Masonry Magazine June 2001 Page. 16
CREATE MORE USABLE SPACE WITH MASONRY
One of the most important things accomplished by landscaping is creating more usable space. Often times, site size and topography dictates how a landscaping project must proceed. That does not limit the amount of creativity that contractors can put into a landscape.
"Today's segmental retaining wall units can be used to easily develop transitions between different levels of the land with steps, terraces, and returns. They allow us to create living space out of areas we couldn't use before. People really like transitional elements, the space seems to become more of a multi-dimensional space," Moe said.
Schenley Center is a retirement home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The wall contractor, Segmental Wall Specialists, Inc., completed the 13,700-square foot project in 1999. The wall was required to create more usable space out of a previously cramped alley, which was located adjacent to the building. The sandstone colored wall provides senior citizen residents outdoor space with a park-like setting. The wall butts the building and a doorway from each level leads directly outside to the new oasis. The project resulted in residents having an outdoor space to call their own. It is a pleasant atmosphere that is finished with lighting, a gazebo, and abundant plantings. Site is an important factor in designing and constructing landscapes, but experienced contractors can construct even the most complicated projects in the most complicated places with SRW units.
DESIGN VERSATILITY
Concrete segmental units offer contractors unlimited design possibilities that couldn't be done until SRW units strips, and patios. The units' shapes allow for a flowing line as opposed to the perceived rigid line associated with most concrete products. Additionally, SRW units can be made with a weathered appearance that creates rustic, old-world charm that closely resembles natural stone walls.
Another option for creative masonry landscapes is to use different sized units within a wall. Last spring, John Moe, landscape designer for Villa Landscapes, designed a concrete patio for a St. Paul, Minnesota homeowner. The patio was desired to create more back yard space for the house, which is located in a hilly, historic section of the city.
Moe designed the patio with SRW units of varying heights and widths to create a look that complements the neighborhood's character with a random, stone-like appearance.