 Finding Balance Outdoors Have you ever walked into an outdoor space, garden, or park and instantly felt a smile of delight emerge upon your face? At BauerCombs Landscape Architecture, we call that 'finding balance.' Working with nature, rather than against it, helps create balance and more enjoyment in outdoor spaces. This philosophy, blended with our proven design principles, is the backbone of every project. Below, we have outlined our fundamental design principles and sensory design elements to introduce you to our landscape design thought process. Design PrinciplesSimplicity - The definition of simplicity is the state of being simple, uncomplicated, and natural. A simple landscape is defined as being well-balanced, clean, neat, and having room to breathe. Balance & Rhythm - Each design element that is added into the landscape creates a visual weight. Features are balanced depending on shape, size, form, and visual interest. A balanced design will create a comfortable rhythm that guides you through the landscape. Focal Point - A focal point helps guide the viewer's eye to the desired location. This strategy is used to help unveil the outdoor space in segments rather than all at once. Focal points are also used to create a mood or ambiance dependent on the client's personality and style preferences. It only takes a moment to deliver that first impression! Connectivity - Outdoor connectivity is where all design elements work together to form a seamless link. Connectivity is often achieved by integrating paths, materials, color, textures, and design rhythm. Sensory Design ElementsAfter the bones of the design are developed, our sensory design elements are weaved into the designs. Our signature sensory design method awakes the senses with the artistic blending of color, sound, scent, touch, and taste.
Setting the Mood with Color Red = excitement. Red is a dramatic color that helps to increase excitement and interest. If you are feeling tired and lethargic, a short time looking at red is a good solution to increase enthusiasm. Orange = energy. Orange is a dynamic color that creates a sudden burst of energy and stimulation. But beware…orange may also trigger a person to feel agitated. It seems that people either enjoy orange or they do not. Yellow = cheerful and optimistic. Yellow is a cheerful, happy color that helps to brighten your day. Yellow is an excellent color to incorporate in areas of frequent cloud cover. Yellow is often the favorite color of children. Green = refreshing and cool. Green is in the center of the color spectrum and creates a feeling of peace and harmony. Green produces a calm, soothing ambiance and helps us feel rejuvenated. Blue = calm and peaceful. Blue helps to create a relaxing mood. Studies have shown that blue helps to reduce blood pressure and slows breathing. Blue is often used to create a tranquil environment for relaxation and reflection. Purple = motivating and healing. Because purple is a combination of red and blue, it has attributes of excitement and peacefulness at the same time. I believe purple is the ultimate color for healing and inspiration. Sound - Sound is often overlooked or goes unnoticed in landscape design. There is a broad range of sounds that naturally occur in nature, such as wind, rain, birds, bees, babbling brooks, and much more. However, enjoying the natural sounds of nature is not always a given. There is a good chance that man-made sounds may override the natural sounds in some urban areas. A few ways to integrate sound are adding plants that attract songbirds, incorporating water features, or planting ornamental grasses that swish in the wind. Scent - Incorporating fragrant plants can create both a relaxing and engaging outdoor experience. Scent and fragrances are closely linked to our memories and can positively awaken our senses. A well-designed garden produces flowers and scents in progression throughout the year. Favorites are hyacinths, viburnum, lilac, lavender, mint, lemon balm, and winter daphne. It is best to stagger the timing of fragrances so they do not compete with one another. Touch & Taste When you were a child, you most likely heard the phrase "don't touch that!" Beyond curiosity, I'm unsure what gives us the uncontrollable urge to touch and feel, but touch can add a rich dimension to your landscape and garden. You can add texture and touch to the landscape through the use of plants, artwork, pebbles, large boulders, smooth glass, metal, sculptures, and more. Planning ahead to incorporate edible plants into your landscape takes a bit of effort, but the outcome is delicious! Many homeowners grow their edibles in tidy rows. However, for something different, try intermixing savory herbs, berries, and vegetables in raised planting beds along pathways and outdoor dining areas. There is nothing more satisfying than harvesting your home-grown edibles! Putting it all together In addition to creating balance for outdoor landscapes, you can also find balance on a nature trail, beach, or national park. Either way, to find your balance, look around, inhale and enjoy the nature that surrounds you. About BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. BauerCombs is an award-winning landscape architecture firm specializing in sensory design and site planning for the greater Puget Sound, Bellevue, and Eastside areas. Our signature sensory design method create captivating landscapes that bring life to outdoor spaces through the artistic balance of color and patterns, scent, touch, taste, and sound. Our work has been published in several magazines and continues to grow in reputation for creating healthy outdoor environments for people and communities. Author: Susan Combs Bauer, Landscape Architect, Copyright © 2022 BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. www.bauercombs.com  This newly renovated landscape, designed by BauerCombs & Associates, combines both beauty and function to refresh a steep residential hillside on Mercer Island, WA. When the homeowner purchased their Mercer Island home, their goal was to improve the overall landscape appeal and to enjoy a beautiful backyard space. The house was built to take full advantage of the Lake Washington view but had limited outdoor use because of the steep slope. Terraced retaining walls were designed to maximize useable outdoor spaces and create artistry within the steep slope. The side yard pathway was designed for cohesiveness from the front yard to the backyard. The path leads you through a shade garden of rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and winter-blooming hellebores.
Project Designed by: BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. - Susan Combs Bauer, Landscape Architect Project Installed by: May Creek Landscaping - Landscape Contractor Before PhotosBauerCombs selected Pacific Northwest native plants and ornamentals to complement the architectural style of the home and surrounding environment. Seasonal plant colors and sensory design elements were placed throughout the landscape to connect with nature year-round. Large specimen trees were strategically placed to create a soft balance between landscape and architecture. In addition, dramatic outdoor lighting is placed throughout the landscape for evening enjoyment. Landscape Features
About BauerCombs & Associates, Inc.
BauerCombs is an award-winning landscape architecture firm specializing in sensory design and site planning for the greater Puget Sound, Bellevue, and Eastside areas. Our signature sensory design methods create captivating landscapes that bring life to outdoor spaces through the artistic balance of color and patterns, scent, touch, taste, and sound. Our work has been published in several magazines and continues to grow in reputation for creating healthy outdoor environments for people and communities. Please browse our website and contact us at BauerCombs & Associates, Inc., to discuss your next project. We look forward to hearing from you! https://www.bauercombs.com/contact.html Author: Susan Combs Bauer, Landscape Architect, Copyright © 2021 BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. www.bauercombs.com Nestled in the commercial area of Snoqualmie Ridge, this renovated landscape creates seasonal color and interest for employees and visitors.  3D IMAGING by BauerCombs & Associates, Inc.  EXISTING BUILIDNG & SITE CONDITIONS Currently, under development, this existing commercial building will soon be retrofitted with mechanical improvements to improve air quality and improve energy efficiency. Our role was to create an attractive landscape design while making room for the new mechanical enhancements. The design defined overall landscape renovation needs, including soil amendments and plant removal for permitting requirements.
Using 3D imaging for this project made it easy to communicate the mechanical improvements and landscape to the client. Our goal was to provide a 3D rendering that illustrated how the new enhancements seamlessly blend with the existing building and surroundings. While protecting trees is BauerCombs & Associates’ first priority, unfortunately, several existing trees and shrubs needed to be removed to make room for the new mechanical equipment. For mitigation, we provided similar replacement trees and a selection of native understory plants to create a balance of seasonal color and interest. The selection of new plants specified for this project are: Acer rubrum ‘Armstrong Gold’ - Armstrong Gold Maple Thuja plicata ‘Spring Grove - Spring Grove Columnar Western Red Cedar Cupressus nootkatensis ‘Vanden Akker’ - Narrow Alaska Yellow Cedar Rhododendron spp. - Pacific Rhododendron Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’ - Belle Etoile Mock Orange Mahonia aquifolium - Tall Oregon Grape Polystichum munitum - Sword Fern Fragaria vesca - Alpine Strawberry We look forward to the completion of this project and will keep you posted on our Facebook page. Please also visit our blog for new project updates and design tips. We’ve been very busy this year and look forward to sharing more projects as the year progresses. About BauerCombs Landscape Architecture BauerCombs is an award-winning landscape architecture firm specializing in sensory design and site planning for the greater Puget Sound, Bellevue, and Eastside areas. With our signature sensory design methods, we create captivating landscapes that bring life to outdoor spaces through the artistic balance of color and patterns, scent, touch, taste, and sound. Our work has been published in several magazines and continues to grow in reputation for creating healthy outdoor environments for people and communities. Author: Susan Combs Bauer, Landscape Architect, Copyright © 2021 BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. www.bauercombs.com (425) 496-7772 The community courts are almost ready for opening day. Just a few more finishing touches, and the fun begins! This community sports court located in Mercer Island, WA, required a significant makeover. BauerCombs Landscape Architecture teamed up with Charlie Coatsworth Architects and Rich Landscaping, Inc. to transform the aging sports court as a destination hub for the community. Landscape architect, Susan Combs Bauer, provided expertise with local codes for the permitting process, access layout, hardscape design, landscape design, and water calculation requirements. The renovated recreation area features a basketball court, four-square courts, hopscotch, tennis court, and a shade pavilion. VersaCourt tile systems were selected as the perfect solution for resurfacing the old cracked and outdated courts. This new tile system is a gentler option to typical hard courts. VersaCourt states, “the systems slight vertical flex and side-to-side movement provides forgiveness for knees, joints and lower backs, reducing the chance of injury during competitive play.” The tile system has also been tested and rated by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). We are pleased with the work accomplished and are looking forward to opening day. More photos and a video of the first game will follow! About BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. Landscape Architecture
BauerCombs is an award-winning landscape architecture firm specializing in sensory design and site planning for the greater Seattle, Bellevue, and Eastside areas. With our signature sensory design methods, we create captivating landscapes that bring life to outdoor spaces through the artistic balance of color and patterns, scent, touch, taste, and sound. Our work has been published in several magazines and continues to grow in reputation for creating healthy outdoor environments for people and communities. Author: Susan Combs Bauer, Landscape Architect, Copyright © 2021 BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. www.bauercombs.com (425) 496-7772 |
Blog ThemeBauerCombs News + Landscape Garden Design Tips with Susan. AuthorSusan Combs Bauer, Landscape Architect www.bauercombs.com 
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