Eaton Estate Master Plan--Waite Hill,
Ohio
The scheme shown is one of
several I developed for this site during my Ohio years. The property at that
time was about 60 acres of pristine hemlock-
silver beech
climax forest with a stunningly beautiful 8 acre wild sedge-fern glacial bog
near the center of the tract. The owners wanted to explore
options for several
needs they
had in mind, namely:
-----site a residence maximizing
opportunities that presented themselves for quality country living
--views--breezes--road access--preservation
-----fit an approach drive for the residence to the existing terrain in the
least obtrusive way possible
-----locate the best layout for bridal trails and a 15 horse stable.
-----site tennis courts, a 30x60 pool and a croquet lawn near the residence.
-----establish a long term management plan for the extensive acreage involved
that would recognize and encourage natural ecological system utilization.
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A large bridge structure was rejected early in the
study as a way to get across the fern bog. It was felt to be too intrusive and a
lower key method
was pursued. My idea of a small floating or pontoon bridge was
accepted as a practical way to achieve a solution. The military has used this
method
for centuries and I simply took my combat
engineering experience and put it to use and worked with their engineer to
arrive at the design shown. A rustic character would be introduced by using 4x14
inch white oak planking over welded steel caissons using water as ballast. 6x12
white oak beams are
bolted to each side of the planking to act as 12" curbs.
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A view northward of the completed pontoon bridge
from the highway side of the fern bog
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kent mccoy landscape architect
www.kentmccoy.com email
kentmccoy40@gmail.com