Dallas, TX 2019-2022 2023 Texas Merit Award

This .22-acre property sits in an urban neighborhood on an escarpment just south of downtown Dallas, Texas. A three-story building bifurcates the property into a south entry and north garden connected via a heavily vegetated eastern flank, while a natural woodland creek traverses the west. Glass lines most of the building’s northern facade, capitalizing on expansive garden spaces below. The clients asked us to recreate a landscape reminiscent of their Midwestern roots, envisioning a space for wild respite, affinity for nature and modern simplicity. An elevated entry drive separates natural woodland from unmown lawn, alternately delineating wild from domestic. Four garden spaces exist beyond the entry: a woodland creek inhabited by a wooden play structure; a play space on the northern lawn; a northern woodland area; and a fire garden. The spaces within this garden are meant to create lasting memories for this young family. Experiences with the native landscape and habitat engage all of the senses creating lasting memories of growing up in this Texas landscape.

Architect: Bernbaum/Magadini Architects

Landscape Contractor: Green Earth