EAST MIDTOWN RESIDENCE

Thoughtfully constructed with thermally modified ash, local blue stone, and porcelain tiles, this garden seeks to leverage borrowed elements with local materials. The porcelain tiles are set on pedestals above an existing, over-pitched concrete pad and trench drain, preserving the current drainage system while creating an even surface to base the garden. Thermally modified ash is utilized as a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods like Ipe, of which New York is one of the largest global importers. Nestled beneath the canopy of a mature neighboring Magnolia, local bluestone paving defines a shady garden lounge.

At the heart of the design is a single, multistem Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), positioned toward the center of the courtyard. This placement divides the space into two distinct areas, allowing the tree to be enjoyed from multiple angles. Additionally, the tree has been aligned with a second-floor window, providing natural screening between the living area and the neighboring apartment complex. Custom benches, crafted from thermally modified ash, offer generous seating areas with wide backrests large enough to set a plate or a drink wherever you may be sitting in the garden. Finally, a sleek pavilion bookends the space providing a private and comfortable nook both below the canopy of the neighboring tree and behind the newly planted Sweetbay Magnolia.

Location: Midtown, Manhattan, NY _Size: 950 SF _Client: Private Residence _Collaborators: Hollywood & Vine_Status: Completed _Year: 2024_Team: Steven Tupu, Joe Norman

Before After