Modern Landscape
Sophisticated Contemporary Landscape Design for Houston Art Collector
A Houston art collector engaged us to create a low-maintenance, sophisticated, contemporary landscape design that reflects her eclectic taste in architecture, outdoor sculpture, and modern art. Her minimalist home, emphasizing right angles and expansive windows, required a landscape that would enhance its unique style. The west wing is single-story, while the east wing is two-story, both featuring larger-than-usual windows that display her art collection from the exterior. A striking abstract metal spiral sculpture is prominently placed near one of the large rear windows.
Initially, the property had minimal vegetation, consisting only of a few trees and indigenous grass. This clean slate allowed us to develop a contemporary landscape design that maintains a linear, crisp look in harmony with the home and its art. We began by planting a garden around the large contemporary sculpture, using resilient horsetail reeds under windows, along the home’s sides, and around the corners. These low-maintenance plants require minimal trimming, weeding, or mulching, integrating the elements of sculpture, architecture, and landscape into a fluid, harmonious design.
We added two stonework elements to the landscape surrounding the art collection and home. The first was a linear walkway constructed from cost-effective concrete pads, enabling visitors to traverse the property and admire the outdoor sculptures and modern art visible through the windows. This feature is particularly striking at night when the home is brightly lit from within.
To introduce tranquility to the stark angles of the home and landscape, we designed a special seating area in the northwest corner. Here, we departed from the linear theme, incorporating circular geometry to evoke contemplation. We laid gravel and placed large, circular pads resembling giant stepping stones leading to a stone patio with seating. This design complemented the spirals and curves of the outdoor sculpture, balancing the contemporary landscape with proportional geometric forms.
This contemporary landscape design embodies a sense of movement, with all stonework leading to purposeful destinations. The linear pathway offers a guided tour of the home, garden, and art collection, while the circular granite stones lead to a serene space where art, vegetation, and architecture converge.
Contemporary landscape designs like this utilize basic geometric forms to evoke feelings and create visual interest. Stark forms can create contrast, while blended or distorted forms suggest complex emotions or multi-dimensional reality. Each design is highly subjective, tailored on a case-by-case basis in collaboration with the client.
