Urban Oasis

Urban Oasis TRANQUIL OUTDOOR SPACES AT HOME Rebecca Gross

Urban Oasis TRANQUIL OUTDOOR SPACES AT HOME Rebecca Gross

Urban Oasis TRANQUIL OUTDOOR SPACES AT HOME Rebecca Gross

CONTENTS 7 INTRODUCTION 14

SONOMA LIFESTYLE IN THE CITY

Chicago, United States

126

LAND OF PLENTY

Chicago, United States

134

CONVERSATION PIECE

Melbourne, Australia

22

A WORLD AWAY

San Francisco, United States

138

AN EXUBERANT GARDEN TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE

28

MONTAUK MEETS MANHATTAN

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

New York, United States

144

SOLACE FOR THE SOUL

36

HAMPTONS-STYLE ROOFTOP HAVEN

Melbourne, Australia

New York, United States

148

SOUTH LONDON SANCTUARY

42

TROPICAL FLAVOR

London, United Kingdom

Sydney, Australia

152

MID-CENTURY MODERN VIEWS

New York, United States

46

LIVING THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM

Sydney, Australia

160

A SLICE OF GARDENING HEAVEN

54

SUBTROPICAL SUN-TRAP

Melbourne, Australia

Gold Coast, Australia

168

THIS SPORTING LIFE

58

NEW YORK PRAIRIE STYLE

New York, United States

New York, United States

176

SELF-SUSTAINING IN THE INNER CITY

64

NATURE AT EVERY TURN

Sydney, Australia

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

184

CITY ATTRACTION

70

SKY-HIGH HABITAT

Toronto, Canada

Melbourne, Australia

188

RISE TO THE OCCASION

78

BUCOLIC BACKYARD BUILT TO LAST

San Francisco, United States

Sydney, Australia

196

BROWNSTONE MEETS BLUESTONE

86

JAPANESE-INSPIRED ELEGANCE AND SIMPLICITY

New York, United States

New York, United States

2 00

IN PERFECT HARMONY

90

AN ATTRACTIVE GARDEN FOR ALL

London, United Kingdom

Melbourne, Australia

2 08

PENTHOUSE PARADISE IN TRIBECA

98

INNER-CITY BOHO

New York, United States

New York, United States

214

GARDEN WITH A VIEW

106

JUNGLE OASIS

New York, United States

London, United Kingdom

222

CREDITS

114

A POCKET OF PARADISE

Melbourne, Australia

120

AN ELEGANT GARDEN PARTY

Toronto, Canada

CONTENTS 7 INTRODUCTION 14

SONOMA LIFESTYLE IN THE CITY

Chicago, United States

126

LAND OF PLENTY

Chicago, United States

134

CONVERSATION PIECE

Melbourne, Australia

22

A WORLD AWAY

San Francisco, United States

138

AN EXUBERANT GARDEN TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE

28

MONTAUK MEETS MANHATTAN

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

New York, United States

144

SOLACE FOR THE SOUL

36

HAMPTONS-STYLE ROOFTOP HAVEN

Melbourne, Australia

New York, United States

148

SOUTH LONDON SANCTUARY

42

TROPICAL FLAVOR

London, United Kingdom

Sydney, Australia

152

MID-CENTURY MODERN VIEWS

New York, United States

46

LIVING THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM

Sydney, Australia

160

A SLICE OF GARDENING HEAVEN

54

SUBTROPICAL SUN-TRAP

Melbourne, Australia

Gold Coast, Australia

168

THIS SPORTING LIFE

58

NEW YORK PRAIRIE STYLE

New York, United States

New York, United States

176

SELF-SUSTAINING IN THE INNER CITY

64

NATURE AT EVERY TURN

Sydney, Australia

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

184

CITY ATTRACTION

70

SKY-HIGH HABITAT

Toronto, Canada

Melbourne, Australia

188

RISE TO THE OCCASION

78

BUCOLIC BACKYARD BUILT TO LAST

San Francisco, United States

Sydney, Australia

196

BROWNSTONE MEETS BLUESTONE

86

JAPANESE-INSPIRED ELEGANCE AND SIMPLICITY

New York, United States

New York, United States

2 00

IN PERFECT HARMONY

90

AN ATTRACTIVE GARDEN FOR ALL

London, United Kingdom

Melbourne, Australia

2 08

PENTHOUSE PARADISE IN TRIBECA

98

INNER-CITY BOHO

New York, United States

New York, United States

214

GARDEN WITH A VIEW

106

JUNGLE OASIS

New York, United States

London, United Kingdom

222

CREDITS

114

A POCKET OF PARADISE

Melbourne, Australia

120

AN ELEGANT GARDEN PARTY

Toronto, Canada

INTRODUCTION When Frederick Olmsted designed Central Park in

For city and inner-city dwellers, however, the

Manhattan in the nineteenth century it was not

opportunities for private outdoor space have long

merely to create a green space. Rather, it addressed

been few and far between. But in recent decades,

underlying social concerns in the ever-growing

architects, designers, and homeowners have been

metropolis. Olmsted saw parks as an antidote to

rethinking the possibilities. Barren rooftops, unused

modern life and a necessary visual, physical, and

parking lots, and overgrown backyards are being

mental escape from the city. Indeed, Central Park

transformed into verdant landscapes, and houses,

was to provide an urban oasis—peaceful, pleasant,

apartments, condominiums, and warehouses are

and picturesque. Where people had access to

being designed, renovated, and converted to carve

fresh air and sunlight, and where close contact

out terraces, courtyards, and gardens.

with nature would be healing and restorative— beneficial for individual and social good.

This shift has seen a trend in viewing and designing outdoor space as an extension of the

The importance of green space is even more

house and as an “outdoor room.” They are designed

pronounced today. As urban areas increase in density

for prescribed yet flexible functions, and with

in both population numbers and development, there

the comfort and individuality of an indoor room.

is a disconnection with nature and less time spent

Glass doors create transparent divisions between

outdoors, simply being in open space.

inside and out, and consistent material palettes

While urban planners recognize the need for developing public parks and civic hubs, what if you could have your own private outdoor space.

It was historically the domain of the elite and wealthy, until the inception of the backyard dream

create a seamlessness that blurs the boundaries of the exterior wall. Barbecues, dining tables, bench seats, and lounge settings offer places for relaxing, entertaining, playing, and socializing—for simply living life outdoors.

with twentieth-century suburban mass migration.

7

INTRODUCTION When Frederick Olmsted designed Central Park in

For city and inner-city dwellers, however, the

Manhattan in the nineteenth century it was not

opportunities for private outdoor space have long

merely to create a green space. Rather, it addressed

been few and far between. But in recent decades,

underlying social concerns in the ever-growing

architects, designers, and homeowners have been

metropolis. Olmsted saw parks as an antidote to

rethinking the possibilities. Barren rooftops, unused

modern life and a necessary visual, physical, and

parking lots, and overgrown backyards are being

mental escape from the city. Indeed, Central Park

transformed into verdant landscapes, and houses,

was to provide an urban oasis—peaceful, pleasant,

apartments, condominiums, and warehouses are

and picturesque. Where people had access to

being designed, renovated, and converted to carve

fresh air and sunlight, and where close contact

out terraces, courtyards, and gardens.

with nature would be healing and restorative— beneficial for individual and social good.

This shift has seen a trend in viewing and designing outdoor space as an extension of the

The importance of green space is even more

house and as an “outdoor room.” They are designed

pronounced today. As urban areas increase in density

for prescribed yet flexible functions, and with

in both population numbers and development, there

the comfort and individuality of an indoor room.

is a disconnection with nature and less time spent

Glass doors create transparent divisions between

outdoors, simply being in open space.

inside and out, and consistent material palettes

While urban planners recognize the need for developing public parks and civic hubs, what if you could have your own private outdoor space.

It was historically the domain of the elite and wealthy, until the inception of the backyard dream

create a seamlessness that blurs the boundaries of the exterior wall. Barbecues, dining tables, bench seats, and lounge settings offer places for relaxing, entertaining, playing, and socializing—for simply living life outdoors.

with twentieth-century suburban mass migration.

7

Fresh air, sunshine, and nature have undoubtedly

York, but their designs evoke other places, such

positive benefits for body, spirit, and mind. Time

as Montauk, the Hamptons, Japan, or the great

spent outdoors improves health and happiness,

American prairie. Similarly, there are courtyards

lowers stress, and buoys mood, and private outdoor

and backyards in London that burst with a jungle

spaces offer residents the opportunity to indulge in

of tropical and subtropical plants—an exotic scene

the passions, particularly if it’s for plants or fresh

despite the English climate. While many urban areas

produce. Avid gardeners can flex their green fingers

in the northern hemisphere deal with extremes in

cultivating plants or harvesting herbs, flowers,

climate, Australia’s more moderate temperatures

vegetables, and fruit, reaping the benefits of locally

make it comfortable to spend time outdoors year-

grown food.

round. Consequently, there is a diverse selection of

Urban Oasis: Tranquil Outdoor Spaces at Home showcases contemporary residential spaces from around the world. As the designers—from large landscape architecture firms to local gardeners— creatively bed the landscapes into their architectural surroundings the spaces take many forms:

projects from Australia where the notion of “indooroutdoor living” has come to define an architectural and lifestyle ideal. As many head outside to seek the sun and heat, in Southeast Asia, by contrast, the high humidity sees people retreat to cooler, shadier areas, and houses there incorporate refreshing water.

courtyards, rooftops, patios, terraces, backyards,

Consistent across the projects, there is consideration

permaculture gardens, and water features. Drawing

for the context and climate, utilizing architecture

inspiration from nature, culture, and far-off places,

and vegetation for privacy, sun, and shade. Pergolas

they create personal paradises, even when space is at

and arbors obstruct views from overlooking

a premium.

neighbors, and the leaves of deciduous plants

You will find terraces in New York City that perch high above the rooftops. Taking in views of the famous skyline, they could be nowhere but New

8

provide shade in summer and allow sun to penetrate in winter. Outdoor areas are bounded by new and existing architecture as well as natural screens,

9

Fresh air, sunshine, and nature have undoubtedly

York, but their designs evoke other places, such

positive benefits for body, spirit, and mind. Time

as Montauk, the Hamptons, Japan, or the great

spent outdoors improves health and happiness,

American prairie. Similarly, there are courtyards

lowers stress, and buoys mood, and private outdoor

and backyards in London that burst with a jungle

spaces offer residents the opportunity to indulge in

of tropical and subtropical plants—an exotic scene

the passions, particularly if it’s for plants or fresh

despite the English climate. While many urban areas

produce. Avid gardeners can flex their green fingers

in the northern hemisphere deal with extremes in

cultivating plants or harvesting herbs, flowers,

climate, Australia’s more moderate temperatures

vegetables, and fruit, reaping the benefits of locally

make it comfortable to spend time outdoors year-

grown food.

round. Consequently, there is a diverse selection of

Urban Oasis: Tranquil Outdoor Spaces at Home showcases contemporary residential spaces from around the world. As the designers—from large landscape architecture firms to local gardeners— creatively bed the landscapes into their architectural surroundings the spaces take many forms:

projects from Australia where the notion of “indooroutdoor living” has come to define an architectural and lifestyle ideal. As many head outside to seek the sun and heat, in Southeast Asia, by contrast, the high humidity sees people retreat to cooler, shadier areas, and houses there incorporate refreshing water.

courtyards, rooftops, patios, terraces, backyards,

Consistent across the projects, there is consideration

permaculture gardens, and water features. Drawing

for the context and climate, utilizing architecture

inspiration from nature, culture, and far-off places,

and vegetation for privacy, sun, and shade. Pergolas

they create personal paradises, even when space is at

and arbors obstruct views from overlooking

a premium.

neighbors, and the leaves of deciduous plants

You will find terraces in New York City that perch high above the rooftops. Taking in views of the famous skyline, they could be nowhere but New

8

provide shade in summer and allow sun to penetrate in winter. Outdoor areas are bounded by new and existing architecture as well as natural screens,

9

such as rows of bamboo trees. Evergreen and

Dotted around a city, these green and open

low-maintenance plants prove popular choices,

spaces—no matter their size—become part of a

and flowering perennials add color and fragrance,

network for pollinators and for flora to make their

attracting a variety of pollinators.

habitat. Contributing to local ecosystems and

This transformation of urban space is occurring at all scales as urban planners, architects and landscape architects convert existing and aging infrastructure in to public parkland. The High Line in Manhattan set a precedent in repurposing a disused railway track and its success has inspired other cities to replicate it. An industrial parking lot in Toronto is

biodiversity, this regeneration of nature not only boosts the quality of life but also the quality of the environment. It helps to counteract the urban heat island effect, providing shade and reducing temperatures, while plants insulate against noise, filter stormwater runoff, and remove pollutants from the air.

now an urban beach on the waterfront, and rooftops

Across the 32 projects featured in this volume,

around the world are being transformed into

you will find personal and private outdoor spaces

urban farms. Singapore is one of the most densely

that are as fresh and inviting as the air, sun and

populated cities and also one of the greenest.

nature they provide access to. Constrained by their

As all new developments must include plant life,

architectural context, but with inspiration and

urban planners and architects are weaving nature

plant life drawn from a broad array of imaginative

throughout infrastructure and architecture with

sources, these urban oases feel removed from city

green roofs, cascading gardens, and green walls.

life, while being inherently embedded within it.

Rebecca Gross

10

11

such as rows of bamboo trees. Evergreen and

Dotted around a city, these green and open

low-maintenance plants prove popular choices,

spaces—no matter their size—become part of a

and flowering perennials add color and fragrance,

network for pollinators and for flora to make their

attracting a variety of pollinators.

habitat. Contributing to local ecosystems and

This transformation of urban space is occurring at all scales as urban planners, architects and landscape architects convert existing and aging infrastructure in to public parkland. The High Line in Manhattan set a precedent in repurposing a disused railway track and its success has inspired other cities to replicate it. An industrial parking lot in Toronto is

biodiversity, this regeneration of nature not only boosts the quality of life but also the quality of the environment. It helps to counteract the urban heat island effect, providing shade and reducing temperatures, while plants insulate against noise, filter stormwater runoff, and remove pollutants from the air.

now an urban beach on the waterfront, and rooftops

Across the 32 projects featured in this volume,

around the world are being transformed into

you will find personal and private outdoor spaces

urban farms. Singapore is one of the most densely

that are as fresh and inviting as the air, sun and

populated cities and also one of the greenest.

nature they provide access to. Constrained by their

As all new developments must include plant life,

architectural context, but with inspiration and

urban planners and architects are weaving nature

plant life drawn from a broad array of imaginative

throughout infrastructure and architecture with

sources, these urban oases feel removed from city

green roofs, cascading gardens, and green walls.

life, while being inherently embedded within it.

Rebecca Gross

10

11

TRANQUIL OUTDOOR SPACES AT HOME

TRANQUIL OUTDOOR SPACES AT HOME

SONOMA LIFESTYLE IN THE CITY Sonoma on the Californian coast is on every wine-lover’s

SONOMA IN THE CITY

bucket list with its wide, open spaces, picturesque scenery,

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES

and charming towns. The owners of this Chicago house

DSPACE STUDIO

wanted to recreate Sonoma’s open-air lifestyle in their innercity garden, reminding them of California’s big-sky country, which they used to call home. Having acquired an adjacent lot, they increased the width of their property and engaged dSPACE Studio to create an outdoor space for cooking, dining, relaxing, and entertaining outdoors.

Extending along the side of the house, the yard is divided into four zones accommodating kitchen and dining, spa and terrace, side yard, and television lounge. Each zone is at a different level and faces south for natural light.

The outdoor kitchen and dining table are on an elevated deck, tucked between the house and garage and easily accessible from inside. The kitchen offers everything for cooking and entertaining outdoors, while the fireplace keeps the family and guests warm on cooler nights, and overhead string lights add a celebratory vibe.

14

15

SONOMA LIFESTYLE IN THE CITY Sonoma on the Californian coast is on every wine-lover’s

SONOMA IN THE CITY

bucket list with its wide, open spaces, picturesque scenery,

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES

and charming towns. The owners of this Chicago house

DSPACE STUDIO

wanted to recreate Sonoma’s open-air lifestyle in their innercity garden, reminding them of California’s big-sky country, which they used to call home. Having acquired an adjacent lot, they increased the width of their property and engaged dSPACE Studio to create an outdoor space for cooking, dining, relaxing, and entertaining outdoors.

Extending along the side of the house, the yard is divided into four zones accommodating kitchen and dining, spa and terrace, side yard, and television lounge. Each zone is at a different level and faces south for natural light.

The outdoor kitchen and dining table are on an elevated deck, tucked between the house and garage and easily accessible from inside. The kitchen offers everything for cooking and entertaining outdoors, while the fireplace keeps the family and guests warm on cooler nights, and overhead string lights add a celebratory vibe.

14

15

“The owners...wanted to recreate Sonoma’s open-air lifestyle in their innercity garden, reminding them of California’s big-sky country.”

The deck steps down to the side yard where the spa pool is submerged in the paving. Greenery in black steel planter boxes flourishes around the edges, and globe lights dance along the wall. The television lounge is a level lower, with sofas nestled into the cozy and comfortable sunken space. The pergola offers privacy, and louvered sunshades filter sunlight, creating the open-air Sonoma lifestyle the homeowners know and love.

19

“The owners...wanted to recreate Sonoma’s open-air lifestyle in their innercity garden, reminding them of California’s big-sky country.”

The deck steps down to the side yard where the spa pool is submerged in the paving. Greenery in black steel planter boxes flourishes around the edges, and globe lights dance along the wall. The television lounge is a level lower, with sofas nestled into the cozy and comfortable sunken space. The pergola offers privacy, and louvered sunshades filter sunlight, creating the open-air Sonoma lifestyle the homeowners know and love.

19

A WORLD AWAY With its peaceful outlook and tranquil atmosphere, this

BUTTERFLY HOUSE

courtyard garden feels a world away from the demands

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

of work and city life. The serene respite borrows from the

SURFACEDESIGN INC

Japanese tradition of tsuboniwa—a garden in a small, enclosed area and compositionally part of the house.

Elements are carefully arranged, and prevailing breezes, sunlight, seasons, and sounds contribute to a calm and quiet space for the young family to feel at ease.

The garden seamlessly connects with the interior living spaces and glass doors fully recess to frame the courtyard composition. Horizontal planes flow through the landscape, permeated with soft and textured plantings, and a walkway wraps around the stone patio, hovering above ferns and Japanese anemones that emerge from beneath.

22 22

23

A WORLD AWAY With its peaceful outlook and tranquil atmosphere, this

BUTTERFLY HOUSE

courtyard garden feels a world away from the demands

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

of work and city life. The serene respite borrows from the

SURFACEDESIGN INC

Japanese tradition of tsuboniwa—a garden in a small, enclosed area and compositionally part of the house.

Elements are carefully arranged, and prevailing breezes, sunlight, seasons, and sounds contribute to a calm and quiet space for the young family to feel at ease.

The garden seamlessly connects with the interior living spaces and glass doors fully recess to frame the courtyard composition. Horizontal planes flow through the landscape, permeated with soft and textured plantings, and a walkway wraps around the stone patio, hovering above ferns and Japanese anemones that emerge from beneath.

22 22

23

“Bathed in light, and enveloped in a veil of mist, the facets of the cranes are illuminated and cast dancing shadows on the courtyard wall.�

A monumental hearth is the focal point of the garden and center of energy, emanating light and heat.

Pristine white concrete frames the fire pit and the rippling surface of a black basalt fountain wall, with a cantilevered bench seat providing a hub to gather on night entertaining. Surfacedesign Inc collaborated with a local foundry to create a cast-aluminum installation of cranes suspended in the breezeway.

Bathed in light, and enveloped in a veil of mist, the facets of the cranes are illuminated and cast dancing shadows on the courtyard wall.

24

25

“Bathed in light, and enveloped in a veil of mist, the facets of the cranes are illuminated and cast dancing shadows on the courtyard wall.�

A monumental hearth is the focal point of the garden and center of energy, emanating light and heat.

Pristine white concrete frames the fire pit and the rippling surface of a black basalt fountain wall, with a cantilevered bench seat providing a hub to gather on night entertaining. Surfacedesign Inc collaborated with a local foundry to create a cast-aluminum installation of cranes suspended in the breezeway.

Bathed in light, and enveloped in a veil of mist, the facets of the cranes are illuminated and cast dancing shadows on the courtyard wall.

24

25

Walkways, catwalks, and stairs lead to the upper terrace with an aerial view into the courtyard, and a panorama across the hills and bay. Succulent planters and slivers of sunken garden soften the edges of the rooftop, and the aroma of fresh mint and tomatoes waft from the herb and vegetable garden. Pots of citrus trees flourish with lemons, limes, and blood oranges in winter, and fragrant citrus blossoms in the spring.

26

27

Walkways, catwalks, and stairs lead to the upper terrace with an aerial view into the courtyard, and a panorama across the hills and bay. Succulent planters and slivers of sunken garden soften the edges of the rooftop, and the aroma of fresh mint and tomatoes waft from the herb and vegetable garden. Pots of citrus trees flourish with lemons, limes, and blood oranges in winter, and fragrant citrus blossoms in the spring.

26

27

MONTAUK MEETS MANHATTAN This Manhattan terrace offers the best of two worlds:

MANHATTAN PENTHOUSE ROOFTOP

the casual-cool vibe of Montauk—the once-sleepy beach

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

enclave at the east end of the Long Island peninsula, and

MANSCAPERS NY

the iconic history of New York—the wooden water towers that dot its famous skyline. Their rotund barrel and spindly steel legs have been part of the city’s character since the late 1800s, and while they look like a relic of the past, they are still in use. They also are very much part of the view for this Greenwich Village terrace designed by Manscapers NY. Home to a family with a young son, the terrace has natural materials and coastal colors inspired by Montauk and provides a space for everyone.

The relaxed lounge area sits in the shade of a water tower, with a sectional sofa and two laid-back rattan armchairs.

Comfortable cushions and throws are in blues and grays, and the area rug is like soft sand under the feet. Manscapers NY designed the custom sofa and eight-person dining table for spending time with family and friends.

28

MONTAUK MEETS MANHATTAN This Manhattan terrace offers the best of two worlds:

MANHATTAN PENTHOUSE ROOFTOP

the casual-cool vibe of Montauk—the once-sleepy beach

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

enclave at the east end of the Long Island peninsula, and

MANSCAPERS NY

the iconic history of New York—the wooden water towers that dot its famous skyline. Their rotund barrel and spindly steel legs have been part of the city’s character since the late 1800s, and while they look like a relic of the past, they are still in use. They also are very much part of the view for this Greenwich Village terrace designed by Manscapers NY. Home to a family with a young son, the terrace has natural materials and coastal colors inspired by Montauk and provides a space for everyone.

The relaxed lounge area sits in the shade of a water tower, with a sectional sofa and two laid-back rattan armchairs.

Comfortable cushions and throws are in blues and grays, and the area rug is like soft sand under the feet. Manscapers NY designed the custom sofa and eight-person dining table for spending time with family and friends.

28

Surrounded by white and pink blooms of ‘Quick fire’ hydrangeas, the dining table invites long and leisurely lunches. An AstroTurf carpet provides a patch for play with a teepee and make-believe fire, and an elevated deck is a calm, zen space for yoga and greeting the sun as it rises.

Fountain grass is reminiscent of the rugged Montauk dune grass, and its wilder, overgrown feel accentuates the water tower and hides its mechanicals. Purple prairie gay feather and bright yellow black-eyed susans add punches of color, and impose a natural, picturesque foreground to Manhattan’s historical buildings and water towers beyond.

31

Surrounded by white and pink blooms of ‘Quick fire’ hydrangeas, the dining table invites long and leisurely lunches. An AstroTurf carpet provides a patch for play with a teepee and make-believe fire, and an elevated deck is a calm, zen space for yoga and greeting the sun as it rises.

Fountain grass is reminiscent of the rugged Montauk dune grass, and its wilder, overgrown feel accentuates the water tower and hides its mechanicals. Purple prairie gay feather and bright yellow black-eyed susans add punches of color, and impose a natural, picturesque foreground to Manhattan’s historical buildings and water towers beyond.

31

“An AstroTurf carpet provides a patch for play with a teepee and make-believe fire, and an elevated deck is a calm, zen space for yoga and greeting the sun as it rises.”

35

“An AstroTurf carpet provides a patch for play with a teepee and make-believe fire, and an elevated deck is a calm, zen space for yoga and greeting the sun as it rises.”

35

HAMPTONS-STYLE ROOFTOP HAVEN The Hamptons is a sublime summer destination for New

BROOKLYN BROWNSTONE ROOF

Yorkers escaping the heat of the city. It also holds a special

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

place in the hearts of the owners of this rooftop terrace. They

MANSCAPERS NY

first met in the Hamptons and wanted to evoke the feeling of casual coastal living on top of their Brooklyn brownstone.

Designed by Manscapers NY, the terrace is inspired by the wild beach dunes and untamed nature of the ocean, with colorful Hamptons-style decor for convivial city living and plenty of space for the couple’s French bulldog to run free.

The terrace is set up for eating, cooking, lounging, and socializing—for living for life outdoors all summer. A dining table is framed and shaded by a pergola intertwined with fragrant jasmine climbers. Two lounge areas have breezy, coastal-style character with fresh, summery colors of coral pink and sunshine yellow. Acapulco chairs—named for the glamorous 1950s jet-setters’ destination—are a resort classic, and laidback loungers capture the best of the summer sun.

37

HAMPTONS-STYLE ROOFTOP HAVEN The Hamptons is a sublime summer destination for New

BROOKLYN BROWNSTONE ROOF

Yorkers escaping the heat of the city. It also holds a special

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

place in the hearts of the owners of this rooftop terrace. They

MANSCAPERS NY

first met in the Hamptons and wanted to evoke the feeling of casual coastal living on top of their Brooklyn brownstone.

Designed by Manscapers NY, the terrace is inspired by the wild beach dunes and untamed nature of the ocean, with colorful Hamptons-style decor for convivial city living and plenty of space for the couple’s French bulldog to run free.

The terrace is set up for eating, cooking, lounging, and socializing—for living for life outdoors all summer. A dining table is framed and shaded by a pergola intertwined with fragrant jasmine climbers. Two lounge areas have breezy, coastal-style character with fresh, summery colors of coral pink and sunshine yellow. Acapulco chairs—named for the glamorous 1950s jet-setters’ destination—are a resort classic, and laidback loungers capture the best of the summer sun.

37

“...the terrace is inspired by the wild beach dunes and untamed nature of the ocean, with colorful Hamptons-style decor�

Timber-slat walls skirt the perimeter and screen off the neighbors, and planters and plant selections hide much of the mechanicals and skylights on the roof. The custom planters are finished in shou sugi ban, a traditional Japanese technique of charring a wood surface to render it a deep charcoal black.

Fountain grass and feather grass is soft and rugged like the dunes, and Agastache, Russian sage, echinacea, and lavender bloom in violet, purple, and pink, as they do in the breathtaking gardens that grace the Hamptons shore.

40

41

“...the terrace is inspired by the wild beach dunes and untamed nature of the ocean, with colorful Hamptons-style decor�

Timber-slat walls skirt the perimeter and screen off the neighbors, and planters and plant selections hide much of the mechanicals and skylights on the roof. The custom planters are finished in shou sugi ban, a traditional Japanese technique of charring a wood surface to render it a deep charcoal black.

Fountain grass and feather grass is soft and rugged like the dunes, and Agastache, Russian sage, echinacea, and lavender bloom in violet, purple, and pink, as they do in the breathtaking gardens that grace the Hamptons shore.

40

41

Personal and private outdoor space is becoming ever-more elusive as urban areas become more crowded due to population growth and increasing development. Urban Oasis: Tranquil Outdoor Spaces at Home explores projects from London to New York and Sydney to San Francisco that reveal inspirational designs of rooftops, garden spaces, outdoor rooms, terraces and courtyards, and provide refuge from the modern world with private pockets of paradise.

These outdoor spaces provide relaxing, sociable, and plant-filled settings for residents to savor peace and calm, and the company of family and friends.

$40.00 [USA] £35.00 [GB]

Front and back covers: Tribeca Loft (Andrew Franz Architect) Photography Albert Vecerka-Esto Spine: Southgate Project (Ian Barker Gardens) Photography Claire Takacs