Garden Oasis

Rob Busch and Jessica Bruscato 

drawing dept, Cincinnati, OH

Between two steep ravines sits this mid-century modern home and grounds designed by iconic Cincinnati architect Carl Strauss and landscape architect Dick Ammon. The owners of the property approached the design team at drawing dept with a simple and direct aspiration: to improve their outdoor living opportunities, including a covered place to grill and eat. Due to the nature and configuration of the existing house and the steep ravines at either side, site access for construction was very difficult. Designed components had to be craned over the top of the home. 

Starting with the removal of an existing wood deck, the project hinged on the addition of a new covered pavilion, complete with outdoor grilling area and numerous seating areas. Positioned near the end of the existing house, and at the point of topographic transition, the pavilion creates a habitable edge that redefines a courtyard bounded by the L-shaped home. The hardscape patio footprint was reduced and a new curated green space was allowed to invade the courtyard, resulting in a lush, resort-like garden. 

Utilizing a minimal steel structure with wood floor and ceiling planes, the horizontal pavilion floats above the garden, immersing visitors in the landscape. Steel columns frame carefully cropped views of the tall, vertical tree trunks of the wooded hillside lending to a treehouse-like experience. A Corten-clad chimney anchors the composition and extends its seasonal use.