59 CONSELYEA STREET

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

The purpose of this project was to landscape an urban yard that would not require irrigation, electricity, or maintenance of any sort. We used unfinished clear cedar, native grasses and flowers, and local crushed Trap Rock. A two-way stretch canopy is both a sculptural and highly-functional centerpiece.

Trap Rock is locally quarried in the nearby community of Nyack on the west side of the Hudson River, just north of New York City. Due to the inherent color variations (ranging from light tan to dark grey), we personally selected our preferred tone from the mountains of available gravel present at the quarry. The light grey of the cedar and darker stone are offset by the stark color combinations present in the vegetation. The plants we selected are all native New York species and change in color--such as deep green to purple, or red to brown--throughout the year. Native flowers in shades including orange, yellow, blue, and purple offer punches of bold color.

When stretched taut, the canopy needs no perimeter framing, which allows a very slim profile. It also resists high winds. The fabric offers shade and blocks out UV rays, and the shape was designed to shed water and prevent pooling during rainfalls.