ADVERTISEMENT
03-28-25 | Department
The client's densely wooded property provided a variety of topography and site conditions relative to both the intense natural mountain terrain of his isolated watershed as well as historic logging and coal mining roads from an earlier homestead era. The latter-mentioned conditions combined with the client's personal history is both ironic and fortuitous in that it has helped to inform and drive potentials in creating a trail system for camp program opportunities that engage the various unique conditions found within upper peak/rock outcropping areas, mid-slope conditions, as well as the lower-lying plain areas adjacent to the confluence of meandering creek systems that trickle down from the nearby gullies. The woodland footprints comprise nearly 80% of the client's total property area and the remaining footprints are dedicated primarily to farm utility/access, greenhouse and crop footprints, and informal green areas adjacent to the main family log cabin dwelling.
Design Scope
Considering the client's background, the history of the site, and what is feasible for the site to support, the design team developed a series of proposed rafting camps, agriculture cooperatives, and retreat center recreation programs that are complimentary to his farm operation and natural setting.
A community pavilion was added to act as a platform for live performances, hemp industry symposiums, and live music, as well as utility construction for farm/camp storage and hydro turbine assembly which interfaces with the adjacent stream system.
Trail system and campsite conditions were specified. The trail may be used for outdoor lab classrooms, destination camp constructions keyed into and explore distinctive woodland footprints, and a framework defining dedicated space and footprint for woodland agriculture/horticulture exhibits and experiments (both for farmer and horticulture cooperative partnerships). Further, proposed enhancements were made to expand crop footprints and relative check-dam constructions that harness lower stream systems for both adjustable irrigation potentials and provide over-flow locations for small hydro turbine emplacements.
Giving Back in Appalachia
New Alexandria, Virginia
At Appalachian Farm, located in the mountains of central West Virginia near Fayetteville, Landscape Architect Kirk Bereuter, PLA, ASLA donated his time on a pro bono basis throughout the design, process of the 80-acre property.
Bereuter collaborated with the client in May of 2021 for a site analysis and initial design, as the site is still in the process of construction. The site will feature a community pavilion, a trail system, an enhanced lower stream system, added cabins, multi-purpose utility construction, and fences, gates, walls, bridges, and pathways. This image is of the original site.
x
1 / 2
2 / 2
A Landscape Architect based in New Alexandria, Virginia, Kirk Bereuter, RLA, ASLA collaborated with various hemp farmers on numerous projects. The work provided varied radically from site to site, from environment to clients. This client, among other things, has a background in providing professional guided river rafting tours, education, and professional, experience in park planning, both within the United States National Park Service and in Central America.
The client's densely wooded property provided a variety of topography and site conditions relative to both the intense natural mountain terrain of his isolated watershed as well as historic logging and coal mining roads from an earlier homestead era. The latter-mentioned conditions combined with the client's personal history is both ironic and fortuitous in that it has helped to inform and drive potentials in creating a trail system for camp program opportunities that engage the various unique conditions found within upper peak/rock outcropping areas, mid-slope conditions, as well as the lower-lying plain areas adjacent to the confluence of meandering creek systems that trickle down from the nearby gullies. The woodland footprints comprise nearly 80% of the client's total property area and the remaining footprints are dedicated primarily to farm utility/access, greenhouse and crop footprints, and informal green areas adjacent to the main family log cabin dwelling.
Design Scope
Considering the client's background, the history of the site, and what is feasible for the site to support, the design team developed a series of proposed rafting camps, agriculture cooperatives, and retreat center recreation programs that are complimentary to his farm operation and natural setting.
A community pavilion was added to act as a platform for live performances, hemp industry symposiums, and live music, as well as utility construction for farm/camp storage and hydro turbine assembly which interfaces with the adjacent stream system.
Trail system and campsite conditions were specified. The trail may be used for outdoor lab classrooms, destination camp constructions keyed into and explore distinctive woodland footprints, and a framework defining dedicated space and footprint for woodland agriculture/horticulture exhibits and experiments (both for farmer and horticulture cooperative partnerships). Further, proposed enhancements were made to expand crop footprints and relative check-dam constructions that harness lower stream systems for both adjustable irrigation potentials and provide over-flow locations for small hydro turbine emplacements.
Filed Under:STEWARDSHIP,NEW ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA,ASLA,KIRK BEREUTER, RLA, LASN
