Two Awards, One Week: Cherokee Park West

In one week, the Cherokee Park West project, a collaboration between Jonathan Parks Architect and Michael A. Gilkey, Inc., received two prestigious awards: the Residential Design Build Magazine 2009 Excellence Award in Outdoor Living, and the Florida Chapter ASLA 2009 Design Awards Award of Honor.

Residential Design Build Magazine honors 'the best in custom home architecture' each year in its Design Excellence Awards Program. From the magazine: "As business activity in the housing market slowed almost to a halt within the past 18 months, custom home designers and builders refused to sacrifice on quality. This year’s crop of award-winning homes that have been named winners of the Residential Design & Build 2009 Design Excellence Awards reflects the high level of skill used by those who designed and built them." One of only twenty projects selected nationwide, Cherokee Park West received the Excellence Award in the category of Outdoor Living.

The Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (FLASLA) selected the same project for an Award of Honor in the Residential category. The Award was presented to Michael A. Gilkey, Inc., at the annual FLASLA Design Awards Program on Friday evening, July 24th. There were 21 awards presented; Cherokee Park West was one of only two residential projects honored.

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.

Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Goes PLATINUM

Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. is honored to have been selected by Josh Wynne Construction to design and create a Florida Friendly Landscape for The Codding Cottage in historic Laurel Park. This unique home is expected to meet and exceed all requirements for the Platinum level of the LEED Green Build Rating System, making it the most energy-efficient and sustainable residence in Sarasota, and one of the first in the nation to receive this designation. The Codding Cottage will also be certified by The Florida Green Building Coalition and EnergyStar.
In order to take full advantage of the minimal landscape allowance and spatial constraints of the property, Michael is proposing a series of spaces that are functional, intimate and appropriate to the concept of The Codding Cottage. Using 100% Florida native plants and irrigated from harvested rainwater, the landscape of the home will compliment the innovation and sustainability of its building methods and materials. Michael proposes minimal yet functional lawn space, recycled hardscape materials, raised vegetable gardens and shade-providing overhead structures adorned with native grapevines. According to Josh Wynne, The Codding Cottage features a long list of the latest innovations in technology and green construction. All of these products and experts have helped bring this home to a level of efficiency and sustainability not often achieved. Sustainable construction practices, healthy product choices, energy efficient features, and water conscious design make this home as inspiring as it is beautiful.The Codding Cottage will be featured at e-fest November 15th, and on the Junior League Holiday Tour of Homes December 5th & 6th.

Kangaroo looks forward to coordinating award applications and media relations for this project.

Michael A. Gilkey, Inc.: 2008 FNGLA Awards

Congratulations to local landscape architecture studio Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. for receiving three awards at this year's Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association Landscape Awards Program. Michael received two Residential Awards of Excellence, and was given the Roy S. Rood Award, given to the most outstanding of all entries in all categories.

The Roy S. Rood Award and one Award of Excellence were given for Casa del Carnevale on St. Armand's Circle. The client's objective for this historically designated home was to reflect the 'Carnevale' aesthetic throughout the landscape. The result is reminiscent of an early 20th century botanical garden.The second Award of Excellence was given for a private residence on North Casey Key Drive. The client's vision for this unique gulf-to-bay lot was a Florida garden that echoed the tropical style of their former Hawaiian residence.

Kangaroo was honored and proud to assist Michael in award application and media relations. Special thanks to Gana Gilkey for all application photography. A sincere congratulations is also extended to Fish Branch Tree Farm, FNGLA 2008 Grower of the Year.