NOCA Refuge
Creating an outdoor room for entertaining was the driving force behind the rehab of this small garden in North Cambridge. With two existing trees that bring a lot of shade and character to the space, we developed a set of terraces that worked to preserve the trees and create spaces for kids, grownups, and dogs. A landing terrace guides you out of the rear door and down into the garden, while a floating deck hovers over the tree roots of the massive Oak on the eastern side of the property to provide lounging space without damaging the tree. A bluestone terrace provides the perfect spot for dining in this intimate garden. Stormwater has been captured and placed in chambers under the lawn “driveway” along the side of the house. The custom cedar fence creates filtered privacy for the space while allowing air to circulate through the garden. The layers of plantings make the space feel full and vibrant throughout the year.