Birch Pond Residence

FENNVILLE, mICHIGAN

The Birch Pond Residence is located on a wooded lot with a variety of unique natural features. The topography and tree coverage inspired a strategy to design conditions in order to create a natural pond, or reflecting pool, within the forested area. After close study of the site and its soil conditions, a section behind the house was determined to have both dry and wet areas, requiring different native woodland plants than the rest of the site. In the front portion, an infiltration basin and lawn area separate the the future house site from the street. The basin will be planted with dogwoods, white pines, and a short prairie mix buffer to provide both beauty and privacy.

The client has requested a fenced-in area for the backyard, which will be integrated with a wood patio and fountain, as part of the site’s hydrological circulation. The water features will be decorative while also functioning as drainage solutions. A boardwalk around the periphery of the lot can be used as a dog run, provide circulation throughout the site, and will visually tie together the various landscape components.