Garvies Point is a vibrant and active mixed-use community nestled into Hempstead Harbor in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York. The large-scale development features LEED-certified residential buildings, restored wetlands, an ecology pier, marinas, ferry service to Manhattan, and 28 rolling acres of public outdoor space.  NYC-based landscape architecture firm MPFP’s design plan blends open lawns and natural plantings with programmed spaces, including an amphitheater, playground, and dog park. This variety of amenities dotted throughout lushly manicured green space is part of the vision of developer RXR Realty and the City of Glen Cove to make the Garvies Point waterfront a hub of active outdoor living that’s accessible to all.

MPFP sought out Landscape Forms’ Studio 431 custom division to create some of the site’s signature outdoor elements, including large-format metal pergolas and modern cast concrete chess tables with matching stools. Other features key to the charming character of Garvies Point include undulating custom benches and stylized, curvilinear lounge seating, an MPFP-branded element manufactured by Studio 431.

Notable for Garvies Point is the breadth of textures and materials specified for each of its custom products, a design choice that reflects MPFP’s goal to blend a range of landscapes, activities and unique outdoor experiences. “Garvies Point showcases Studio 431’s expertise in working with a variety of materials,” says Studio 431 Project Manager Emily Lonsbury. “The custom elements are made of cast concrete, stainless steel, aluminum, metal tubing, fabric, and wood. We have engineers who specialize in each of these materials, and our familiarity with a range of materials was critical to the success of this project.”

Standing tall among the site’s custom elements is an iconic shade structure prominently located right at the entrance to the pier. The complex structure, which employed the full engineering know-how of Studio 431, is constructed of stainless-steel columns and a fabric roof, and features multiple angles, shapes, and elevations — “nothing parallel to the ground” as described by Studio 431 Engineering Group Lead Jim Hargrove. MPFP wanted the shade structure to have a refined and elegant presence. In particular, the firm did not want to expose any hardware that attached the fabric to the metal tubes. The Studio 431 team devised a solution that wrapped the fabric around the tubes and then secured them with lace ties. This solution achieved the streamlined appearance stipulated by MPFP while also taking into consideration ease of maintenance and disassembly.

All throughout Garvies Point, the fusion of different landscapes and alfresco experiences, accentuated by thoughtful design details in myriad textures, materials and forms, creates a dynamic destination that welcomes outdoors lovers of all types.

Published on December 20, 2022