Studioverde teamed with Terra Magna Services, Inc., Engineers, to create a recreational destination and scenic overlook in the Town of Trenton under the Maine DOT’s scenic enhancement program. Early on, the team realized that the community stakeholders were committed to the creation of a beautiful public place for both visitors and residents. Studioverde responded by working with stakeholders to develop the program and provide conceptual design options that articulated how to optimize the site’s potential. The Town of Trenton chose the option illustrated above.
The juxtaposition of the site to the working seaplane and boat ramp, a boat builder, and the municipal airport provided challenges and opportunities. In response to concerns about unsightly areas, Studioverde provided a solution that would function as a screen and an interpretive feature. Security fencing will be relocated and will be installed so that it is not visible. Salvaged granite materials – donated by the municipal airport and Maine DOT – will be used to create bike racks, trail crossings, low retaining walls, and amphitheatre terraces. A large granite paver platform will provide a place for scenic viewing and will give the Town a place to host events and performances.
Look for future posts on this project, where we will include details on how the recycled granite will be used, the importance of low-impact construction methodologies, and how we broke from traditional design methods to improve site ecology and sustainability.