The Harvard Children's Care Center, located in Boston, Massachusetts, was completed in 2018 with the use of Black Locust Lumber's durable posts. This project focused on creating a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment for children, utilizing the strength and natural beauty of Black Locust.
Kaplan Construction
Founded in 1976 by Ken and Cathy Kaplan, the firm provides comprehensive building programs including preconstruction planning, construction management, design-build services, and general construction.
G2 Collaborative
G2 Collaborative is a creative landscape architecture firm based in Waltham, Massachusetts. Known for their integration of environmentally smart technologies and meaningful, compelling landscape designs, G2 Collaborative is committed to sustainable and innovative solutions.
Project Name: Harvard Children's Care Center
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Year: 2018
Architect: Kang Associates
Landscape Architect: G2CLA
Firm (Contractor): Kaplan Construction
Product Used: Black Locust Palisades
The Harvard Children’s Care Center in Boston, Massachusetts, represents a thoughtful integration of architecture, landscape design, and durable natural materials that come together to create a nurturing, safe, and inspiring space for children. Completed in 2018, this project is a collaborative achievement between Kang Associates, G2CLA as the landscape architect, and Kaplan Construction as the general contractor. One of the most distinctive features of the site is the extensive use of palisades crafted from black locust wood, supplied by Black Locust Lumber. These palisades not only define and protect the play spaces but also serve as a visual and tactile element that harmonizes the built environment with the natural world. From the beginning, the project was envisioned as a space where children could feel secure and at ease while also engaging with their surroundings. The use of black locust lumber was central to achieving this vision. Known for its exceptional strength, rot resistance, and longevity, black locust wood has historically been used for applications where durability is critical, from shipbuilding to outdoor decking. At the Harvard Children’s Care Center, these qualities were harnessed to create black locust palisades that provide both functional safety barriers and sculptural design elements. The result is a landscape that is both practical and beautiful, where children can play and explore freely within a secure boundary. The design of the palisades goes beyond simple function. Instead of opting for standard fencing materials such as metal or pressure-treated lumber, the team chose black locust for its environmental and aesthetic advantages. Black locust lumber is a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods, offering a naturally rot-resistant option that does not require chemical treatments or preservatives. This made it an ideal material for a project centered on children’s well-being, as it avoids exposure to potentially harmful substances while still delivering unmatched durability. The warm hues and organic texture of black locust wood also soften the landscape, making the play areas feel more inviting and integrated into their surroundings. Kang Associates and G2CLA designed the layout of the play spaces with careful attention to the experience of children. The palisades form gentle curves and structured edges, guiding movement while also allowing visual openness so caregivers can supervise easily. The natural variation in the black locust wood posts adds character and richness to the design, emphasizing that this is not just a play area, but an environment crafted with care and attention to detail. The overall effect is one of warmth, security, and natural harmony, making the Harvard Children’s Care Center a standout example of how thoughtful material selection can enhance both form and function. The use of black locust lumber in this project also aligns with Harvard’s broader commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Black locust is one of the few domestically grown hardwoods that rivals tropical species in terms of durability. By using it for the palisades, the project avoided the environmental costs associated with importing exotic woods and reduced reliance on chemically treated materials. This choice not only ensured the longevity of the installation but also reflected a commitment to creating a healthier future for the children who use the space every day. The project has been recognized for its success in design and execution. In 2019, the Harvard Children’s Care Center project received recognition from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects (BSLA), highlighting the innovative use of sustainable materials and the integration of child-centered design principles. Press coverage of the project has emphasized its role as a model for how urban institutions can incorporate natural materials like black locust lumber into spaces that serve the most vulnerable members of the community. The palisades, though seemingly simple elements, carry a profound symbolic meaning in this project. They represent both protection and openness, reflecting the dual needs of children: safety and freedom. Constructed from black locust wood, they stand as a testament to the endurance and resilience of natural materials when used thoughtfully in modern design. For the children and families who visit the Harvard Children’s Care Center, these features create a welcoming, secure environment that nurtures growth and exploration. In summary, the Harvard Children’s Care Center project demonstrates how palisades made from black locust wood can transform a landscape into a safe, sustainable, and aesthetically rich environment. Through the expertise of Kang Associates, G2CLA, and Kaplan Construction, and with the support of Black Locust Lumber’s high-quality materials, the project sets a standard for child-centered design. It stands as an example of how architectural and landscape design can intersect with ecological responsibility, proving that the choice of materials is as important as the design itself. By using black locust lumber palisades, the Harvard Children’s Care Center achieved not only functional excellence but also a lasting legacy of environmental and social care.
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