transportation. We are also able to query properties based on lot size, owner, and zoning use. With these tools, we assist land developers as well as organizations like Habitat for Humanity in their site selection process. 

GIS Constraints Plan

With the information available from the municipality and MassGIS, we recently studied multiple parcels in Quincy, MA. The property owner asked us to review a “remnant” parcel they had previously considered unusable. After a quick look at the GIS maps and zoning regulations, it appears the land may have potential after all! 

Conceptual Site Layout

With some basic information, we were able to provide concept sketches illustrating development options. While zoning relief will be needed, the site does not appear constrained by protected resources or other sensitive areas. 

Click here for more information on the work we do related to Site Selection, Due Diligence, and Permitting