Headquartered in New Albany, Indiana, Samtec is a cable manufacturing company with strong environmental commitments. When they sought to transform the land behind their industrial site into a multi-use space that could serve their clients and employees and double as a bioretention area, they called on Gresham Smith to develop a master plan.
Creating the master plan was no easy task. We had to plan for invasive plant species and five existing ponds, incorporate modern amenities to create an amenity space for Samtec employees and improve the overall environmental and ecological function of the site. Over the course of three months, our Landscape Architecture team worked to imagine how the company could take full advantage of their site while maintaining their commitment to the environment.
acres
mile walking loop
month planning process
Encouraging an Afternoon Walk
Our client hoped to provide connection between the site’s five separate ponds. Our solution involved creating a one-mile loop trail that starts and ends at the Samtec office building. A stone pedestrian bridge, a boardwalk and various seating and gathering spaces offer variety to employees who are hoping to stretch their legs, enjoy their lunch, or collaborate with a colleague.
Bring the Inside, Outside
To encourage Samtec employees to fully enjoy their new outdoor space, we proposed a large pavilion with Wi-Fi and electricity, which will enable employees to take their work outside. In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of adding utility lines and increased energy consumption, we strategically located the structure to take advantage of existing infrastructure and solar power.
An Educational Experience
With Samtec’s commitment to sustainability and the environment in mind, we proposed installing educational signage throughout the site to explain the benefits of preserving the ponds, the value of bioretention gardens and identify native plant communities.
Growing the Gardens
The master plan calls for four major planting areas, each with their own distinct purpose. A colorful, whimsical entry garden welcomes employees and guests to the site, while a second butterfly garden with a walking path brings pollinators to the site, attracting birds, bees and butterflies. The third planting area features a maple grove and creates a forest canopy for shady walks, while the fourth and final area is home to wetlands that provide bioretention, directing stormwater to reduce flooding and recharging groundwater from the five ponds.Gallery
