Hardscape Solutions: A modernist garden

Location: Haddonfield, N.J.
Company: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

With midcentury modern architecture at the heart of this design, the clients wished to incorporate elements such as a rectangular pool with a quartz finish, a heavy-beam cedar pergola and minimal decking to allow the lawn to be part of the lounge area.

Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co. landed the job through a client referral and after working with the client on several conceptual designs and budgets.

The five-man crew from Ledden Palimeno and several subcontractors battled zoning and permit restrictions, grading challenges and 90-degree heat to finish the project in 45 days.

To contend with these challenges, the team had tents and fans on the job site and engineered additional plans for the pool, pergola, lot coverage and grading.

“More than 400 cubic yards of top soil were brought in to get the grades to work,” says Joe Palimeno, principal landscape designer.

The placement of an asymmetrical wall also helped with the grading issues. Rounding out the design are lighting from Coastal Source, drip irrigation products from Rain Bird and a patio comprised of Pennsylvania bluestone.

The project won Ledden Palimeno a 2018 Gold Award from the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

A view of the modernist garden at nightfall.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

The crews laying out the pool, careful to not damage the existing landscape.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

The framing and plumbing of the spa required great accuracy to allow for angled walls.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

The pool starting to take shape as the gunite shell is hand shaped.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

Temperatures in the upper 90s made for some tough working conditions. Here, a tent protects employees from the sun.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

Custom galvanized post anchors and connectors highlight the details of this build.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

The Pennsylvania bluestone color of the patio starts to shine through as its washed down.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

The pergola adds both a functional and aesthetic detail.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

The pergola is shown here ready to be prewired for lighting.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

Plantings soften the space and bring it to life.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

The cedar pergola provides a relaxing and inviting space.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

A view looking back toward the house over the expansive lawn.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

Nightfall brings a new experience to the space with low-voltage lighting.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

The water color is enhanced by an even distribution of LED lights in the pool.

Photo: Ledden Palimeno Landscape Co.

The look of the pergola and pool dramatically change from day to night.