Small structures shape how a landscape is used and inhabited. Their placement considers topography, views, vegetation, circulation, privacy, solar orientation, drainage, and surrounding gardens and habitat.
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Pergolas, pavilions, swings, shelters, and garden structures create opportunities for shade, gathering, climbing plants, and views. Sweetfern can develop concept, siting, scale, and material character and coordinate with craftspeople and technical professionals.
Plan access, privacy, views, gathering areas, planting, drainage, utilities, lighting, outdoor showers or plunge areas, and seasonal use as part of the site.
Garden storage, potting areas, tool storage, composting, and outdoor workspaces need considered access, screening, planting, and circulation.
Evaluate structure location, grading, access, parking, privacy, views, vegetation, sensitive resources, drainage, utilities, and connections between buildings. Work with architects, builders, engineers, and the professionals responsible for building design, permitting, and construction.
Bridges, boardwalks, viewing platforms, and bird blinds can connect people to a landscape while directing access through sensitive areas. The Bell’s Pond concepts explore these relationships at the scale of a shared conservation property.
Maintain design intent while coordinating technical development, permitting, engineering, fabrication, and construction.
STRUCTURES IN THE GARDEN
A timber swing frame stands among meadow grasses and wildflowers, with open views to the wooded hills.
Timber frames follow the stone steps and connect the planting on either side. As the grapevine matures, it will shade the path below.
Climbing vines and open timberwork make a place to pause above the landscape.
The pergola gives the garden a lasting framework as the planting changes through the seasons.
Thoughtfully designed screens conceal utilities while providing trellises for climbing plants.
BELL’S POND CONSERVATION PROPERTY · DESIGN PROPOSALS
Bridge and bird-blind concepts from the collaborative Finding Common Ground plan set. Anna Goff & Zaviere Drumm · The Conway School · Spring 2026.
PROPOSED DESIGN
A proposed crossing widens into a place to sit and observe the creek landscape.
PROPOSED DESIGN
A proposed screened viewing space connects to an elevated approach through the habitat edge.
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