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Residence on the 10-Mile River
Using Low-Impact Design Practices to Create Big Change
East Providence, RIOverview
The goal of the Owners was to rehabilitate the yard, creating much needed outdoor living spaces in the form of patios, overlooks, and grassy lawn areas. Facing significant drainage issues, a vegetated swale was installed as a low-impact design solution. Formed with a combination of boulders and river stone, the swale was lushly planted with native shrubs and perennials, creating a functional, and surprisingly beautiful focal point for the residence.
The Challenge
Located along the 10 Mile River in East Providence the yard of this residence is at the lowest point of the surrounding neighborhood making it subject to immense amounts of runoff and erosion. Long neglected, the yard was re-wilding, the previously stately stone walls deteriorated, out structures falling down and plant beds being overtaken by invasive plants and vines.
The Solution
Recognizing the importance of this small habitat to the surrounding ecosystem it was critical that the resulting design created the living space that the clients desired but in a way that was mutually beneficial to the environment around it. Working in phases, the project commenced with the removal of invasive plants, fallen fences and garden structures. With the canvas now visible, new walls were installed and the yard graded into terraces soon to be followed by the installation of a new rustic stone patio and seating area overlooking the wetland.
