ADMSP’s Nature Friendly Series: Ecologically Sustainable Materials

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ADMSP- Magazine Cover

Green is the new craze. More and more companies are adopting eco-friendlier principals into their production. Additionally, there is an increasing awareness to promote “green” living into every household. The efforts stem from trying to reduce our overall carbon footprint on the earth, and attempt to reverse the effects of years of planet mistreatment.

In the past 20 years we have seen a growing realization that the current model of development is unsustainable. For too long we have lived beyond our means and have made the planet compensate for it. From the loss of biodiversity, with the felling of rainforests, or over fishing, to the negative effect our consumption patterns are having on the environment and the climate, our way of life is placing an increasing burden on the planet.

The supplies provided to us by the earth and the great wisdom of Mother Nature, were not meant to be taken advantage of. We were given a limited supply and handed the responsibility of using those limited resources wisely. As the world’s population continues to grow, we are straining our essentials more and more. Less clean air, water and green acreage puts a great strain on the many ecosystems needed to keep our species alive.

The goal of sustainable development is to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life of future generations. Unless we start to make real progress toward reconciling these contradictions, we face a future that is less certain and less secure.

Small changes can make big differences and when creating ADMSP, all steps were taken to ensure the park  will be self-sustainable and not another burden on the natural surroundings. The materials used in the design and landscaping of ADMSP were a difficult choice among many when picking materials that would serve the land and the people using the land.

The materials for the paths at ADMSP were carefully chosen not only because they are “sustainable” but because surfaces protect high traffic areas from foot traffic, and reduce irrigation demands. By protecting the very foundation the park rests on, we are protecting the site itself and creating a natural balance that can peacefully coexists with guests.

What is tumbled recycled glass? Because recycling has become more and more apparent in our daily lives, measures are being taken to ensure we have the least amount of waste possible. One material that can be re-used after it has served its initial purpose is glass.

Tumbled is basically any and all glass that is recycled into glass pieces that are “tumbled” to achieve an “ocean-worn” appearance, similar to beach glass or sea glass. Its unique properties are excellent for a wide variety of applications such as:

• Ground cover in raised beds, planters and dry or rock gardens
• Pathway accents and drainage areas
• Use as ballast gravel in green roof and other green building applications
• Feature in reflecting pools, ponds, waterfalls and fountains
• Excellent for any project seeking to maximize green building practices and USGBC LEED criteria
• Incorporate into tiled surfacing of floors, walls and countertops
• Set within the design of architectural glass, custom-designed windows, or doors
• Display in glass vases, panels, lighting, aquariums, fountains and water features
• Incorporate into concrete paving stones, containers and outdoor furniture
• Broadcast and expose in poured-in-place concrete pavement

The beautiful recycled tumbled glass ADMSP will use for the paths in the Dunefield will make a gorgeous reflective surface where guests can live an illusion of walking on water. Through the glass path in the Dunefield, the contemporary sculptures are a part of the experience as they weave through the sand dunes creating movable footprints.

ADMSP Design- Recycled Tumbled Glass

Wood when left exposed to the elements, eventually deteriotes and can no longer be used. Humans have cut down trees and obliterated rainforests faster than they can regenerate. Without trees the very air we breathe is affected and are left without a shield to the hazards of our vehicles, factories and engines.

What are recycled wooden planks?

Recycled wooden planks are made from salvaged boards or trees that have been remilled into a sustainable product. Recycling wood is more resource efficient than making new wood flooring. Recyclers glean reusable hardwoods such as chestnut, hickory, cherry, and oak from old houses, buildings, and barns that are slated for demolition.

Salvaged logs, beams, and planks are sent to a lumber mill where they are remilled into individual planks. The surface can be selectively finished to have a final appearance anywhere between rough-hewn to finely sanded and weather proofed. Recycled wood flooring is typically very durable due to its tight grain. Creating wood planks from old lumber diverts the used wood and reduces the need new wood and felling of trees.

What is recycled crushed sea-shell?

Our impact has even affected the many tiny little inhabitants that call sea-shells home. The leftover sea shells that wash on the beach or are waste from the U.S. Shellfish Industry can also serve as excellent building material. It has many uses in the landscape design industry as well, like paths, due mainly to their decorative effect. They are also used as filter media in bio filtration.

Cockle, scallop Shells, and Oyster Shells are the ideal shells to use for paths in parks. They have excellent water retention properties and therefore act as natural drainage. They are geared for high foot traffic and can be used to top dress plant pots, containers and raised beds, for mulching and water features and act as a natural insect repellents.

ADMSP Design- Recycled Seashell and Wooden Planks

ADMSP will use recycled wooden planks for the paths in the Maritime Garden where figurative sculptures are a part of the experience. The recycled wooden planks and crushed sea shell create meandering paths through dense planting areas providing backdrops for the sculptures and shady seating areas for relaxation and contemplation.

What is recycled stone?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Stone installed decades ago is removed and recycled. Often old stone has been produced from quarries that are no longer operating, or using techniques no longer cost-effective. Making recycled stone is less costly and diverts the used stone to a new use and reduces the need for new stone quarries. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, they can also be used to separate different types of plants and work for soil retention in wet climates.

ADMSP will use stone that has been recycled into “coral stone bands” in the Tree Allees. Paths here are made of stepping stones and coral stone bands set in grass that come up onto the “Lawn” at the center of the park.

ADMSP Design- Recycled Stepping Stones and Coral Stone

• Sustainability is an attempt to merge ecology and economy into one system.
• Sustainability means living a life of dignity in harmony with nature
• Sustainability means renewing resources at a rate equal to or greater than the rate at which they are consumed.
• Sustainability means living within the resources of the planet without damaging the environment now or in the future.
• Sustainability means creating an economic system that provides for quality of life while renewing the environment and its resources.
• A sustainable community is one that resembles a living system where all of the resources (human, natural and economic) are renewed and in balance for perpetuity.
• Sustainability is creating a world where everyone can have fulfilling lives and enjoy a rich level of well-being within the limits of what nature can provide.
• Sustainability means taking the long-term view of how our actions effect future generations and making sure we don’t deplete resources or cause pollution at rates faster than the earth is able to renew them.
• Some of the many uses of the word sustainable include: Sustainable Business / Sustainable Development / Sustainable Agriculture / Sustainable Living / Sustainable Community.

Altos Del Mar Sculpture Park will intertwine art and nature and put it in the service of the community. Before all other endeavors are reached, Mother Nature’s needs must be met. We no longer have the luxury of being wasteful or careless with our lives.

Respect for self has now branched on to mean respect for self and where you live. Your home rests on a planet that is pleading for our cooperation and urges change. At ADMSP, visitors will be one with the precious landscaping that we have sworn to preserve, as well as be immersed in ways on how they can do their part.

What does sustainability mean to you?