Illinois
Plano
Centennial Elementary School
Growing Tomorrow's World Labyrinth
Design collaboration with Sue Anne Foster
As
the centerpiece of the central courtyard at Centennial Elementary School,
this magnificent classical labyrinth is based on a drawing entitled “The
Healing Tree,” by Sue Ann Foster. Working in
collaboration with Centennial’s staff, Marty modified the drawing to
accommodate the site and the needs of the school community.
The labyrinth features a number of innovative components. The flagstone
and granite entryway forms the trunk of the Healing Tree; its perfectly
round canopy measures 30 feet in diameter. The crushed red granite path
is 18 inches wide – large enough to accommodate group walks – and
extends a total of 750 feet in length. The path boundaries are outlined
with hand-painted paving stones designed by Centennial students. The
center is crafted of hand-sculpted blue and green pavers in the image
of the Earth. When not in use, the labyrinth becomes a decorative background
and conversation piece for ceremonies and other events that take place
in this multipurpose space.
Our family had a wonderful experience creating
the Growing Tomorrow’s World Labyrinth with the staff, students,
and parents at Centennial Elementary School, where Marty and our daughters,
Brittany and Chloe, attended school.
We wanted to put our time and energy into this project because we feel
so blessed to be on this labyrinth-creating journey. We feel truly honored
to be a part of something that is much bigger than ourselves, and the
opportunity to give back to the greater good felt right to us. But most
of all, we did this because we believe that children are the future and
that they are always a good investment.
Please visit the Spirit of the Labyrinth section of our website to read
the entire story about the creation of the Growing Tomorrow's World Labyrinth.
Plano
Dancing Lady Labyrinth, Private Residence
(Photo by Jeff Saward)
When
our business began to change its focus from commercial to spiritual ventures,
we decided that we needed to create a labyrinth in our yard to walk
on a regular basis. We set out to create a design that would fit our
lovely wooded lot, and we came up with the Dancing Lady Labyrinth.
At that time, Marty was experimenting with different materials to create
a variety of textures for his stone sculptures. We both wanted a natural
look for the labyrinth, so we chose to use solid granite boulders for
the path boundaries, softened by mulch-lined paths and planting beds.
Those who walk her paths find the Dancing Lady to be both gentle and
nurturing. She measures 39 feet in diameter, and the path is 20 inches
wide. The design features a female shape – an angel or a goddess – whose
hair and arms form the 5 circuits of the labyrinth. Debi filled in the
space
between the boulders with soil to create planting beds. The garden
changes with the seasons, and it is always a haven of peace and beauty
that connects us to the Earth. In the spring, Debi plants the Dancing
Lady’s body with pansies; in the summer, impatiens; and in the
fall, hardy mums. To us, it’s beautiful all year round, even in
the snow. Most people like to walk the labyrinth during the daytime,
but there’s something extra special
about dancing with the lady at night…
Plano
The Homestead B&B, Labyrinth and Hedge Maze
Design collaboration with Jeff Saward
The
Lewis Steward House, commonly called “The Homestead,” was
built in 1854 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Architecturally patterned on the picturesque Italian county cottages
that are reminiscent of rural Tuscan villas, the house was expanded in
the early 1860s and again in the late 1870s. It remained in the Steward
family until 1954. The home sat vacant for three years, until Dr. Stefen
Wojtowycz and his wife Olena purchased the home and modernized it for
the late 1950s.
Langguth Design Ltd. purchased The Homestead in May 2003 and renovated
the house to be used as a bed and breakfast, a decorator’s show
house, and a special event facility for intimate weddings, family gatherings,
corporate meetings and retreats. The two-acre estate is unique in that
it features an outdoor sculpture gallery and a labyrinth surrounded by
a beautiful planted hedge maze.
The labyrinth is created with buff lines, the path pavers are a red/brown blend. The guests stand on the charcoal perimeter as the bride and groom are in the center of the labyrinth, facilitating a "wedding in the round." The labyrinth is a 5-circuit original design by Jeff.
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