prairie ridge garden pavilion...

location: North Carolina
est. completion date: TBD
project team:
Frank Harmon
David Cole
Will Lambeth

problem statement...

The Garden and Pavilion replace a previous fenced garden that was not fulfilling its potential. The challenge was to create an enclosed garden that protects the native vegetation and keeps deer at bay while maintaining an inviting presence to the public. The concept of a protected gateway/pavilion developed as a way to welcome the public, to provide a refuge from the sun during warm months of the year, and to serve as a graceful transition from prairie to garden.

Protection is a recurring theme throughout the project. In addition to protecting the garden from deer and protecting visitors from inclement weather, the pavilion’s slender footprint protects the prairie environment by disturbing the earth as little as possible. The generous roof protects the views of both prairie and garden while providing ample shade and cover. The vegetated roof helps to collect rainwater for the garden, protecting and conserving the natural water supply.

The pavilion’s green roof is also a research tool for similar roofing on future buildings planned for Prairie Ridge. The garden promotes the use of native plant life, which protects the integrity of North Carolina eco system. As the project continues to mature, the Pavilion and Garden will serve as a demonstration and education platform through which the public will gain a better understanding of the use native vegetation.