Eastlake Gardencourt Condominiums
Owner/Developer: Apex Development
Seattle, Washington

The problem:

In the process of remodeling a pair of 1920s era apartment buildings and making them into condominiums, the owners decided to remove part of a concrete slab connecting the two buildings. This exposed a basement courtyard area which they wanted to turn into a private garden for condo owners. Plans called for each of the 10 units to have a patio facing the garden. Because the space is small (approx. 20 x 48), the primary concern was to create a garden that would give homeowners a sense of privacy. It was also important that the garden provide visual interest throughout the year.

What we did:

We decided to install a garden with a tranquil, northwest theme. First, we built a waterfall and stream down the center of the garden, using large granite boulders from the Cascade Mountains. The stream provides a setting for the plantings reminiscent of a hike in the woods. The sound of water also helps drown out the sounds coming from other units and from the street above. We chose a number of native plants including: Alaska cedar, vine maple, deer and maidenhair ferns. These are complemented with rhododendrons, Japanese maples, nandina, hosta and Hinoki cypress. We installed mature plant material to give the garden an immediate "presence" and to match the scale of the boulders along the stream. Care was taken to arrange plants to block views from one patio to another, thus enhancing the sense of privacy. Despite the garden's small size and its location in the heart of the city, it still manages to feel very private and far away from it all -- a peaceful place for homeowners to unwind in.

For more information on this garden, see the article in The Seattle Times Pacific Northwest Magazine.



Contact:

Shoebotham Residence | Waterside Garden

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