This project involved an echoing of the architectural footprint resolving into the natural setting.

Changing the existing north side garage entry to the west side, allows for a quieter, incremental and gentler pedestrian approach to the front, as well as the lower door. 

The main entry to this high-rise building becomes more inviting with splashy seasonal entry planting and a visually softened (small horizontally branching trees) at the intermediate level. Unity as well as an integration to the street scape was achieved both at night and during the day through a consistency of ground-cover and lighting. This proposal provides a level of gardenesque intimacy where the east and west lawns were located, while making the west side inaccessible to vagrants, and brings about an increase in usability, as well as a distinct reduction in maintenance. Vertical and horizontal screening complete with vines to the lane and over the parking entry respectively, offer both a spacial definition vis a vis the lane and a visual enhancement when viewed from above. 

With the exception of landings between treads, all outdoor areas in this concept are accessible by wheelchair, either from one side or another. The terrace off the lower suite on the west side is accessible by way of the interior elevator.

The lower floor of this two-story residence on the east (pool side) was exceptionally dark, due to a four foot wide deck down to the pool connecting a stair to the pool on the south connecting to the upper floor grade to the north. Removing the the South stair and deck completely, and replacing it with a smaller walkway from the french doors connecting to the existing top floor grade away from the building brings about a considerably lighter pool level living area. An intermediate grassy level buried the lower portion of the stair. doing this made it possible to create an unobtrusive 42" legal barrier to the pool area.

This four-plex offers relatively private mini courtyards for each of the owners. A green roof on the garage acts as a visual buffers to the lane. All in all offering a level of intimacy on a fairly busy city street.