Sustainablilty

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability is at the heart of Landscape Architecture. By creatively meeting the required program elements, KWLA provides unique design solutions which preserve valuable natural assets. This saves costs for unnecessary site-work, infrastructure and re-planting that can then be used to make “wish-list” items a reality.


THE MICHIGAN BELL BUILDING XDetroit, Michigan

The historic Michigan Bell Building has been acquired by Focus: HOPE and the Neighborhood Service Organization, nationally known community service providers. Sustainable landscape and green roof technologies will be a showcase for sustainable building practices and a stimulus for a local green economy.


CHRYSLER LEED PROJECTS XDundee and Marysville, Michigan

At the GEMA World Engine Program LEED property in Dundee, patterns of the wild flowers are based on a student design competition won by Landscape Architecture students from Michigan State University. At the Common Axle Strategy LEED Facility in Marysville, site restoration includes native prairie and tree species.


SEDGEBROOK XChicago, Illinois

Formerly a flat soybean field, Sedgebrook includes a new 20 acre lake to assist in the storm water management of the adjacent Des Plaines River. New native wetland and Illinois prairie have been created and the KWLA site maintenance program includes organic fertilizers and composting.


LAUREL CHASE XAtlanta, Georgia

At Laurel Chase, the stream valley and wet forest on the east side of the property have been preserved, and captured storm water is used for the minimal irrigation system. The sustainability plan capitalizes on the preserved natural areas which dominate the major building courtyards.


FOX RUN XNovi, Michigan
The sustainable site design at Fox Run maximizes the existing wetlands, native forests and restored natural areas. Included are large tree save areas, creative storm water management, reforestation, and a grounds maintenance program for the remaining manicured areas requiring minimal irrigation, pesticide use and mowing.

MARYWOOD XLivonia, Michigan

The Deak Planning + Design and KWLA landscape proposal includes sustainable practices such as water gardens, creating native meadows from previously mowed lawns, no-mow natural areas, rainwater collection, use of native plants, organic fertilizers and the discontinued use of pesticides.


WINDSOR RUN XCharlotte, North Carolina

The complex storm-water management system for Windsor Run includes bio swales, rain gardens, water filtration, storage below parking lot and rainwater harvesting for the campus irrigation system. The open space restoration plan includes new wildflower meadows, wetlands and permanent water quality basins.


HICKORY CHASE XColumbus, Ohio

Large scale sustainable design assets are included on the Hickory Chase campus. To improve water quality along the southern property line, a former farm drainage ditch has been transformed into a 2200 lineal foot native steam corridor 100 feet wide, planted heavily with native riparian species.