Saiki Design | Landscape Architects

Saiki Design worked with Eppstein Uhen Architects to design three levels of roof gardens for Ovation 309, an upscale, mixed-use living center in the heart of downtown Madison.  In addition, Saiki Design was responsible for ground level site and civil design.

The third floor roof gardens consist of three separate areas all of which are accessible only to maintenance personnel but highly visible from the building’s corridors and the residential units above.  Outside the windows of the fitness center, a geometric pattern of planters, decorative pavers and roof ballast weave together to form an interesting viewscape for users.  The other two third floor roof gardens feature green roof modules planted with a varying pattern of sedum and penetrated by linear bands of decorative pavers.

The seventh floor roof garden is an active and casual patio designed for small gatherings and events.  The garden includes a variety of seating options, an arbor for shade and two grilling stations.  Large planters with small trees were strategically placed over building column locations and add a vertical element to the space.

Spectacular views of Lake Mendota and the State Capitol building dominate the outdoor terraces on the thirteenth floor where the main gathering space is defined by custom designed precast concrete planters with integral LED lighting, custom designed benches and planters with integrated trellises.  

The project received numerous accolades and recognition, including a Commercial Design Award for “Best New Mix-Use Development” from In Business Magazine.

Saiki Design worked closely with Engberg Anderson Architects and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to design a cohesive new suite-style residence hall and food service facility in the Lakeshore Neighborhood.  Saiki Design played a leading role in designing the 28,362 square foot extensive green roof which included decorative stone ballast, precast concrete pavers and diverse plantings with growing media depths that  ranged from 6-inches to 8-inches.  

The design team approached the design of the green roof by dividing the plantable area into five zones based on the growing media depth, sun/shade aspect and desired aesthetic.  A custom list of sedum and perennial species was then developed for each of the five zones based on the specific challenges of each microclimate.  Pre-grown sedum mats were delivered to the site, rolled out and anchored in place while perennials were carefully laid out and planted through the sedum mats and into the growing media below.  The 22,275 square feet of sedum mats form the backbone of the green roof’s planting design while the perennial plants add texture, color and height variation.

The green roof is visually accessible from interior conference rooms and resident living spaces.  The successful project is yet another example of the University’s commitment to sustainability and desire to provide meaningful connection between campus living and the core values of the institution.

Photo credits:  Lisa J. Pearson, ASLA

Saiki Design worked with Bray Architects and representatives from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire to create a gathering and event space on the roof of the UW Eau Claire Student Center.  The design integrated a semi-intensive green roof system with pedestal pavers to expose visitors to a unique outdoor leisure and learning environment.

The 5,500 square foot green roof was integrated into the architectural design to moderate building temperatures and stage stormwater before discharging into the nearby Little Niagara watershed.  Perennial plants such as prickly pear cactus, ornamental chives, and native grasses were planted through a sedum mat into 5” to 9” of growing medium.  

The design sought to engage students in sustainable construction and offer fantastic views of UW Eau Claire’s lower campus.  Saiki Design led the conceptual design which drew on imagery from the ebb & flow of water in the adjacent Little Niagara Creek and nearby Chippewa River.  Saiki Design was also responsible for the overall roof layout, planting design, and detailing of the pedestal paver system and cast-in-place concrete edge restraints.

Saiki Design worked closely with Dorschner Associates, Sasaki Associates and representatives from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to develop site planning, design and construction documents for the School of Human Ecology Addition and Renovation.   A significant component of the project was the Nancy Nicholas Hall addition which added 200,000 square feet to the existing School of Human Ecology (SoHE) building and included a green roof that serves as a unique gathering space with views of Henry Mall and West Campus.

The design team collaborated to select timeless, durable materials that reflect the rich character of the building.  Ipe decking, granite pavers and custom wooden benches and pergola make up the terrace’s framework while lushly planted parapet walls and checkered squares of sedum soften the perimeter of the space.  Ken Saiki Design was responsible for planting and landscape materials selection for the green roof.  

The project achieved LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council.

The Madison Engineering Service Building (MESB) is one of the City’s first sustainable buildings.  Saiki Design provided design and construction services for site and landscape design for the entire site and green roof areas.  Both extensive and intensive green roofs were included in the building design and integrated into the site’s stormwater management strategy.  On the ground, rain gardens collect and treat parking lot runoff for gray water use.  Saiki Design also assisted the city with landscape recommendations for the new salt storage building at the same site.