An Appreciation of Stone (26)

This parking court and upper terrace are held in place by the same sandstone. This sandstone was used on the house and I thought it would look awesome if we were to use it on both of these retaining walls. We even tried to work in the same pattern style applying the stone, as was done on the house.

Imagine the difference in appearance if the walls were segmented modular block(SMB), a product that seems to be everywhere, and I mean everywhere. I took the chance in spec’ing the stone and spoke with the homeowners about going all the way with a look they had started on the house. Turns out everyone(homeowners, architect, interior designer, building contractor, landscape contractor) was in total agreement, and we think the final results speak for themselves.

The stone makes a handsome wall, yes it is considerably more expensive than SMB, or a cultured stone application (lick-n-stick), but price is not the object here . . . what’s at issue is quality materials and presentation style.

For you young designers you gotta think big when dealing with clients who build a particular style/size of house, in a particular style of neighborhood . . . remember this . . . it’s about show business. People who are monetarily successful don’t mind reminding themselves(or their neighbors) of that fact . . . help them.

Help them in achieving their goals, their aspirations, their dreams . . . through your vision make those desires become a reality.

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Addendum: This shot is from the middle of last August, it is the 1st growing season for the plant material, and I look forward to watching everything progress. Almost 200 more images.

The parking court surface and drive is a natural brick, not a concrete paver. There’s room to park 4 cars and a back-in, turn around out of frame(left).