Process

Entrance

The existing condition of the entrance felt miniature and insignificant in contrast to the brutalist proportions of the house. We proposed using oversized, custom planter boxes as a formal gesture, which would make the entrance inviting while simultaneously connecting the vast landscape to the monumental architecture.

South Patio

We were asked to create multiple large gathering spaces on the patio that were comfortable and elegant, while being protected from the strong onshore winds, which posed a major problem for entertaining in this area. We proposed an extension of the existing pergola, which created bilateral enclaves adjacent to the house.

West Transition

This space divides the patio from what was the main lawn, a large flat pad (approx. 10,000 sqft of turf). The onshore winds would roll up onto the mesa, upon which the house sits, and relentlessly bombard the structure. The idea here was to use green walls, or hedge, as a method to mitigate the presence of the wind near the house. The layers of hedge would also enable a transition between the domestic space of the house and the agrarian space of the vineyard and ranch.

Bedroom Enclave

With two entrances linking the inside of the master bedroom to the exterior, it was surprising that this space was also engulfed in yet another massive expanse of turf. The client desired to extend the interior space of the bedroom outside, onto an inhabitable surface. We proposed a large wood deck, surrounded by a hedge to create privacy, and protection against the wind. With some fabulous outdoor furniture - like this teak Louis Soleil set - and modern accessories - like this mid-century fireplace - the space becomes cozy and luxurious.

Olive Alley

This was a very large lawn, which was unused, barren, and windy. Adding mature trees in this space would strongly reduce the wind near the house. It also gave us the opportunity to create a place with many amenities: beautiful allees to stroll through, a canopy of silver foliage under which to dine, or a shady place to sit quietly and read. We had a very limited amount of time to actualize this garden, from design to construction, so we could only develop so many spaces. By creating the two open lawns, it allowed us to integrate ornamental grasses which the client has had planted in many other parts of the ranch. It also gave the client the opportunity, and space, to create a botanical garden in the future.

Upper Lawn

The client still wanted to retain some lawn for children and Grandchildren to play on. We used the hedge to separate the activities of the turf from those of the hardscape. We framed entrances onto the lawn with large boxwood obelisks, echoing the peaks of the mountains in the distance.

East Patio

The client wanted a vine-covered pergola. Prefab was considered, but ruled out because of the 10 foot high doors. In deference to the architecture of the house, we appropriated the columns and architraves framing the doors, retrofitting them to create the desired space.

Slope

We were asked to create a pathway, which would connect the house to the reservoir/lake several hundred yards away. Taking cues from Agnelli and Monet, we created a long pathway flanked generously with nasturtiums, resplendent in hot reds and bold oranges. Bleeding out from the edge of the pathway is a naturalistic grass meadow, woven through with knipofias, bulbines, crocosmias, verbascums, poppies, and other seasonal accents to carry the color-scheme through.