KIRKLAND RANCH ACADEMY OF INNOVATION
This 180,000 SF vibrant new school is focused on Career and Technical Education (CTE). The building is oriented in the east/west direction so that the prevailing winds can provide natural ventilation for the large Courtyard that contains the exterior walkways between classrooms. Expansive green areas within the courtyard are filled with groupings of native plants that provide color, texture, movement and seasonal changes within the Courtyard and add to the student’s daily experience. Rainfall within the Courtyard is drained to the planters providing a natural source of water in addition to the low volume irrigation system. The All Native plant palette was selected for drought tolerance, low maintenance characteristics and wildlife benefits. The plants were contract grown for this project because many are not readily available in local nurseries. Clusters of trees define the entry roadway and circle the two large retention ponds. This is the First Pasco County school with an all Native Plant Palette and the landscape is as distinctive and attractive as the innovative classroom building.
TERRACINA GRAND SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
The Central Interior Courtyard is viewed not only from the main dining room but also from the suites above. The tall palm clusters reach for the sky providing a lacey dappled shade on the ground plane. The large textured leaves of the tropical shrubs contrast with the herringbone pavement pattern. Accents of pink and yellow are provided by red sister ti plants, trinette schefflera and variegated shell ginger. The lushly planted greenspace features wide pathways that allow strolling in the outdoors without leaving the building.
ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL NORTH
This centrally located garden provides a welcome escape from the busy hospital environment. The layout consists of a sequence of naturalistic outdoor spaces that provides the relief of fresh air, sunshine and running water. Patients, family members, and hospital staff can visit the garden to reflect, mourn, or just to be alone. The pathways lead garden users from one space to the next, and offer areas designed for interactive gathering or for quiet contemplation and spiritual renewal.