Andrew Baranowski is Director of PLAN E, a commercial landscape architectural practice that provides a broad range of landscape architectural and urban design services.
Andrew you’re currently working with Neil on a new home that has a roof-top garden. Can you tell how you got involved with this?
Neil asked us because of our previous involvement in this type of work. I guess we do a lot of projects on structure so the things we call roof gardens, green roofs, those sort of thing. That’s become our area of special expertise over the years. That’s why he’s asked to be involved.
You don’t usually work in residential projects?
No.
Why did you make an exception in this case?
It definitely had something to do with Neil. I think because of his approach to architecture and design generally. He sees landscape and architecture and engineering and other service consultants all coming together and integrating to form a whole. I guess that’s what always appeals to me in terms of working with architects. I like Neil. His kind of philosophy about integrating landscape and architecture is paramount to me and I guess I seek out people who have that similar philosophy.
Can you describe this project and what appeals to you about it?
I think architecturally it’s a stunning building for a start. The other thing that appeals to me is the client. I met Lisa and Brad quite early on in the process and there was certainly a synergy and a similar sort of philosophy that we adopted early on. The way that the building has been designed there’s lots of opportunities for us as landscape architects to integrate with what Neil’s trying to achieve. The notion of seamless integration of landscape and architecture in the way architecture and landscape flow is the appeal.
Why do you think roof top gardens appeal to people?
The master bedroom and en suite is up there on roof level. The intention is to have an outlook but also to then have a separate, private space away from the main family areas, which are at ground level. There’s a swimming pool, grass court and dining court that are all at ground level, which are considered more family spaces. The roof terrace provides Brad and Lisa with their retreat.
The appeal is very much a visual thing. They look out from their master bedroom into a green landscape instead of a roof, or a tin roof, which is I guess is the key. I think the other opportunity is that using landscape helps to insulate the house, so there’s an environmental benefit there as well.
What were the challenges for you in creating a roof top garden?
I think first is convincing people that it’s a good idea. That’s the start. Over the years the technical aspects around drainage, soil media, plant selection are the things we learned a lot about. This experience has ensured we have the expertise. We’ve been doing a lot of work on big commercial projects. It has actually given us the knowledge and the expertise and the will to create these spaces. If you get drainage, soil media and plants right there’s no reason why it can’t be successful space, separate to the other, what we call the ground landscape that has been provided as part of this project.
What sorts of plants are you intending to use and why are you choosing them?
I guess with any sort of landscape over structure the intention is that plants need to be hardy. They need to be able to deal with minimal soil depths so they are basically shallow rooting. They need to be hardy so they can take the conditions up there because it’s going to get the full force of the wind as well as sun. Over the years we’ve been able to work out the species that work up there. We are transplanting one of the frangipanis from Lisa and Brads old garden up there so it adds a bit of a connection back to their previous home. We like that as an idea.
The things that we’re proposing include frangipanis, the Magnolia’s, Agaves, some of Bougainvilleas, those sorts of things are very hardy. They are proven species to grow up there but also the intention is to create a bit of an oasis for Brad and Lisa.
Can you describe the mood that you’re wanting to create in that space?
It is meant to be a retreat with a resort like feel. They wanted to be able to lie in bed and look out over a relaxing resort style landscape. The idea is that they feel like they’re on holidays 24/7.
How closely do you work with the clients on the plant selection?
Very, very closely. It does depend on the client, but in this case Brad and Lisa they’re very hands on in all aspects of the project. They have been involved in the fittings and the furniture and the design of the house but also the plant species and materials for the paving, the colour schemes, even down to the actual colour of the flowering species that we’ve got. I find that way of working a lot more satisfying. That engagement and that connection is really important to be able to get something that ought to lead to a successful project. I find if I just have a free rein I tend to go around in circles whereas if I’ve got a firm direction from the client it really helps.
Can you describe what it’s like to work with Neil on this project?
As in other projects with Neil, it’s very interactive. When Neil designs his homes he always has a vision for, not only the buildings, but also the landscape. I guess in this instance the roof garden was no exception. There was pretty vigorous dialogue at the start to determine the forms of the planters, the sorts of character he wanted to create. The idea of planting cascading down the walls is to help soften the space. He’s not precious about having his building covered. There’s a vision around a landscape and building, marrying very closely together.
If someone is planning a new home and they’d like to integrate landscape with building design, what advice do you have for them?
The most important thing is selecting an architect who has that as part of their make up. That’s critical. Certainly Neil does that. I think in all the projects I’ve worked with him over the years that’s come to the fore and I guess that’s why I seek Neil out in projects. That’s why we do residential for Neil and not too many other people. There’s a real appreciation around what landscape can offer a building and also a respect, which I think is important in selecting an architect. This is because personally I think a lot of architects tend to be a bit precious about their building and not wanting it hidden by greenery. Whereas I think Neil believes that planting can be complimentary, which I think is important.
What would you like to say to someone thinking about a roof top garden?
The whole notion of roof terraces and landscape over structure is a very standard approach these days. The issues around water proofing, drainage, right media, and suitable species is well known and documented, so it’s no longer a hit-and-miss. It’s very much a known thing so I think people should actually embrace it. If you’ve got a second story that you want to utilise instead of putting a tin roof on it, spend a bit more and put a green roof on it.
