Chicago Penthouse

A garden oasis in the heart of downtown Chicago.

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Size: 2,800 square feet
Date: 2005

Built on the 14th floor, 2,800 square-foot penthouse terrace of a condominium, this project uses Japanese landscape design principles to create a sophisticated urban oasis in the heart of downtown Chicago.

Designed with the aesthetics of natural elements in mind, this landscape design was also carefully planned to complement the interior design and architecture, integrating the garden with various living and working spaces.

interior penthouse room with views of rooftop garden and Chicago

The project required special consideration of the site's strict weight requirements and exposure to extreme temperatures. In addition, the client required several distinct spaces for different purposes within the garden design.

rooftop garden with chair and seating and trees, view of Chicago

With economical use of space and screening, Kurisu met these needs, creating a private space for sunbathing, a separate lounge area and a secluded are for business meetings.

rooftop garden with view of buildings in Chicago

Shallow water features were created to look attractive either wet or dry.

waterfall and pond on penthouse rooftop garden with view of Chicago

pond with rock path and view of seating area in rooftop garden

lounge chair in penthouse rooftop garden with views of Chicago

Specimen trees were lifted into place by a crane positioned on the street below. Specially designed cultured stone helped Kurisu meet the weight requirements, and treatment of root balls and planting beds ensure that the trees survive harsh winter weather.

A marvel of engineering.

Kendall Brown, Visionary Landscapes, 2017
When people come to our home, they feel like they've entered another world.

Homeowner via Elaine Markoutsas, Chicago Tribune Magazine, May 6, 2007
We're purposefully creating an environment to defuse the stress of modern life. It's our special romantic getaway. To have a garden like this in the middle of the city - we just love it.

Homeowner via Elaine Markoutsas, Chicago Tribune Magazine, May 6, 2007Chicago Penthouse Residence
The process of design and installation was one of firsts and bests. On Kurisu's initial visit to the site, he was struck by the unique opportunity it presented to a landscape designer - fashioning a Japanese garden in the sky, complete with water features and rock and boulder hardscaping to compliment the evergreen "forest" they'd be creating.

Ethne Clarke, Traditional Home, May 2008

Healing Gardens

Our Japanese-style healing gardens are designed with an intention for restoration on the deepest levels. We incorporate the ancient philosophies and techniques of Japanese garden design to reawaken the connection between people and nature – between ourselves and the larger, timeless cycles of change and regeneration.