The Lookout at Lake Chelan - 2017

We recently received this wonderful video from the folks at The Lookout in Chelan. It has been very exciting to take part in the site design and to watch the community grow over the years. Located on a high point on the southern side of Lake Chelan, “The Lookout” provides wonderful views to the lake and the surrounding area. The project consists of residential homes, parks, a village center, trails and a waterfront marina. GCH is excited to continue working with the community and watch its continued development.

Botánika, Costa Rica - 2017

Construction is currently underway for GCH’s Botánika project on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Hilton Worldwide introduced GCH to the owners of this extraordinary eco-resort which will be the first ground-up designed Curio brand hotel for Hilton. GCH has been working closely with the Owner, Hilton’s Executive Design Review Committee, conservation groups, local council, and a consultant team of international architecture and design firms, to provide site planning and landscape architecture for this exciting property. 

5% of Earth’s wildlife is located in Costa Rica with 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity present in the Osa.  It’s no wonder that National Geographic named the Osa: “the most biologically intense place on Earth”.  In keeping with this enormous responsibility, GCH has collaborated with the extended team to replace non-native vegetation with native species and to re-establish migratory trails for wildlife – both on the ground and thru the tree canopy – to allow mammals and other wildlife safe habitat and the ability to move freely through the property.  As a result of the ecological responsibilities taken thru the design process for this project, enrichment of the guest experience will be profound.  

GCH New Offices - 2017

GCH moved to a new location in early September 2017. We’re now settling into a building from 1902 that originally served as a local neighborhood grocery store. For the last 30 years, it has been home to a specialty book distributor. We are excited to move into a new space and already feel like we are part of the vibrant community around us.

Playhouse Dental - 2017

Playhouse Dental, a pediatric dental practice, envisioned their new Anacortes, WA offices with a sustainable, low-maintenance approach to landscape design. GCH worked diligently with the client on this project to create an original, and truly unique, landscape design that incorporates storm water management opportunities, provides bike racks, and minimizes the need for irrigation by choosing drought tolerant and native plant species. A large bio-retention planter collects storm water from the roof of the facility, nourishing the water-loving plants within while reducing the amount of water running into the municipal storm system. A natural looking swale along the side of the building is completed with logs, boulders and native plants which provide a functional and visually interesting backdrop for the private patient rooms.

Town Green, Seabrook - 2017

GCH is excited with their continued work with the Seabrook community located in Pacific Beach, Washington. We are currently collaborating with the extended Seabrook design, marketing and operations team on “Town Green”.  Seabrook’s latest addition to the charming seaside community on Washington’s southern coastline.  Town Green is a community park with direct connection to Seabrook’s town center and the beach. The park will include a variety of community amenities including a great lawn for large scale recreation and group activities, children’s beach park, sunset gathering area, fire pits and one of the best park views of the Pacific Ocean in Washington State.  

Quanzhou Public Open Space - 2017

GCH has recently collaborated with MZA Architects to develop conceptual plans for a new large scale park and an adjacent hotel on Quanzhou Bay in China’s Fujian Province. The project plans include an amphitheater and sunken plaza for gatherings, as well as trails, a playground, and various areas for activities. We were also greatly inspired by the naturally occurring formations produced through the ebb and flow of the tide and have brought the visual reference into the space through abstract tidal sculptures to help visitors gain a sense of direction and navigate the space.

Royal Auckland Golf Club - 2017

GCH was recently awarded the role of landscape architect and planner for the renovation of the oldest golf club in New Zealand – The Royal Auckland Golf Club located in Auckland.  GCH is collaborating with Nicklaus Design on the renovation of the Golf Course which is being combined with the adjacent Grange Golf Club to convert 36 holes into 27 holes.  Pattersons of Auckland are the architects for the new ultra-sleek Clubhouse building.

Met Park East - 2017

Construction was recently completed on the renovation of Met Park East, located in downtown Seattle. GCH worked closely with SkB Architects and CBRE on the remedial design. The existing terraced plaza features beautiful high canopy oak trees which have been saved as part of the new design. The project includes an enlarged outdoor dining area, specialty paving, walkways, seating, stairs, railings, bocce, lighting and accent landscaping.

Park 12 Townhomes - 2017

We are excited to see construction start on Park 12 Townhomes in Bellevue. A large portion of the site adjacent to Kelsey Creek has been designated as a wildlife conservation area that will be protected from future development. Over the years the site had become degraded with debris and a variety of different invasive species, GCH developed plans to restore the existing riparian corridor that serves as a migratory stream for both salmon and trout. Native plant materials are utilized throughout the site and habitat structures are to be installed for mason bees, birds and bats. The development will include outdoor gathering areas, a small amphitheater, a community dining courtyard and a loop trails.

Rosario Resort - 2017

Historic Rosario Resort is currently under plan review by San Juan County for plans to renovate and expand their facilities to add additional hotel cabins and cottages, event space, spa, restaurant, pool, access, parking and landscape amenities.  In creating the new master plan, GCH worked closely with Rosario and San Juan County in the preservation strategy of the historic property as well as respecting the guiding principles found in the original Olmstead landscape design.  Once completed, the overall resort will regain the spirit and character of the “Arts and Crafts” movement of the early 1900’s,  while maintaining the original Moran Mansion as its centerpiece.  We hope to see construction under way in the near future.