Landscape Design's Shifting Role in Development

Hall: “As unit sizes have reduced, the landscape areas become all-the-more crucial to provide that flexible space for residents—to entertain, relax, and gather.”

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA—Landscape design has been playing a larger role in multifamily project design in terms of space, amenities, nature and community, EPTDESIGN ‘s partner and principal Matthew Hall tells GlobeSt.com. The California-based architecture, urban-design and planning firm, which has studios in Pasadena and Laguna Beach, provides a high level of service for campuses, municipalities and developers . One of its most recent projects is the Residences at Pacific City here in Huntington Beach. We spoke exclusively with Hall about that project and about landscape design in general. GlobeSt.com: Tell us about EPTDESIGN’S involvement in the Residences at Pacific City project and the unique elements it brings to the area.  Hall:  EPTDESIGN became the landscape architect on the project early in the design stages, shortly upon acquisition of the land by UDR . Our long lineage of high-density residential communities, along with our unique design process, made this a perfect fit. Working closely with UDR and MVE + Partners , we paid homage with a coastal landscape including adapted species, palms, iconic specimens and ultra-high efficiency in water use. We took great pride in the development of the project’s focal point—the central amenity area—an abstraction of an ocean swell, cresting wave and subsequent crash on the sand. The amenity area contains a 5,000-square-foot pool, a dynamic outdoor-media system, catering kitchen, fitness center and resort-inspired cabanas. Six distinct interior courtyards establish a unique linkage through the community. A boardwalk constructed in Ipe wood links the six internal courtyards in a procession of experiences. The courts—designed in correspondence with their respective sun orientation—provide al fresco dining, barbecues, water features and recreation and game experiences. GlobeSt.com: What were the major considerations for renter needs as far as outdoor amenities and the overall landscape design? Hall:  The profiles of the prospective renters were carefully considered in the planning and design of the outdoor amenities at Pacific City. We pored through the market studies prepared by UDR’s consultants to glean vital information to assist in our creation of spaces that not only provide relaxing outdoor living, but become extensions of their residences and add to the already extensive list of project amenities. Two good examples of this can be seen in the outdoor pavilion spaces and the pool area. The courtyard pavilions, found twice within the courtyards, were designed for a variety of uses throughout the day. During daylight hours, the spaces can act as outdoor meetings and gathering areas. As the day progresses, these spaces morph into entertainment zones for cooking, relaxing, and gathering with friends and neighbors. The pool area expands the residents’ ability to entertain. The cabanas, catering kitchen, and gathering areas provide ample space for both large and small parties and offer the residents opportunities to host events not possible within their own residence.

The Residences at Pacific City was designed to provide spaces for relaxing outdoor living that become extensions of the residences.

GlobeSt.com: What components of the landscape design bring historic relevance and reference to the project?   Hall: During the design process, we focused on elevating the key aspects of nature at this unique location. Sun, sand, waves, movement, wind, light and reflection became key aspects of our design. As seen in the central amenity area, the movement of the ocean waves is the foundation of the design. In the interior courtyards, the way sunlight moves and changes throughout the day became the basis of the “mood” of each courtyard. In regard to planting, some icons of coastal California living can be found, but a strong respect of the truly arid ecosystem is seen throughout the drought tolerant palette. GlobeSt.com: How does the landscape design for the project address sustainability issues, including water conservation? Hall: Water use – and more specifically – the conservation of water, is a cornerstone of the design concept. The use of adapted species, drought-tolerant palette and an ultra-high efficiency irrigation system all play vital roles in the overall goals of sustainability for the project. GlobeSt.com: Landscape design seems to be playing a much larger role in projects these days. How has the expectation of having functional outdoor spaces shifted landscape design in the past few years—especially in the luxury multifamily housing market? Hall: In my years designing multifamily residential projects, I’ve seen a gradual shift in the role of landscape in projects. I would summarize these shifts into four broad categories: space, amenities, nature and community. Let me address each of these.

• Space: In the ever-competitive world of development, we’ve seen unit sizes reduce dramatically over the years and density rise. Smaller units could be desired for financial reasons, or for the fact that some users don’t spend prolonged periods of time at home. The landscape areas become all-the-more crucial to provide that flexible space for residents—to entertain, relax, and gather.
• Amenities: In the past, a community with a pool, spa and traditional fitness center might be considered adequate for the average resident. Today, residents demand more, and developers are getting creative to offer these dynamic amenities in both interior and exterior spaces. Gourmet cooking pavilions, demonstration kitchens, bicycle lounges, and spaces dedicated to dog owners are just a few of the spaces found in today’s multifamily communities. This push to create innovative and useful outdoor spaces makes our work more meaningful and fun.
• Nature: The residents in today’s multifamily communities are a diverse group. Their needs vary. In our recent work, we are seeing a dramatic shift to the appreciation and understanding of the landscape environments. In Silicon Valley, recent polls show that there is a strong desire for the typical tech employee to have a residence with strong ties to nature. This focus has pushed us to create landscape environments of authenticity, using natural materials, and instilling a strong sense of nature.
• Community: “One size fits all” isn’t a term applicable to landscape design in multifamily residential communities. Our work continues to emphasize the creation of landscape spaces for everyone. Groups of one, two or 20 should find spaces within their community that they can find comfort. We strive to create spaces that are multi-generational, to allow children to interact with parents and grandparents. And we strive to create spaces that are multi-functional throughout the day, to allow outdoor space to offer a greater opportunity for the residents.