REX Project – The Recycle Reuse Experiment, 2008. Portland, Oregon.

The REX Project home

For the first time ever a home is built without a dumpster.

Gregg & Ellis Landscape Designs was one of the first companies to come on board to help Shannon Quimby of Q Renew realize her dream of building a home using sustainable, earth friendly products and methods.

By being part of the very early REX Project planning, a large western red cedar was preserved and six large camellias were transplanted to new places on the property and protected from construction damage for the future landscape. Storm water runoff issues were addressed with City of Portland guidelines and permits. Rain water retention was planned for from the beginning.

Broken concrete from the foundation was used to make this new patio

This new landscape has a feeling of neighborhood history with its tree house in the cedar and 50 year old camellias providing privacy. It also helps the environment by dealing with the properties storm water on site. Drought tolerant and easy care plants were chosen for this busy family. Bring Gregg and Ellis Landscape Designs in on your new home plans at the beginning with your architect and builder. Here are some of the benefits.

Plan before construction begins:

• know zoning regulations for your area, such as storm water runoff containment and tree removal permits.
• inventory existing plant material to save and protect during construction damage. When large trees and shrubs are being saved, they need to be protected from construction damage and soil compaction or moved to safety until construction is ended.
• analyze site and assistance with home placement for best advantage Think about views, privacy and potential drainage issues.
• plan for access to yard from home, hose bibs, outlets
• prepare a master plan matching budget and priorities
  

Do before construction begins:

• reserve top soil for future plantings
• create a nursery area to heel in plants being saved
• fence around trees at drip line to project roots from compaction and possible damage to trunk and limbs.

During construction, appropriate landscaping phases can be done to maximize access and possibly come under the construction loan. This is especially important for retaining walls and drainage issues.