Residence, Lincoln, MA
CHALLENGE
The project aimed to create a versatile outdoor living area for a family of five in Lincoln, MA. The clients wanted to celebrate the natural beauty of their forested property and create outdoor spaces that could adapt to their family’s needs as their children grow.
THE SITE
The property spans six acres of rolling terrain with a forested edge and mature deciduous and evergreen trees. The site offered two acres of open space for the new home and a three-season detached structure.
The landscape program included outdoor gathering options such as an outdoor kitchen, fire feature, entry walks, terraces with lounge spaces, and the layout of the entrance drive with auxiliary parking for guests.
Due to the site’s topography, careful consideration was given to establishing the first-floor elevation of the new home. This involved studying the proposed topography to ensure safe access to the parking court and landscape entertaining spaces.
Symbio coordinated with the project’s civil engineer to place the drainage and septic systems. In addition, the native existing soil was tested to determine its organic content and drainage properties.
RESULT
The project created welcoming outdoor spaces, including an entry courtyard, a stone fire feature, and an outdoor kitchen next to the three-season porch for entertaining and family enjoyment throughout the year. The outdoor environment catered to the family’s needs and provided a flexible layout for small and large group gatherings.
Natural stone boulders were hand-selected and positioned throughout the site to embrace and highlight the property’s natural beauty. The front entry wall was constructed using native New England fieldstone and granite, with large native stone boulders incorporated into the composition. To accomplish this, Symbio worked closely with the mason to select and review the wall construction as it progressed.
A well-designed lighting program was developed to establish exterior spaces for increased outdoor living opportunities while ensuring proper wayfinding and safety.
Evergreen plant material, deciduous trees, native flowering shrubs, and perennial material were integrated into the landscape design to create a vibrant and changing landscape with year-round seasonal interest.
CONTRIBUTORS
Architect: Michael Kim Associates
Builder: Home Pride Inc.
Site Work: Lynch Development Inc.
Landscape Construction: Doug Curtiss
Masonry: Nashoba Stone Works
Photography: Chris Rucinski