Project Info
Schmidt Design Group, Inc. collaborated with owner Greg Koch and Architect Andy Kjellberg to design the hardscape, landscape and irrigation for outdoor seating and beer gardens at this popular restaurant and craft brewery in North San Diego County. Most of the one-acre of gardens are within a stormwater detention basin. The basin, which provides water quality improvements for the runoff through bioremediation and phytoremediation, has become a beautiful site amenity for visitors. The whole site takes advantage of Low Impact Development, low-water irrigation, as well as other water-conservation methods, native plantings, edible landscaping, the creative use of the detention basin as a focal point, and the use of reused and salvaged materials. The planting palette is intentionally eclectic, including wetland species and edible plants, but is grounded in regionally appropriate species. The significance of the project comes from the surprising connection that visitors have the experience of this unique outdoor environment, not realizing that it is a regional resource providing stormwater and water quality improvements.
In 2012, the project achieved Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) certification. SITES is the first national rating system for sustainable landscapes with or without a building and Stone Brewing Co. World Bistro & Gardens is one of the first sites worldwide to attain the certification through the SITES pilot program.
Awards
- People’s Choice Orchid Award, Orchids and Onions Public Awareness Program
- President's Award, American Society of Landscape Architects, San Diego Chapter