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In the planning and design of many neighborhoods, the landscape is a secondary consideration, even an afterthought. But at Windfall, from the day we first walked the site, it has been priority one for our entire team. The landscape plan, including the trail that runs through the site, dictated where the homes would be sited to maximize sun and views while also providing the greatest degree of privacy. Streets twist and turn so that traffic is tamed. A wetland area is being restored. Animal migration corridors are being protected. Existing, specimen quality trees are being preserved. Trees, shrubs and ground-covers indigenous to the immediate area are being used to landscape the entire 130 acres as well as individual home sites. Species with names like Blue Beech, Black Cherry, Yellow Trout-lily and apple trees like Golden Gala suggest how vibrant landscaping can be. The Niagara Escarpment is a UNESCO designated World Biosphere Reserve with 1,500 plant species and that kind of amazing diversity is reflected in the seasonal textures and colours of Windfall’s landscape. But the strongest feature of all is a wide forested trail whose main artery runs from east to west through Windfall, connecting the community’s many features. Because it’s such a dominant feature and because it meanders through the site, it has been named “The Green River.” Perfect for walking, cycling, cross country skiing and snow-shoeing, it connects to the resort’s own trail system and, ultimately to the Bruce and Georgian Trails. The Green River also links Windfall to its neighbour, Scandinave Spa, which, like Windfall, has made a conscious effort to remain in as natural a state as possible. It’s obvious that in Windfall there’s a dialogue between the homes and the forests and fields that surround them.
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“We first traced out the Green River on the site map and its length, width and route told us where each home should be located so its residents could fully enjoy this wonderful natural feature.” |
