The Whispering Pines residence is set amongst a series of mid-century modern homes within an established wooded neighborhood in Norman, Oklahoma. The original landscape plan was designed by a local landscape architect for the prominent Switzer family in the 1970s. The design showcased an angular swimming pool and terraced living spaces popular at the time. Modern stone retaining walls mirrored the materials of the home and mitigated severe slopes across the property. A native of Arkansas, Switzer imported the stone from the Ozarks as a connection to his home state.

Working collaboratively with the owner, the landscape architect was challenged with a forensic investigation of the site which included an analysis of the original plan.

The main goals for the design team were to preserve as much of the character of the landscape as possible by selectively removing plant material, creating a new terraced patio in the backyard with proper drainage, and unearthing the 1970s pool. Original detailing of concrete steps found on the front entry were recreated in the back to connect the space visually.

The excavated pool was slightly modified to add modern swim outs, new plaster, new tile surround and a series of water jets in the original stone wall.

Demolished stone walls were carefully salvaged to repair walls to be retained and create new stone features. The hardscape design simply follows established circulation paths while better organizing a set of outdoor living areas. A new fireplace gives life to the outdoor lounge and extends use into winter.

The planting scheme embraces changing shifts in textures and hues to accentuate the existing stone and new ipe siding of the home. A strong thread of calm blues and silver foliage flows throughout the landscape. Existing plantings surrounding the home were simply edited to remove volunteers and overgrown species. The removal of years of plantings allowed the house to be rooted and cleared the way for additional sunlight to reach the interior of the home.

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Contractor: Swift Co.

Photography: Kennon Bryce

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Recognition:

Oklahoma Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects: 2022 Merit Award - Design Built