G Brown Design, Inc. developed a masterplan for this high mountain home located approximately 6,500 feet in elevation. The plan includes a formalized landscape of perennials, wildflowers, and native plants which carefully transition back into the native landscape. The plan also incorporates a greenhouse with adjacent garden courtyard, fire pit, and slope stabilization. G Brown Design, Inc. provided construction administration services for the project to ensure quality and minimize construction impacts to the native surroundings. G Brown Design worked closely with the landscape contractor to stake exact locations of plant material, including 14’-18’ tall evergreens and 25’ tall Aspens, around the home in order to preserve the stunning views of the surrounding landscape while maintaining an ambiance of privacy for the residents.
G Brown Design, Inc. developed a master plan for the 1,000-acre Ranch near Woodland, Utah, and is providing designbuild construction services for the 10 acres being developed around the home. Site improvements include an outdoor amphitheatre, barns and horse paddocks, a wildflower meadow which will also serve as a seasonal ice skating rink, a 1.5-acre pond, a recreation field for year-round use, and interconnecting trails which follow the
natural contours of the land. The site is located adjacent to the Wasatch National Forest at an elevation of 8,000, boasting panoramic views of the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. Groves of quaking aspen and mature fir trees on the property support numerous species of wildlife. Old jeep roads were revegetated using a tree spade to relocate nearby trees into the roadway. Native grasses, forbes, trees and shrubs were added to enhance the existing vegetation. Natural materials were also incorporated into the site amenities, and the home was carefully sited in order to minimize impacts on the vegetation, wildlife, and view corridors.
The site and landscape work for this project began in 2005 with the design and layout of a mile long driveway up the mountain. The project is currently on-going and has included master planning through construction administration services. The project is located at 9,000 feet in elevation in the middle of an aspen forest. Planning and design have been carefully developed to replicate and enhance the native existing landscape and minimize construction impacts. The project has included the design, site layout, and construction administration for a 3/4 surface acre pond, two re-circulating creek water features, site grading, relocation of 145 large caliper aspen trees, paths and walkways, and the development of site specific seed mixes. On-site coordination and collaborative relationship with the contractors have been critical to the success of the project. G. Brown Design has worked directly with the contractors to evaluate proposed building locations, guide all site grading, coordinate tree re-location and plant placements, and direct the layout of all creek features. This has resulted in site elements that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
The Wheelwright Ranch is located on a 43-acre site on the Weber River in Oakley, Utah. The project incorporates sustainable systems for flowing water and wind power in a setting of preserved and restored native plantings. Retained by the owner early in the project, G Brown Design Inc. worked with the architect to establish grades and locate the home and out buildings on the site. Working carefully to respect the viewsheds and natural beauty of the land, GBD designed a master plan reflecting the owner’s goal to establish a working ranch. GBD designed open fields, new roadways, and a grand entry drive with working barn, bridle paths, and pastures. All elements rely on a windmill and pond system generated power, which, in addition to aesthetics, provides water for the horses, fields and landscape. A stone ‘Ha Ha’ wall corrals the horses and preserves views across the fields from the home. The Wheelwright Ranch received a Merit Award from the Utah Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, and was featured in the Tucker Awards issue of Building Stone Magazine, July/August/ September 2001.
The park is a linear and connects the Oquirrh Lake Openspace with the Openspaces to the East of the Daybreak community. Residents are enticed into the park by numerous pre-cast concrete art forms are incorporated into a perennial landscape along the interior pedestrian walk. You will not see “keep off” signs here. The art pieces are designed to take the abuse of skate boards, bikes, and whatever creative ways people play. This has been very popular and creates a dynamic landscape where people become part of the art and landscape. In addition to the main walk there is a flag stone path that meanders around the art elements and perennial garden beds. This gives pedestrians a direct route where they can play on the elements or leisurely stroll around them.
Sandy City selected G. Brown Design, Inc. to prepare a master plan for the historic Sandy City Cemetery. The original cemetery, in use since 1873, is nearing capacity. The city obtained an additional 6.75 acres adjacent to the existing cemetery for expansion. GBD prepared a master plan that integrates the site into the neighborhood, while providing access and utility to the community. Rather than leaving the land vacant, informal playing fields will be developed on part of the 6.75-acre expansion parcel until the land is needed for burials. The plan also calls for a committal service shelter, restrooms, and enhanced parking to provide facilities for family gatherings as well as funerals. Buildings, structures and signage are proposed to be in keeping with the historical look and feel of the existing cemetery.
G Brown Design worked as part of the Blalock and Partners Design Team to provide design concepts, construction documentation, through to construction period service for the Grantsville Library. G Brown Design collaborated with the architect to develop the site design and site materials. All photos shown are courtesy of Blalock and Partners Design.
As part of the Mayer/Reed Team, G Brown Design, Inc. was the cemetery designer on the 270 acre Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. The project included the construction of a new columbarium providing an additional 10,000 niches supplementing the existing columbaria at Willamette National Cemetery. GBD provided schematic and design development plans and produced construction documents for the new columbarium. A number of various site improvements to the cemetery include: installation of approximately 4,500 preplaced crypts, drainage improvements and new public restrooms.
The master plan for the Alaska Botanical Garden will guide the phased development of the 110-acre site in Anchorage, Alaska. The layout for the visitor center, service areas, entry drive, drop-off and parking lot directs visitors to the arrival space, enhances views and provides easy access for buses, passenger vehicles, and service vehicles. The master plan delineates the native plant communities to be preserved and guides the development of display and demonstration gardens on less sensitive lands near the visitor center. The document is being used to manage the garden’ plant collections, improve exhibits and interpretive materials, preserve the unique ecological communities on the site, and organize nature tours, educational workshops, and other interpretive activities for school districts and other youth groups. The plan also provides a framework for developing supporting resources such as a herbarium, library, service greenhouses, and propagating facilities appropriate to the Alaska Botanical Garden’s educational and developmental mission.
The Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) exists to promote and enhance indoor and outdoor soccer for the youth of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and is headquartered in Acton, MA. MYSA is the second largest youth soccer organization in the United States, with over 20,000 adult members and an estimated 167,00 children between the ages 8 and 14. Jerry Brown directed site master planning for MYSA’s new 285- acre Soccer Headquarters Project, which included 25 full size soccer fields, and two full-size indoor synthetic turf fields. The program also includes administrative buildings with classrooms, an auditorium and commissary facilities, a 5,000 seat stadium, dormitory space for 300 to 350 people, and all associated support and maintenance facilities. The fields and connecting roads are sensitively placed within the extensive wetlands found at the site. An existing 100’ tall wooded drumlin has been preserved as the central organizing landscape feature for the site, and it affords commanding views of the soccer fields that will surround it. The fields are specifically located to allow for a practical, logical rotation of play by thousands who will use the site on a typical tournament weekend.
Secret Garden Park is a small, passive neighborhood pocket park located in East Lake Village of Daybreak. The park’s central plaza is surrounded by a variety of roses, adding to the classic and elegant ambiance of the park and surrounding homes. G. Brown Design was responsible
for park programming, conceptual design, construction documentation and construction period services. Some of the program elements incorporated into the design include flagstone paving, site furnishings, various perennials and plantings, rose beds, custom granite post and rail fence, and a custom steel looped fence.
Trellis Park, located in East Lake Village at Daybreak, offers a wide variety of activities and experiences for Daybreak residents. G Brown Design developed a program which would accommodate both active and passive recreation. An intricate perennial garden with a bird house in the center, creates an intimate setting for users. GBD was responsible for park programming, conceptual design, construction documentation and construction period services. Some of the program elements incorporated into the design include flagstone paving, site furnishings, perennial garden, custom steel looped fence, custom espalier pear trellis, a playground, and a large open grass field.
As part of a Design Build Team, G Brown Design provided site design and construction detailing for the addition of a new Columbarium Plaza at Camp Butler National Cemetery. G Brown Design developed preliminary design concepts for review and input from the National Cemetery Administration. Upon selection of a preferred concept, G Brown Design provided construction detailing and design for the Columbarium Niche walls. Columbarium walls were designed with brick veneer, marble niche covers, and natural stone caps to match other site features within the existing cemetery.
G Brown Design, Inc. provided site and landscape design for Ballet West’s new school and rehearsal facilities located immediately south of the Hidden Hollow Natural Area in Sugar House, Utah. GBD worked closely with the Hidden Hollow Management Committee to ensure the site design enhances and supports the educational mission of the Hollow. The building is oriented around a landscaped courtyard that embraces the open space of the Hollow. Three paths through the Ballet West site provide pedestrian and bicycle access into the park from Wilmington Avenue. The building and landscape plans incorporate LEED green design elements including drought-tolerant, native, and adapted plants, a water conserving irrigation system, underground parking, and energy-efficient building materials and mechanical systems. The 130,000-square foot building will house studios, administrative offices, the Ballet West Academy, costume and scenery shops, and a therapy room for the dancers.
G Brown Design, Inc. worked with EDA Architects, Salt Lake County, Herriman City, and the adjacent High School to develop and take the site layout and design for both the Herriman City Library and the J.L. Sorenson Recreation Center from schematic drawings to final bid documents. Because of their close proximity to each other, each building’s landscape was designed to utilize many of the same site features such as a large plaza designed for informal play, relaxing, reading, and performing, a 370 stall parking lot, and a planting “ribbon” which visually ties both projects together. One of the guiding influences to design for both projects was to become Platinum LEED Certified building. G Brown Design contributed to this goal by reducing the water usage by 50% which resulted in capturing credit 1.1. This was accomplished by using native and adaptive plant material, reducing the amount of turf used throughout the site, and using drip irrigation in all plant beds. Credit 7.1 was captured by reducing the heat island effect through the use of low albedo paving materials coupled with shade potential from trees. Credit 4.4 was also captured by locating and designating a specified number of parking stalls for alternative transportation parking.
G Brown Design provided design services from design concept through construction documentation and construction period services. In addition to providing detailed planting and irrigation design, our work also included design of the entry plaza and custom concrete block seating. The plant types were also selected to provide visual interest throughout the seasons and conserve water consumption.
G Brown Design worked with the project architect on design development and construction documents for the University of Utah Marriott Library Renovation project. GBD developed a design that complements the library’s new addition while enhancing the adjacent outdoor spaces. Site features include major renovations to an existing plaza, a rooftop garden, and improved pedestrian and vehicular circulation and wayfinding. GBD prepared construction documents for site layout and grading, construction details, irrigation, and planting.
G Brown Design, Inc. provided site planning, landscape design, construction documents and construction observation services for the new South Jordan Town Center and City Hall. With City Hall as the visual anchor, the pedestrian-oriented commercial and civic development creates a bustling downtown
activity center. With a seamless transition from the street to the plaza using a textured paving material, pedestrians have a clearly defined circulation system. Elegant site furnishings and street-lights complement the architecture and paving to create a unique sense of place. Sycamore trees line the entry drive, providing scale to the plaza and a welcoming environment to its users.
