The intention in this design was to create an appropriately scaled entrance to the house and gardens that was in keeping with the Asian themes. The drive, flanked by hand stacked Fond du Lac stone walls, is built from ancient granite pavers from China that were reclaimed so as not to be lost to development. The elongated shape of the stone accentuates the architectural lines of the home and the broad curve of the drive softens the approach to the motor court.
By using both Fond-du-Lac stones as well as antique pavers, this project allowed for the integration of both natural and carved stone elements.
Throughout the garden and along the antique granite drive are specimen plants including Japanese maples, sculptured pines and other conifers typically used in Asian inspired gardens. These specimen plantings are typically custom cultivated, and each one is specifically selected for shape and balance.
The curving drive leads to the motor court of the house. The use of hand-selected Chinese pavers accentuates the the horizontal lines of the architecture, and provides balance. The curve of the drive serves to create a nestled feeling in contrast to the massive structure of the house.
The scale of the house required the use of larger pavers to maintain balance and proportion. The client's interest in Asian history influenced the decision to use reclaimed stone from China. This allowed for an interesting juxtaposition of modern style with ancient.
Testament to the historical significance and age of the stone, one of the reclaimed granite pavers was later found to have been carved with sea serpents and an ocean theme.
A unique construction challenge to the installation of the stone drive was accommodating the winter heating / snowmelt system.
The crushed limestone base was installed in layers, with the top layer of crushed stone installed by hand to avoid damaging the snowmelt system.
The heating lines extend the complete length of the drive with an installation layer of insulating foam placed between the bottom stone base and the heating coil lines.
The reclaimed antique granite pavers were collected from various parts of China and preserved before being lost to development. The antique patina etched into these stones is a result of hundreds of years of history and use in the villages and communities in China. Exposed to the elements, village traffic and centuries of history, the feel of these stone cannot be reproduced. Limited supplies of these pavers are available from AguaFina.
Each paver was chosen individually, then pared by hand to achieve consistency. They were then placed by hand in such a manner so as to create random color changes. The effect is that of art replicating nature.
Flanking the drive and entrance to the garden are hand stacked Fond du Lac stone walls that were built around boulders brought from the upper areas of Michigan.
Each of the stones was individually cut and stacked by hand. Natural variations in color and texture were taken into consideration as the stones were layered to create the effect of seemingly random patterns, thereby replicating the variations found in nature.
The design intent behind the wall was to have it appear as though it was simply built around naturally occuring boulders, as though they were found objects. In reality, the boulders themselves had been chosen specifically for this project and had been placed the create a naturalistic effect.
The dark hues of the stone boulders, actually an iron ore, contrast with the lighter tones of the Fond du Lac, which was also used as the cladding of the house. Each stone was cut and placed by hand, allowing for precision and exact fit.
Accenting this Asian garden are traditional elements such as this hand carved Japanese lantern. Stone lanterns such are these are crafted by masons who have passed down the art of carving by hand from generation to generation.
Another classic element in Asian garden design is the Fou Dog, such as this example, placed at the entrance to the lakeside garden. Stone guardians such as these are commonly found in Asian gardens, and are used to mark thresholds and formally signal transition from one space to another.
This Kasuga style Japanese lantern is one of the more traditional stone lanterns found in a Japanese garden. Their history dates to approximately 700 AD and they are found in the Shinto shrines of Nara, Japan and Daishon Temple in Miya-jima. AguaFina has a large selection of hand carved stone and granite pieces, including Japanese lanterns, natural stone ountains and other garden décor pieces, including both traditional items and accents for modern gardens as well.
