A steep hillside separated the parking area from the guest house. We transformed the climb into a comfortable, sculptural sequence of terraces, stairs, and planting.
Rather than impose right angles on the hillside, curved walls trace the site's natural contours, creating a setting for ornamental grasses that catch the wind and evening light.
Clients asked for just a single flower bed in a sea of grasses. The wildness of the planting contrasts well with the crisp edges of the architecture.
Carefully positioned to enrich both the entry and the view from the kitchen, the custom fountain attracts a steady stream of local birds, delighting the homeowners each morning.
Although surrounded on three sides by vineyards, the existing landscape was largely screened from its surroundings. We opened up views throughout the site, reconnecting the property to the wider landscape.
To appreciate the vineyard views even more, we counseled our client to replace the vertical pickets on their railings with nearly-invisible cable wire.
We replaced hedges with a low seatwall, so guests can enjoy the views from the new bocce court and firepits.
We reconfigured the spa deck, adding a terrace to connect it better to the pool patio.
Transparent fencing frames uninterrupted vineyard views while quietly distinguishing the cultivated garden from the working landscape beyond.
A new deck unites the house and guest house, transforming two disconnected buildings into a cohesive property. The curve of the patio echoes the surrounding orchard and fescue meadow.
Because neither dwelling could comfortably host larger gatherings, we designed the outdoor living space as the social heart of the property.
A custom wood screen conceals laundry and powder room doors, simplifying the arrival sequence and allowing the front entry to become the home's primary architectural focus.
Beyond the orchard, a fenced production garden and kitchen herb garden extend the productive landscape, providing fresh produce across three seasons.
Reclaimed eucalyptus benches throughout the property offer places to pause and take in the pastoral views.
What began as an entry renovation expanded into a comprehensive site redesign, including custom detailing of a permeable driveway system for the site’s significant slope.
The deck was shaped to echo the existing rear yard’s curvilinear brick walls, creating a composition that lends a contemporary sensibility to the home’s traditional architecture.
The front garden offered beautiful views but nowhere to enjoy them. We transformed an overlooked planting bed into a rustic patio that has become one of the property's favorite destinations.
Patience and thoughtfulness have gotten this Los Altos garden to thrive in the endemic serpentine soil, which is toxic to many plants.
Our clients wanted to extend their Chihuly-inspired art glass collection into the garden so we designed and commissioned garden sculptures that do just that.
What was once an unsightly above-ground hot tub now sits on a deck surrounded by planting beds and stone walls—creating an inviting garden destination beneath the property’s towering redwood.
