The Grace & Reva
Innovative solutions connect nature and architecture in Crystal City’s urban core
- Location
Arlington, VA
- Type
Residential
- Landscape Architect
OvS
- Architect
COOKFOX
- Installer
BrightView
Nature is embraced at every turn at the Grace and Reva, where biophilic principles guide design. Taking our cues from the holistic approach of the project's landscape architects, Oehme, van Sweden (OvS), we found innovative solutions for several planting challenges.
Starting from the ground up, freeform planting beds feature sides ranging from 10 to 40 inches in height that shift from swooping radius corners to sharp points, with canted walls morphing in and out of the vertical plane. Integrated hardwood seating morphs into planter shapes to extend the effect.
On higher levels, planters serve as façades and function as guardrails around a pool and amenity deck. These custom perimeter edges feature greenery in place of a traditional railing system while meeting safety requirements. Large planters also attach to the deck structure to house large clusters of birch trees. As for residences with private outdoor terraces, there are perimeter planters that slope toward the street, presenting foliage to the people living in the building and pedestrians below.
