Nicklaus North - Cypress Place Subdivision
Single family lot community at Nicklaus North Golf Course, Whistler...
The Site
The subdivision is located adjacent the golf course to the South and West, a proposed public parkette/amenity at the North, and an existing 20 metre tree buffer to the East.
The Challenge
To create a subdivision that...
- Incorporates the Whistler Valley Trail in 20 metre forested setback on South side of property
- Create a public amenity/mini park adjacent the Valley Trail
- Responds to Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) storm water management requirements and green initiatives
- Incorporates existing coveted tree preservation zones within some of the lots.
- Responds and integrates with the golf course edges under the approved 1995 document: 'Nicklaus North Revegetation Plan.'
Sustainable Design
A series of linked bio swales front each lot collecting and cleaning storm water from the road and related areas. The water eventually discharges to the North into three sunken, perfectly circular rain gardens - each circle showcasing native plants and their ecological role.
The circles are set in a mini park setting with interpretive signage educating Valley Trail Users techniques use here for storm water control, collection and distribution into the ground plane. In essence landscape function becomes public art and amenity.
This area is also complimented by a series of mountain contemporary walls which frame the subdivision entry and partially slice through the first rain circle. Sculpted berms reminiscent of golf course bunkers are planted with drifts of ornamental grasses. The landscape acts as a base and organic extension of the architectural walls.
A 20 metre tree preservation zone fronts the East side of the property. The Whistler Valley Trail has been carefully sited in the field to wind its way through existing mature conifers and forms another critical link in the overall north/south loop.
The western edge of the subdivision designated as 'Manicured Treed Rough' follows original Nicklaus North 1995 Revegetation Plan using native trees, shrubs and grasses and acts as a buffer between the golf course and the subdivision
