Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, Inc.
Underwood Family Sonoran Landscape Laboratory
Tucson, AZ
Project 08 | 16
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The Sonoran Landscape Laboratory is a high-performance landscape functioning as both an outdoor classroom and entry plaza. Dappled shade draws students outside, strengthening their connection between program studies and the natural environment. Credit: © Bill Timmerman
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Nestled between water harvesting desert arroyos and beneath a mesquite bosque, a sunken court composed of permeable stabilized decomposed granite serves as both classroom and informal gathering space. The constructed wetland is shown in the background.Credit: © Bill Timmerman
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Perforated steel decking serves as a bridge and ramp allowing water to flow unimpeded through the bioswales, nurturing the native landscape.Credit: © Bill Timmerman
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A bioswale planted with native Arizona vegetation envelopes the entry and seating plaza. Prosopis velutina trees provide shade to mitigate the often unforgiving and harsh desert environment.Credit: © Bill Timmerman
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Variously scaled heights and orientations of cast-in-place concrete seating allow impromptu gatherings and discussions within the lower garden.Credit: © Bill Timmerman
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Native Mascagnia macroptera vines cover a southern exposure scrim. Reaching a remarkable 50 feet in height, the vines reduce solar heat gain within the building while blurring the lines between architecture and landscape.Credit: © Bill Timmerman
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The pond is home for endangered fish and is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a "Safe Harbor" urban site.Credit: © Bill Timmerman
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As a working landscape laboratory and classroom, five distinct Arizona biomes are represented within the project limits. These include Arizona Wetland, Canyon, Desert Riparian, Mesquite Bosque, and Upland Sonoran. Four of these biomes are represented hereCredit: © Bill Timmerman
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Steel runnel recirculating water from the wetland pond.Credit: © Judeen Terrey
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This project is a case in which the gardens and architecture do more than just exist together; they each make it possible for the other to thrive. Credit: © Bill Timmerman
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Beyond the wetland and behind the architectural scrim is a glimpse of the storage tank that collects and stores roof stormwater, HVAC condensate and greywater for irrigation use, making the constructed wetland possible in this arid environment.Credit: © Judeen Terrey
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An outdoor stairway connects the old building with the new. Emulating canyon environments, the tight confines and limited light provide students an opportunity to observe a unique ecosystem not often associated with the Sonoran Desert.Credit: © Bill Timmerman
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Connecting students from three design disciplines to the natural environment was a goal shared by the project team and the client. Credit: © Bill Timmerman
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"At the gate of the garden some stand and look within, but do not care to enter. Others step inside, behold its beauty, but do not penetrate far. Still others encircle the garden inhaling the fragrances of the flowers, and having enjoyed their full beautyCredit: © Bill Timmerman
