2009 VA ASLA Awards

General Design Professional - Tupelo Farm

Honor Award 

Project: Tupelo Farm

Landscape Architect: Nelson Byrd Woltz
Client: Jagra Holdings 
Contractor & Construction: Alexander Nicholson
Bronzesmith: Robert Bricker
Masons:  Cameron Thomas & Pleasants Masonry

The landscape master plan for the 350 acre Piedmont farm is based on a philosophy of combining best management practices for agricultural production with an ethic of conservation of native plants, forest and wildlife connectivity across the farm. This conservation ethic is interpreted and abstracted by the landscape architect through the design of the gardens, trails, orchard, pools and landscape constructions across the farm.

Tupelo Farm illustrates the successful and responsible integration of contemporary landscape design within the productive agricultural landscape as a demonstration of the rigorous conservation ethics shared by the designer and the owner. The project is significant in the degree to which narrative plays a role as a means of teaching visitors about the regional landscape and ecological stewardship.

The landscape architect has drawn from ecological, agrarian, and cultural clues to build a poetic and educational narrative within the designed landscape including the peach orchard, meadows, pool, gardens, and farmhouse terrace. The overall design intent holds new work at the farm to a standard based on relevance to larger ideas and context and has enriched the dialogue between the client and landscape architect and, ultimately, the final product.

Jury comments for tupelo farm included:
- Amazing attention to detail,
- Design shows respect for and is in harmony with the land,
- An excellent mix of contemporary and natural design.