Newtown Square Estate

CVDA was requested by the architect to resolve a site planning issue: where to site the new residence and how to create a meaningful relationship between an existing tenant house, barn and old barn ruin while creating positive relationship to the remaining 60 acres of land. The solution was to place the house down the hill. This required the removal of the hill and raising the grade for the placement of the house. This new location allowed the house to dominate the new landscape and take advantage of the best views. An allée was created in the front of the house and a great lawn was created to the east of the house. These elements expanded the landscape and created large views.

 

Challenges included creating a design pallet with mostly native plants that was deer resistant. Also, due to the blight of the ash trees caused by the emerald ash bore, CVDA had to undertake a major restoration of the woodlands. A major concern throughout the project was the creation of sustainable landscapes that included meadows, lawns with no mow grass, and the extensive use of native plants.

 

Project features include indoor pool building with green roof; terrace within old barn ruins and a pickleball court; dog walk area courtyard with artificial turf, greenhouse and solar field.

 

CVDA completed the master plan through construction of the six-year project.

 

Architect: Peter Zimmerman Associates

Photography: Peter R. Fernandez