For 2019 we are sharing this whimsical property perched on a mountain slope. The design draws inspiration from the breezy, idyllic worlds of Carl Larsson paintings—beloved by the homeowner. The landscape responds to both the architecture’s playful spirit and the site’s rugged recovery needs, where construction had left exposed rock and disturbed soils. Airy meadows, a wind-blown aspen grove, and an allée of columnar beech contribute to the sense of lightness and movement, helping to reknit the hillside into the surrounding natural fabric.
📍 7 of 15 📆 15 years • 15 projects
During the depths of 2020 and the COVID lock-down, we worked with the owners of this property to create their own coastal oasis. We created a master plan for the property with expanded outdoor entertaining areas, perennial gardens, foundation plantings, native meadow, improved boat storage, and water access.
Alongside the pool are two new outbuildings, a flush deck and a game lawn for easy entertaining just outside the back door and seamlessly integrated with the existing terrace.
Beyond the pool is a new sport court with a 10’ fence, pergola and terrace tucked into the native meadow. A set of lawn risers lead to grassy meadow paths and a new boat house, kayak launch and dock. A labor of love through the COVID construction protocols has now grown to a family getaway that will endure for years to come.
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In 2021 our team worked with @lda_design on a planning study to understand the most effective way to convert single and multi-family houses owned by @tuftsuniversity into a village of student dwellings. We designed shared backyards with connections to the main campus that satisfied the need for new gathering space while maintaining the neighborhood character.
The design finds accessible routes around the new housing area, situated on the side of a steep hill, with paths worked into the site to minimize the use of ramps and railings while seeking universal accessibility.
This project was awarded the BSLA Landscape Planning Award in 2023.
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Representing 2022 in our 15 year countdown: Leahy Elementary School in Lawrence, MA.
Our work at Leahy Elementary School demonstrates how thoughtful, resourceful design can transform a constrained urban site into a resilient and inspiring environment for learning and play. Located in a dense urban area, the project navigated tight spatial limits, budget constraints, and complex regulatory requirements. Two rooftop playgrounds maximize outdoor space and all elements reflect a focus on low-maintenance, high-impact interventions that align with the operational capacities of a public school.
Leahy Elementary School is one of three K-12 projects that opened in time for the Fall 2025 semester, alongside Sarah Roberts Elementary in Roslindale, and Peck Middle School in Holyoke. The completion of these projects was a big milestone in our K-12 work, and we are excited to carry this momentum and continue to grow our portfolio of educational landscapes.
📍 4 of 15 📆 15 years • 15 projects
What better way to celebrate World Landscape Architecure Month than by spending a beautiful spring day refreshing flower beds and planting microgreens with @bostongreenacademy and @bslaoffice !
#wlam2026
@nationalasla
Last week, our team headed to Nantucket to celebrate the groundbreaking of Ticcoma Green! Designed to support workforce and affordable housing needs, the project draws inspiration from the island’s historic architectural character while incorporating sustainable features such as bike paths, community garden space, and EV charging infrastructure.
Developed in collaboration with HallKeen Management and Norton Point Development, Ticcoma Green reflects a shared commitment to creating thoughtful, community-focused housing. Construction is underway, marking an important step toward expanding housing opportunities for Nantucket’s year-round residents.
This project would not be possible without the incredible team of collaborators who helped bring it to life:
Owner
HallKeen Management / Norton Point Development
Design Team
Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors
Builder: Dellbrook | JKS
Landscape Architect: Crowley Cottrell | Landscape Architecture
MEP/FP: Consulting Engineering Services (CES)
Structural Engineer: Webb Structural Services, Inc.
Specification: Kalin Associates Inc.
Civil Engineer: Horsley Witten Group, Inc.
Acoustical: Acentech
Project Partners
Rockland Trust
Stratford Capital Group
Affordable Housing Trust Nantucket
Town of Nantucket
Mass Housing
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
In 2023 we began working in collaboration with @cityofboston , @jonesarch , and @stantec Architecture & Landscape Architecture on the comprehensive renovation of White Stadium in Franklin Park.
The project will revitalize the stadium; providing modern track and field facilities for Boston Public Schools athletics programs, while creating a home for Boston’s new professional women’s soccer team. The landscape design, done in collaboration with @stantec , addresses accessibility, circulation, and planting within a constrained historic park setting, balancing the needs of large events with daily community use.
Our work, which focuses on the East Grandstand, includes reconfiguring paths and gathering areas, designing fencing and planting systems, and establishing new canopy, understory, and meadow communities that enhance biodiversity and stormwater performance within this historic landscape.
Image Credits: @stantec
📍 3 of 15 📆 15 years • 15 projects
We are excited to share that after nearly 10 years of hard work, the Ticcoma Green workforce housing development on Nantucket is under construction!
@lda_design@horsleywittengroup@dellbrookjks
Being on this beautiful property was pure, peaceful bliss. The amazing team at @crowleycottrell healed a clear cut site by rewilding the land with meadows and native plantings that support pollinators. 🐝
Filmed for @crowleycottrell Landscape Architecture
Architecture by: Neubauer Ennis Architects
#landscapedesign #landscapevideo #landscapearchitecture #landscapephotography #rewilding
Next up in our 15 year countdown: Weston Town Green Succession Planting
Working alongside the Weston Tree Advisory Group, we developed a long term planting plan that aims to preserve the character of the historic Town Green by preparing for future planting needs. This successional planting plan will help the town make decisions about tree planting on the green by taking into account historic elements, current usage patterns, conservation measures, tree health, and important sight lines. The plan envisions a Town Green with a cohesive character and resilient tree canopy that will endure for generations to come.
📍 2 of 15 📆 15 years • 15 projects
This year, Crowley Cottrell will celebrate 15 years of practice. To mark the milestone, we’ll be sharing 15 projects in a countdown to our anniversary date — working backward through the landscapes, partnerships, and lessons that have shaped our firm.
First up: Condor Street Urban Wild
We recently began working with @bostonparksdept on the Condor Street Urban Wild in East Boston. Not only a continuation of our work with the city’s Urban Wilds, this project already has a place in CCLA history. Just over 25 years ago, @michellehcrowley joined the HargreavesJones team that was developing the project, and saw the project through final construction in 2003. We are excited to begin the work of rehabilitating and restoring this coastal marsh landscape.
15 years • 15 projects 🌿
