Project Resolution:

Spiltrock is a new three year old internet company with 450 employees located in Houston. They leased a simple reflective glass 1 level building to be their new home. The work included the development of a master plan and the implementation of 2 gardens in phase one. An Entry Court and an outdoor garden referred to as the “Commons” were selected as the most important areas to develop first. As you cross the bridge, you enter the Communion Court and then move through the sculpture to the Entry Garden. The Commons was designed to closely connect to the interior space by completing the circle which becomes the game area and kitchen on the inside.

 

Role of the Landscape Architect

As the primary consultant, the Landscape Architect worked closely with Splitrock to develop a usable garden for its employees. The project was designed as a fast track project with move-in 4 months after the Landscape Architects first meeting. Careful consideration was paid to the reuse of existing paving and landscape.

 

Special Factors

 

The Entry Court

The existing entry was void of shade, interesting planting and paving. The Landscape Architect changed the entry to make the sequence to the door more interesting and more inviting. This included an Entry Court which is used to welcome visitors to Splitrock. A black granite border was located in California by the Landscape Architect and designed to be split in an asymmetrical way that gives identity to company and garden.

 

The Commons

The meeting and dining terrace called the Commons was designed as a place for the meetings, parties and special events. A colored concrete terrace steps down to a wood deck, which connects to the water. A newly formed water bog garden that incorporates aquatic plants, turtles, frogs, fish and snakes creates fascination for the water edge lunchtime visitors. Large boulders mark the circle and further connect to the Splitrock name. The view to the water is filtered through the new red oaks planted on the edge of the deck. The round forms of the Commons connect to the building and complete the large circle. Inside the building the Commons houses the game area and kitchen. Color concrete stains were used over the existing concrete path at the porch to be resource sensitive to the owner.

 

Project significance

From Splitrock’s perspective, the two garden areas built in phase one are very successful and help to create the comfortable and caring feeling one gets when they visit the company. A strong collaboration between the Landscape Architect and Splitrock resulted in a garden being a functional and esthetically pleasing space for both employees and visitors.