Wings Over Water

   The name Wings over Water identifies with the butterfly roof of the house and the swallow sculpture designed by Simon Max Bannister from Falco Sculpture. Planning such solace comes laden with complexity and everything is purposeful within this setting designed by landscape architect Jude van Brandenburg – JVB Landscape and Design. Also, credits go to Monk Earthworks and Kamermans Architects. This lakeside residence is certainly unique and is shortlisted in the 2025 Southern Architecture Awards.

Trees featured in this project:

   Carried in the reflection and planted along the driveway, are a series of LIQUIDAMBAR styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ – Sweet Gum.  The large star-shaped leaves change from resplendent green to gold, then vibrant orange. The colour show reaches its attention grabbing crescendo when the red, crimson and purple shades come though.

   Softening the intensity and adding a balance to the aesthetics is the Prunus yedoensis ‘Perpendens’ – Weeping Yoshino Cherry.  Known for its mass of almond scented white flowers in early Spring, as the seasons progress, it changes from the warming orange of Summer to the type of Autumn red that typifies the romance of the season.

   A more upright Cherry provides a complementary aesthetic. Known as the ‘Great White Cherry’, Prunus serrulata ‘Tai Haku’ is one of the largest and most spectacular cherry trees, with fragrant, large flowers of pure white. The contrast against the coppery tones of the leaves in Spring is remarkable.

   Autumn colour is provided by a tree known to some by the Quercus palustris – Pin Oak. This tree has a classic ‘garden green’ colour during Summer months but changes to a red velvet hue in Autumn, and the pyramidal form adds to its charm.

   Finally, a solitary Weeping Pear – Pyrus calleryana ‘Autumn Leaves’ makes an appearance close to the residence, with its leathery leaves that change from a glossy green to fiery crimson in Autumn.