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Award Winning Landscapes: Steam Plant Courtyard
1 Apr, 2008 By: Michael Seuffert Landscape ManagementPhase One Landscapes turned an old Air Force steam plant into a modern outdoor living space while still payingtribute to its historic underpinning.
The steam plant at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver was built in 1941 by the Army Corp of Engineers to supply heat to numerous buildings and hangars on the base. Lowry AFB was closed in the mid-90s, and in 2003 the steam plant began a renovation that would create 14 one-of-a-kind high-end residential lofts that would win the 2004 Historical Preservation Award for Denver's Most Exceptional Preservation Project of the Year.
 The owners of this ground-floor loft installed pea gravel (above) before "partnering" with Phase One Landscapes for a more functional backyard (left). |
It is fitting then that the award-winning construction project also houses an award-winning landscape. Denver-based Phase One Landscapes' work in transforming one of the new Steam Plant Lofts and Patio Homes' courtyards was recently honored with an Excellence in Landscape Award by the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado in the design/build category, projects $75,000 to $150,000.
After the initial construction of their loft, the owners of the Northeast ground floor loft initially installed pea gravel to cover the dirt in their courtyard — until they could explore the opportunities that they were sure could be realized, despite some pretty tight space limitations.
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It was up to Phase One Landscapes to transform their vision into reality.
"The owners were interested in creating a functional, action-packed space that included water, fire, a hot tub, barbecue area and entertainment areas while hoping to enhance the architectural and historical significance of their unique home," says Dave Graham, president of Phase One Landscapes.
"The clients are the guiding force behind every space we create," Graham continues. "By listening and working together, we create unique, personal environments that cater to their lifestyle and become an integral part of their home. This project is an excellent example of what we can do when the clients and our team are working on the same page."
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Combining elements
The size of the courtyard is between 14-ft. and 18-ft. wide and 70-ft. long, enclosed with a 4-ft.-high unfinished concrete wall.
"We developed the theme to use unfinished concrete-formed walls for the proposed elements early in the design concepts," says Graham. "The challenges in the design were to combine all the design elements into a small space, creating different rooms yet have everything be a part of a unified whole."
 The spa was set into the patio to minimize its impact. The installation of easy-to-maintain plants soften its effect. |
The use of stone paving details in the front walk and patio define the entry to the front door yet still allow for a table seating area by the new barbecue, Graham explains. The water feature is part of the entry, yet provides interest for the patio and the seating area by the fireplace. The three galvanized water spouts mimic the galvanized tubes that create the awning over the main building entrance.
A striking feature is the fireplace. It's actually a simple concrete box centered below a cantilevered arm.
"The fireplace provides intrigue and interest while subtly separating the public area of the courtyard from the more private area where the hot tub is," Graham says. "It's enjoyed by both areas equally — being a center gathering place during entertaining while providing quite ambience for the spa."
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The spa is set into a masonry pit, with hand cut stones supported by angle iron to make the void for maintenance. A simple path leads to the north door where the master bedroom and office is located.
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