Using biophilic design to create the “Garden at Austin’s Auto.”
843 West Broad Street, Bethlehem | Client: Nelson Tavarez
Together with Austin’s Auto, 4/4 Architecture proposed a part-sun, west-facing, eco-friendly garden inspired by biophilic design for a busy intersection between the Cities of Bethlehem and Allentown. This is a small, overgrown, and triangular shaped property that our client is purchasing from the City of Bethlehem. The project both supports the human need to relate to nature with the modern built environment and helps the adjacent business thrive. The garden nods to biophilic design, which seeks to increase connections with nature. Such juxtaposition of nature with a busy crossroads highlights the possibilities of unity through diversity in the natural world. Here, the mechanics of automobiles and the fluidity of nature can come together in a positive way.
The Triangular Lot
Other business owners or developers might have eyed the property to buy or demolish. But Austin’s Auto wants to do right by the land. When the owner called us, we sought out Sienna Mae Heath (The Quarantined Gardener). Our client wanted to be a good neighbor. We sensed he would also be interested in developing the landscape into something more than a typical line of evergreens. The outcome is a win-win solution: We listened to our client and then developed a concept using the right team, which also includes Civitas Regio, Civil Engineers.
As a result, the proposed landscape design will both add natural interest to the neighborhood and screen customer parking. Being in a highly visible spot, all those driving through this busy intersection will see a beautiful urban garden.
The Garden Design Plan
Currently the spot is dense with several leaning evergreen trees. Once replanted, The Garden at Austin’s Auto will be able to flourish and add beauty year-round. It will feature annual and perennial blooms alongside fast-growing arborvitae — a beautiful buffer between the cars and the customers.
The landscape design evolved to include a hedge of North Pole Arborvitae (so apt for this gateway to the Christmas City; it grows 10 ft. tall), Panicle Limelight Hydrangea (6-8 ft. tall, and lower-growing Catmint.
Sienna recommends that the Cora Cascada Vinca mix serve as a reliable blooming annual at the feet of this tall hedge. Creeping Phlox groundcover keep the weeds down. On the busier W. Broad streetside, three Mexican Feather Grass plantings (reaching 2 ft. tall) add a soft feel to the fast-growing hedge. As an optional touch, we welcome between the grass both Globemaster Allium (4-5 ft. tall) and Salvia Burgundy Candles (2 ft. fall).
Plus, Sienna adds, the wispy, cool green grass contrasts with the bushy lavender catmint nearby and with the boldly purple salvia through late spring and fall. Allium makes its debut for added playful texture in early June.
Have an unusually shaped lot or looking for creative ways to expand? Interested in biophilic design, which seeks to bring nature into our lives in more and creative ways? Contact us at gary@44architure.com.