6 Configurations of Large Planters in Stunning Landscape Design
Inspiration comes in many forms. Images in books or magazines, a peek in a beautifully designed yard, or simply an idea someone mentions — really anything can plant the seed of a new idea.
Not to get too philosophical here, but if you think about it, even the most impressive and progressive ideas build on the foundation of past experiences.
So we’re excited to share how our talented clients have utilized PureModern large planters in some very inspiring ways. Scrolling through these creatively arranged examples might be just the inspiration you’ve been looking for.
1. Large Planters for Big Spaces
Large custom planters add dimension and drama to vast and otherwise sparse spaces. They can house a variety of plants, including stunning ornamental trees that immediately create vertical interest.
Studer Design Associates created an award-winning landscape for the terrace and courtyard of a condominium complex using a combination of PureModern’s custom large planters.
Tapered square planters flank doorways. Rectangular planters were fitted with mesh screens to create a trellis-effect and were strategically positioned throughout the property. And to add extra dimension for several large square planters, we created a special overhanging top-lip and an inlay just above the base to create a perfect fit for ornamental trees.
DoubleTree by Hilton - Orlando, FL
The Stroud Group selected PureModern’s large square tapered planters — measuring almost five feet high — with cascading plants to soften and break up large swaths of hardscape.
The planters provide a bold yet peaceful impact as they line large open spaces used for events and flank an outdoor fireplace.
2. Clever Arrangements of Cube Planters
Rectangular planters might seem like the only shape-choice when your goal is to divide spaces and establish borders. But when strategically positioned, cube planters can also effectively shape a secluded and private space or create interest along a driveway or walkway.
The Towers at Emeryville - Emeryville, CA
To separate a very large rooftop deck, Brent Cottong used PureModern planters to highlight modern design aesthetics like symmetry and repeating shapes of squares and grass.
This outstanding multi-use space is softened by strategically positioned square planters. Tall grasses work perfectly in the planters to create privacy around seating areas and a bocce ball court.
Private Residence - Columbus Estate
A modern theme of repeating squares creates a unique element of interest throughout this private residence. Cube planters placed near the entrance gate reflect the symmetry of the gate’s repeating square pattern. More cube planters add interest as they flank the front door and the driveway.
3. Planters Create Privacy and Add Interest to Large Spaces
In addition to making large spaces more intimate and interesting, workplaces and centers of learning are taking advantage of the many other benefits of adding greenery when designing and decorating a space.
Kivvit utilized rectangular planters to break up an open office space. The planters separate spaces for a break room and lounge area. Acting almost as walls and sound barriers, the planters boost productivity, while also adding pops of greenery to break up the neutral color scheme.
Tulane Lavin-Bernick Center - New Orleans, LA
Tulane University added rectangular planters to divide two large rooms and create a boundary between areas for lounging and foot traffic. The rectangular planters create a green screen that adds privacy to each new space.
More and more designers are using this technique when building a wall is not feasible. Tulane is one of many universities incorporating foliage into their design plans. Not surprising, considering that plants can increase productivity and reduce stress.
4. Rooftop Oasis: The Perfect Spot to Unwind
There is nothing quite as magical as an unexpected private green space in the middle of an urban center. Today, more and more building owners are using low-maintenance modular planters to create exactly such a space in order to attract residents and patrons.
Roosevelt Parc - Jackson Heights, NY
Werber Real Estate, Socius, and Marvel Architects came together to create an urban oasis using PureModern’s Connect Modular Planter System. These marine-grade powder-coated aluminum planters are artfully placed throughout landscaped rooftop terraces.
Complete with fabricated cutouts to fit pathway lights, the planters were further customized into specific shapes. The custom shaping enables the planters to seamlessly soften, tie together, and create private moments within this multi-purpose space that includes tables, lounging areas, and even communal outdoor kitchens.
Garden City Bar - Shaker Heights, OH
Whether patrons decide to eat inside or out, they are never disappointed with the ambiance created largely by the gorgeous planters at Garden City Bar. The large modular planters create a feeling of intimacy for the new booth seating throughout this increasingly popular cocktail bar.
Since the redesign, the bar must now clarify that seats are first-come-first-serve on its website.
5. Design Outside the Lines with Custom-Shaped Planters
Round or custom-shaped planters can serve a variety of functions, but the most exciting aspect may be the ability to design outside the lines. Create a generous canopy, break up harsh lines in a stark space with curved edges, and shape your landscape exactly as you imagined it.
Eleven stories of luxury condominiums in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in New York City — that’s how you could describe 613 Baltic. Throughout this property, G&M Works installed large uniquely-shaped custom planters to fit directly into tight spaces with fixed borders.
With little room for error, PureModern successfully fabricated custom aluminum planters and further tailored the planters to hold lights that add a priceless ambiance to the property’s rooftop and several terraces.
Westfield Valencia Town Center - Valencia, CA
At a popular mall in Valencia, CA, JAE Collection dreamed up a design plan to elevate a set of benches and couches by incorporating planters with a custom-curved radius that surrounds other planters.
The modular planters fit perfectly into each seating area and create a juxtaposed design of different geometric shapes, textures, colors, and materials.
6. Planters Call Attention to Steps and Platform Edges
Although local building code requirements vary, the International Residential Code stipulates that “decks more than 30 inches above the ground require railings at least 36 inches in height.”
Even if you’ve got a deck that doesn’t necessarily require railings, even 24 inches can cause injury when you unexpectedly don’t find your footing. For that reason, planters can become quite functional, even while being very aesthetically pleasing.
Private Residence - Wayzata Bay
Landscape architects from Travis Van Liere Studio utilized PureModern tower and rectangular aluminum planters to grace the front door and back decks of this modern residence.
The back deck’s planters were used on the side of the deck to create a boundary for this epitome of modern residential design.