Ashford

Project Overview

The primary goal of this project was to completely revitalize a property that had developed an outdated and disjointed appearance over the years. The landscape had become a hodgepodge of ideas due to contributions from various companies, residents, and managers. The property also featured an overgrown tennis court that had not been resurfaced in years and a pool deck with an unattractive, outdated cool coat finish. At one point, a spa or hot tub had been abandoned, and a tree was planted in its place. Additionally, the property's signage was minimal and lacked impact, and large inverted swales between the buildings were filled with undesirable volunteer trees, contributing to a neglected and cluttered appearance. The objective was to transform these areas into a cohesive, visually appealing, and functional space that better reflected the property's potential and met modern standards.

Project Location

This project took place at an apartment complex located in Tallahassee, Florida. The environment was a residential community, requiring a functional yet visually appealing design to enhance both the aesthetics and usability of the shared spaces.

Scope of Work

This project involved a comprehensive redesign of the landscape, including:

• A new entryway for the office
• Remodeled pool deck
• Outdoor dog spa and chess area
• Pickleball courts and playground
• Bocce ball court
• Segmented walls for visual and spatial organization
• Installation of artificial turf
• Creation of a bark park for pets
• Pottery and artificial plants for aesthetic enhancement
• Stormwater mitigation throughout the property
• Picnic areas with overhead shade structures and seating pads
• Removal of undesirable trees and replacement with improved cultivars to enhance the landscape's appeal and functionality

Each element was designed to create a more cohesive, visually attractive, and functional outdoor environment for residents.

Design Inspiration

From the outset, we knew the project would require reimagining the signage, which was virtually nonexistent, and relocating the office to create a more welcoming and functional entryway. Separating the office from the pool deck was essential, as this was the main route for residents and potential residents. The non-functional spa needed to be removed, allowing space for larger decking with seating and shaded areas. Understanding the community’s long-term residents and their needs, we designed a pet spa to cater to their small pets and created areas for socializing and grilling. The outdated tennis court was addressed by incorporating a more versatile playground space for small children and families, while the addition of a bocce ball and pickleball court further enhanced recreational options. Existing structures, like the pergola at the far end of the complex, were in decline and required restoration. Additionally, the deep swales between buildings, likely created during the original construction, had become overgrown with undesirable trees. We needed to regrade these areas and introduce better landscaping. Finally, the owner’s desire to eliminate the need for regular lawn maintenance led us to integrate artificial turf and low-maintenance landscape elements throughout.

Highlight Features

• Reimagined Office Entry and Pool Deck: A completely redesigned entryway separates the office from the pool area, creating a more functional and welcoming space for both residents and visitors.
• Pet-Friendly Design: A custom outdoor dog spa and bark park were added to accommodate long-term residents with small pets, providing a thoughtful and unique amenity.
• Recreational Upgrades: The outdated tennis court was transformed into a multifunctional recreational space, featuring new pickleball courts, a bocce ball court, and a playground designed for families with young children.
• Sustainable Landscape: Traditional lawn maintenance was eliminated with the use of artificial turf and low-maintenance plantings, significantly reducing water usage and upkeep while maintaining an attractive aesthetic.
• Custom Signage and Art Installations: The entry signage and surrounding landscape were fully reimagined, creating an inviting and visually appealing gateway to the community.
• Social Gathering Spaces: New picnic areas with overhead shade, grilling stations, and comfortable seating were added to promote community interaction and provide a welcoming environment for long-term residents.
• Stormwater Management: Enhanced stormwater mitigation was implemented across the property to address drainage issues, while undesirable trees were replaced with carefully selected, low-maintenance cultivars.
• Water Feature and Pergola Replacement: An existing, deteriorating pergola was removed and replaced with a stunning water feature, further enhancing the aesthetic while providing a shaded seating area for residents to enjoy.

These standout features work together to create a beautiful, functional, and sustainable landscape, enhancing the overall experience for the community's residents.

Materials Used

• Hardscapes: Pavers were installed for the redesigned pool deck and walkways, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing surface.
• Walls: Segmented walls were constructed using weather-resistant materials to define spaces and enhance the landscape structure.
• Artificial Turf: Low-maintenance artificial turf was installed throughout the property, reducing the need for irrigation and regular upkeep.
• Shade Structures: Shade sails were installed over the pool lounge, playground equipment, grill station, and the bocce ball seating area, offering sun protection for these recreational spaces.
• Playground Safety Materials: Impact-softening materials were used in the playground to ensure children's safety by reducing the risk of injury from falls.
• Pickleball Court Resurfacing: The tennis court was resurfaced with high-quality materials to create functional pickleball courts.
• Oversized Outdoor Chess Game: An oversized outdoor chess game was installed on the pool deck, offering a unique and engaging recreational feature for residents.
• Sidewalks: Several concrete sidewalks were poured throughout the property to improve resident access and transitions between different areas.
• Water Feature Materials: Durable materials were used to construct a water feature along the street, adding a visually appealing focal point.

These materials were selected for their durability, functionality, and low-maintenance qualities, creating a safe and inviting landscape for residents.

Outcome

• The completed landscape dramatically transformed the space, fully meeting the client’s goals. The outdated, disjointed property was revitalized with cohesive design elements that enhanced both functionality and aesthetics. Key features included the installation of a custom pet spa, catering to the needs of long-term residents with pets, and leveling the inverted swales between buildings, creating a more usable and attractive space.
• The office relocation was a significant part of the transformation. The office was moved 180° to the opposite side of the building, creating a tranquil and welcoming entryway that improved the flow of the property. A new monument sign with custom backlit signage was added to provide a strong nighttime presence, enhancing the property’s curb appeal at all hours. Additionally, a water feature was incorporated at the end of the avenue, adding a soothing and visually striking focal point.
• Recreational spaces such as the pickleball courts, bocce ball seating area, and playground were upgraded with new safety materials and shaded seating, making the property more enjoyable for families. The oversized outdoor chess game became a unique focal point for residents, encouraging community interaction.
• The project also included stormwater drainage improvements, which resolved long-standing issues and ensured the landscape’s durability. By replacing traditional grass with artificial turf, the design reduced water usage and maintenance needs, aligning with the client’s sustainability goals.
• Overall, the redesigned landscape not only elevated the property’s visual appeal but also added value and improved functionality, safety, and sustainability, providing a vibrant and inviting space for residents.