Leach Botanical Garden’s new arbor and fireside terrace introduces dedicated space for gathering and special events, integrated within the lush landscape of the surrounding gardens. Inspired by lath houses, a type of greenhouse, the arbor features a precise composition of wooden screens attached to a steel and glulam structure instead of traditional solid walls, allowing plants to grow unimpeded up to and around the pavilion. The unconditioned, semi-enclosed space provides protection from the sun and moderates strong wind while inviting a dynamic play of light and shadow. Made of sustainable and durable Kebony, the arbor’s wooden screens will continue to weather as they age, maturing alongside the new gardens. The arbor interior spills onto an exterior stone terrace with integrated gas fireplace, fostering year-round enjoyment.

Designed in close collaboration with Land Morphology and structural engineer Marjorie Lund (Lund Opsahl), an elevated tree walk adjacent to the arbor creates a new experience of the surrounding forest and gardens. Thirty-four feet above the ground at its highest point, the circular walk weaves through mature trees, hovering above the hillside instead of following the topography. Trails and pathways below provide another perspective of the tree walk, arbor and gardens beyond. The metal grate walkway and stainless-steel handrails complement these natural surroundings; the handrails will patina and rust over time, further integrating the tree walk with its context.