A thorough site analysis and assessment was conducted to provide a stronger understanding of the site, which included a focus on its historical and physical character. The analysis led to an Opportunities Plan that began to inform the basic layout of the site, while Character Zones were identified to begin to show how proposed program uses could be themed to respond to the land and natural elements.
The landscape architect developed a series of Preliminary Master Plan options, each exploring different strategies for positioning program amenities and site features on the site. Each was evaluated for Pros and Cons and through a collaborative review with the Client, a preferred approach was selected that combined the strongest elements from several of the approaches.
The Final Master Plan, refined through stakeholder feedback, synthesizes the project’s phases into a cohesive vision. A key focus of the master plan was to respect the site’s natural features, while building synergies between proposed uses to support ICO’s mission. Connections to nature and a sequenced arrival to the proposed amenities were purposely crafted to further enhance the site’s natural character.
The Final Master Plan, refined through stakeholder feedback, synthesizes the project’s phases into a cohesive vision. A key focus of the master plan was to respect the site’s natural features, while building synergies between proposed uses to support ICO’s mission. Connections to nature and a sequenced arrival to the proposed amenities were purposely crafted to further enhance the site’s natural character.
The site presented challenges due to limited areas of buildable, level slopes and grade, requiring careful grading strategies to preserve existing forests and to preserve the buffers of intermittent streams. The landscape architect used the topography to carefully nestle the school into the hillside, minimizing its height, while buffering adjacent highway noise. Terraced spaces become play and learning spaces for students.
Adjacent to the school campus, tiny cottages provide disadvantaged seniors a retreat-like setting for extended stays, offering a seamless connection to nature through preserved wildlife habitats, trails, and a harmonious blend of natural and built materials. Nearby, proposed campgrounds for summer campers complement this setting, creating opportunities for intergenerational engagement and shared experiences within the natural environment.
The Cottage Amenity Green offers a versatile outdoor space for resident gatherings, complemented by a nearby amenity building that offers a social space and health services. Propose tiny cottages terrace down the hillside, preserving connections to the wooded hillside. In close proximity to the school, it is intended that seniors could have active roles in school programs and learning activities.
Boardwalks are carefully integrated within the site to create essential connections between various uses. While providing safe and accessible pathways to the stream edge and natural areas, these boardwalks foster a closer relationship with the natural environment. Nurturing through nature is one of the primary project goals and these experiential elements will play a major role in the campus user experience.
This area, anchored by a Historic Plantation-Era house, serves as the gateway to the site. The headquarters for the ICO’s non-profit mission will be located alongside the refurbished historic house, creating an arrival experience that celebrates ICO’s mission, while honoring the site’s story. Additional amenities include an informal play field and nature pavilion, intended to support day camps and other campus activities.
Guided by the non-profit’s mission, the Campus Master Plan fosters multi-generational connections, immersive education, and a deep relationship with nature. By balancing preservation and progress, it creates a vibrant, sustainable campus where history, community, and ecology thrive—while providing a dedicated space for Inner County Outreach to deliver its programs and services, while delivering on its mission.
