Overview

Aria is an upscale, mixed-use residential community near the Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Sandy Springs, GA. Embodying the principles of New Urbanism, this neighborhood features remarkable common spaces and amenities designed by Ironwood Design Group, including a captivating driveway entrance curving around a serene natural pond.

Approach

Ironwood Design Group has artfully enhanced Aria’s elegant Tudor architecture and pedestrian-friendly environment with a unifying landscape palette. The pedestrian paths, thoughtfully distanced from the road, feature cozy seating nooks nestled into the lush greenery. Selective grading ensures the pedestrian bridge blocks road traffic noise, creating a serene and peaceful walking experience.

The entrance road is lined with European hornbeams, boxwoods, creamy hydrangeas, and seasonal color beds. Visitors drive over an elegant vehicular bridge, leading their eyes toward the Tudor gables of Aria’s residential towers and the glittering natural lake. Cobblestones replace pavement as the architecture comes into view, enhancing the dramatic entrance. This entryway also connects to public nature trails.

The pool amenities area features a high-end, contemporary design that gradually blends into the natural landscape. Inspired by a nearby waterfall, a graded series of pools transitions from a formal pool to natural flowing water. 

Ironwood selected classic patio furniture and pool fixtures to reinforce Aria’s European aesthetic. In collaboration with architectural design firms, Ironwood created a stunning visual effect through the community clubhouse, featuring glass walls that offer views of the sunken amenity area from above.

Ironwood has ensured design continuity across the project through a collaborative design approach with multiple partners. This inclusive approach has resulted in a unified design with grandeur elements that enhance the Aria community’s livability, making every stakeholder feel valued and involved.

 

“We focused on the thematic design package of our partners to ensure consistency with the original vision,” says Sam Sampson, Partner