Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Receives ASLA Award

May 4, 2009 (Sarasota, FL) -- The Sarasota landscape architecture studio Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. will receive an Award of Honor from the Florida chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects at their upcoming annual conference and expo in July. The project being recognized is the Cherokee Park West residence, a design collaboration with Jonathan Parks Architect.

The Cherokee Park West residence integrated landscape architecture, architecture, interior design and client involvement, to successfully create an extension of the interior spaces through the gardens of this Moroccan-inspired home.

Project Synopsis:
The design concept for this Sarasota residential landscape was to extend the architecture by creating a series of intimate spaces within a unified exterior composition. Each space is artfully defined using architectural and landscape elements, while integrating the composition through form, repetition, views, and materials. Just as the courtyard architecture brings the outdoors in, the landscape extends the interior and mimics the architecture in both style and function.

Great care and ecological sensitivity were displayed by selecting a Florida Friendly plant palette, consisting of drought tolerant plants and limited turf. Waterwise irrigation practices were implemented, matching precipitation rates of a low volume system, ensuring maximum efficiency. Native aggregate and groundcover were used throughout the property, as was responsible grading and drainage with on site water storage.

The intent of the design for the Cherokee Park West project was to optimize the use of every square foot of exterior space. Spaces were provided for the needs of a young family, for an intimate conversation, for entertaining and outdoor dining, for relaxing, for swimming, for viewing. True outdoor rooms were created, extending the interior space into the landscape. Tree canopies create ceilings, hedges create walls, shrubs accent the ‘rooms,’ hardscape elements form floors, and paving pattern breaks act as thresholds. The result is a cohesive outdoor composition that balances simple, usable spaces within an overall unity, creating an atmosphere of calm, organic beauty.

Project Credits:
Landscape Architect: Michael A. Gilkey, Jr. / Michael A. Gilkey, Inc.
Architect: Jonathan Parks / Jonathan Parks Architect
Interior Designer: Suzanne Sultana / Suzanne Sultana & Associates
Builder: Jeff Birnbach / Collingwood Construction Group, LLC
Landscape Contractor: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc.
Photographer: Gana Gilkey / Michael A. Gilkey, Inc.

About Michael A. Gilkey, Inc.: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. is a landscape architecture studio in Sarasota, Florida, established in 1981. Through a passion for pure design and personal relationships with architects, contractors and homeowners, Gilkey creates expressions of outdoor space that are direct translations of their clients’ visions. For more information, please visit www.magilkey.com.