Smith Residence Lakeville, Minnesota

Located within the agricultural landscape of southern Minnesota, the Smith residence features simple outdoor spaces to compliment the dramatic architecture.  The design of the outdoor areas responds to the client’s interest in accommodating both large social functions and small, family gatherings.  Coen+Partners’ response to the dramatic, curving facades of the buildings is a simple, flexible layout that consists of gardens, terraces and a raised-edge swimming pool and spa.

The planting design utilizes few species to highlight the unique form and structure of each plant.  Globe evergreens, a plant commonly used as a singular specimen in traditional landscaping, is transformed into an undulating carpet of green through strategic massing.  Long bands of native perennial grasses and flowers extend views along terrace expanses into the vast open prairie beyond.  Linear gardens and tree plantings throughout the site create soft boundaries for each terrace, defining smaller rooms while allowing for social interaction and encouraging views.