Lush landscaping for ultimate indoor-outdoor living

By Meghann Finn Sepulveda

Many Valley condominium developers are incorporating lush landscaping and garden spaces into urban property designs to give residents the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and take full advantage of the beautiful Arizona weather.

Urban living

Condominium communities like Contour on Campbell, developed by LIV URBN and located in the heart of Phoenix in the Biltmore District, are offering residents more livable outdoor space.he 111-unit condominium project recently launched their Garden Collection, featuring expansive private patios. “these 27 units are situated on the elevated first floor of the four-story building,” said Nikki Erbele, director of acquisitions and development at LIV URBN. “The outdoor patios range in size between 400 and 650 square-feet.” Erbele says the Garden Collection has been very well-received among prospective buyers. “Phoenicians like to be outside interacting with their neighbors,” she explained. “This now allows them more space to do so.” During the development stage, Contour on Campbell worked closely with local landscape designer Creative Environments to offer outdoor patio options that include built-in kitchens, fireplaces, water features and custom planters. Other property amenities include a clubhouse, resort-style pool, fitness center, a rooftop terrace and lounge as well as a pet washing and grooming station.

Park-like spaces

At Optima Kierland, a luxury condominium community in North Scottsdale which is set to be completed this month, residents can enjoy 5.5 acres of lush landscaping, including courtyards, a sun-deck and a dog park. “We offer a unique vertical landscape design system that features hanging vines, indigenous plants and other vegetation that grow upward on the terraces to not only offer privacy but [also to] provide shade from the sun and create cooler temperatures,” said David Hovey Jr., president of Optima. “Although we are in an urban setting, we value the importance of usable outdoor space.” he high-rise condominium project features underground parking to allow more room for tranquil desert landscaping, including a protected public pedestrian walkway at the surface level. “We feel this design is similar to a community park which is a nice benefit not only for our residents but [also for] the surrounding neighbors who can also appreciate the space,” Hovey said.