Spring Lake Project

We are fortunate to have yet another project on the water. Our latest is a vanishing edge pool with a modern garden. I am very excited about this project because it gives Apex Landscape a chance to really sink it's teeth into a very modern  style garden. It is also an exciting project due to the complexity of the site. Let Us, Inc. is the general Contractor on this project and they are turning a 60's mod style ranch into a modern walk out. This in conjunction with a steep slope to the lake has required a great deal of precision with the scheduling of all the trades. So far so good. Check back to see more photos of the progress.

Griffins Playhouse

Apex is proud to one of the sponsors for the Griffins Playhouse which all of the proceeds will benefit the Griffins Youth Foundation and its mission to promote academic excellence, community involvement and healthy lifestyles among the youth of West Michigan, enhancing their lives through hockey and ice-related sports. See at the Van Andel Areana or check it out online. The project was also featured on eight west on Wood TV.
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/eightwest/Bring_home_the_rink
http://www.griffinshockey.com/playhouse/

Hidden Ridge Retreat

We have started a new project in Ada, the "Hidden Ridge Retreat". This project includes a pool, spa and pizza oven as some of the highlights. We are excited to work on this project as it introduces a new concrete surface that we have not prevoiusly used as well as a multiple grade changes and outdoor living spaces. It poses some challenging site conditions which always makes for a much more exciting project. Here are some pics of the project in it very early stages.

Sturbridge Oasis

Finally we are filling the Sturbridge pool. Now we just need to spread mulch, prep and seed the lawn and its a wrap. This is one of my favorite designs. I love to combine fire and water and here we have created two sources of fire with the natural log burning fire pit and the gas fueled hearth in the cabana. This pool also has three power falls in the raised wall to create ambiance and interest.

Lakeshore Project

We finally finished the Lakeshore project. I am very pleased with how it turned out. This project posed many challenges from both a design standpoint, trying to blend modern with rustic, to all of the DEQ issues. I think the best projects are the most difficult and certainly the most fun. This project had many col design features such as a glass wall, fire bowls, foam jets and a swim up bar to name a few. This is one of many Lakeshore projects for Apex this year. I will keep you posted on the rest as they develop.

Updates

Here are a couple pics of a project I finished last fall in Ada. This was a great project to be a part of. The clients on this project were great to work with as well as the builder. In addition this home has a tremendous view.

Facebook

Become a member of Apex Landscape on Facebook were you can see more photos of our work.

More Lake Shore Updates

We currently have two projects going on the lake shore and here ore some updates for both. It has been really nice being able to work in such beautiful settings.

Ada Residence

This is a job I did in Ada. This one had some challenging grade issues which made for a cool natural stone staircase leading down to a patio with a fire pit.

In Progress

Currently the Sturbridge Project and the Lake Michigan Retreat are in progress and going well. I am excited to see both complete. I think that there are some really great design features in both that I am excited to share.

Brighton Project

Here is a vanishing edge pool with a beach entry that Apex Landscape designed last fall. This pool was built by Blue Water Pools.

Gull Lake Pool

We just finished this project in Gull Lake, MI. This pool has an auto cover and was built by Blue Water Pools.

Living Wall

Plants have found a home on walls for centuries, but are sometimes incongruous with architecture, often breaking down the structural integrity of a building’s facade. Patrick Blanc’s Vertical Garden System, known as Le Mur Vegetal in French, allows both plants and buildings to live in harmony with one another. The botanist cum vertical landscape designer is probably best know for his gorgeous living wall on the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris (shown). But Blanc’s Vertical Garden System can be implemented anywhere: indoors or out and in any climatic environment. (Courtesy of Inhabitat)

Ireland gardens

I recently had the opportunity to travel to Ireland and check out some of the great gardens there.  It was a great experience and helped me see first hand the styles of the old world.   It was early spring so not much was in bloom yet but it was the form and structure that I found inspiring.   Some of the notable gardens were Powerscourt, Dromoland Castle and Ashford Castle.  

Upcoming project

This is a great project that Blue Water Pools and Apex Landscape started in the fall and will be completing this spring/summer.  It is an existing home that we are adding a pool, pool house and new landscaping to.  To create architectural interest with the pool we raised the north edge and placed a fire pit in the center of the patio.  We are also facing the raised pool wall with Chilton which matches the homes existing stone facade. Within the raised wall we are placing power falls to provide ambient noise and a fun water feature for everyone to enjoy. The pool also includes an auto cover, tanning shelf, custom steps and two deep end swim outs.  We have also placed a pool house on the west side of the pool.  This will have a kitchen, covered seating area with fire place and an outdoor shower.  The pool house will also provide an area to change, complete with lockers.  The landscape features a natural stone path and steps that lead form the front yard to the pool area.  The plant selections provide a great deal of texture and color.  This project will provide great areas for sun bathing, relaxing, entertaining, and just plain having fun.   For more details or to find out how you can have a peaceful retreat in your back yard like this contact Apex Landscape today.  

Great Design

This is a design concept that I think is great. The clean & contemporary lines are very well executed. I like how the home, the pool and the landscape flow together as one. This is how a project can turnout when all the facets of design and concepting are done together. This project really takes into consideration the natural environment and combines it seamlessly with the other elements of the project. Feel free to share your thoughts with me on this style of project. This is something we are not typically privy to seeing here in West Michigan.

This is a picture from a project that Devore Associates out of Connecticut designed.  I am a fan of their work and especially like this particular project.  Note the balance of form and nature.  Taking a man made space and relating to the natural environment is perfectly done here.  I love the use of Lavender in this design as well as the beautifully executed blue stone & turf patio area.  Those elements look very nice together.   I think this is  a great example of creating beauty and detail without overdoing it. Sometimes designers get carried away with too many plant and hardscape material selections.   

Why am I writing a post about Volvo?

Volvo recently came out with a new model in the US, the C30. I have always been a fan of small, quick and responsive cars. Of course when I saw this car I was immediately impressed by it. I think is has great styling and it packs a lot of punch for a small car. When I started to do a little bit more research I found that Volvo is a pretty innovative company and they are really a pioneer in the automotive business. I have always known them to be some of the safest cars on the road but they are much more than that. In an age were people want value and efficiency and of course sustainability I think Volvo is doing a pretty good job. Unfortunately the DRIVe versions are not available in the U.S. yet. So to answer the question; I think that Volvo's are pretty cool and doing a good job of becoming more "green".

Must see!

check this out! http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/02/20/residence-sliding-house-drmm/#more-19502

Recycled Wine Barrel Chairs

One of the coolest outdoor chairs I have come across is the Folding Wine Barrel Chair form Whit McLeod. Reminiscent of a steamer deck chair, the folding barrel stave chair is made from salvaged 70-gallon oak wine barrels. When folded, the slats nest alongside one another, making the chair almost completely flat. One of the best parts is that is individually numbered with the name of the winery branded under the seat. This is a great way to have a piece of art as well as a piece of furniture in your landscape. It is also a great way to use something recycled. They are incredibly comfortable and would make a great addition to any outdoor living space.

Cool Pic!

I came across this picture the other day. I thought it was very cool and that I needed to share it. I think this gives new meaning to the term "vanishing edge". This is the kind of work that is cutting edge and challenging. I love projects that do not seem possible. They just simply yield the best results.

Rain Garden?

A lot of you have probably been hearing the phrase "Rain Garden". Like most of us you are probably wondering what is a "rain garden" and what does it do? Well, a "rain garden" is a planted depression that is designed to allow rainwater runoff the opportunity to be absorbed from impervious urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways, and compacted lawn areas. This reduces rain runoff by allowing storm water to soak into the ground (as opposed to flowing into storm drains and surface waters which causes erosion, water pollution, flooding, and diminished groundwater). Rain gardens can cut down on the amount of pollution reaching creeks and streams by up to 30%. Can you imagine the environmental benefit if we all had one. It is important to remember that a well designed "rain garden" can be a beautiful addition to your home or business' landscape. It is also important to remember that they do not have to be a large financial burden. Doing things in a sustainable way doesn't have to look weird or be expensive. You can find out more about "rain gardens" or how you can have your own by contacting Apex Landscape today!

New Member

Apex landscape is proud to have become a member of the US Green Building Council's West Michigan Chapter today. This is an exciting and proud step in the progress of this company. We are also proud to announce that we have recently become a member of Local First.

Upcoming Project

This project is one we are very proud of. It required a tremendous amount of planning in order to make sure we met the clients needs and took every precaution to ensure we were able to preserve the natural environment. Lake Michigan's shoreline is a fragile and wonderful part of Michigan and must be taken care of.

Intro

I am looking forward to sharing information about my company, the industry, and anything noteworthy. I am a landscape designer from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am a fan of all things creative; art, architecture, interior design, music, etc. I am also an outdoor enthusiast who takes pride in being an eco activist. I make a point to consider the environment in all facets of my life including my business. I have been designing and building landscapes for over a decade and I am still very passionate about it. I hope to be able to share with you all the things that I know and learn. I am also looking forward to hearing form all of you. My company is Apex Landscape, which is a progressive landscape design/build firm located in Grand Rapids and is proud to serve all of Michigan and Northern Indiana. We specialize in providing truly exceptional and sustainable outdoor living spaces. Our commitment to evaluating environments and understanding our clients has helped us develop a reputation for providing unmatched results in design, craftsmanship and service. Please visit us at http://www.apexlandscapemi.com/
Thanks.