Marin Headlands in the Round

N/A

Eric Blasen, Lead Landscape Architect
Silvina Blasen, Landscape Architect
Nate Dunham, Landscape Architect
Macey Jiang, Landscape Architect
Emily Stegner-Schwartz, Interior Designer
Devlin McNally, General Contractor

Marin Headlands in the Round is a historic restoration of the iconic Round House, designed by architect Mario Corbett in 1954 and originally landscaped by Eckbo, Royston & Williams. Perched atop a Sausalito ridge overlooking the Golden Gate, the clients sought to revive the mid-century garden for contemporary living. The landscape architect led a sensitive restoration, reestablishing the home’s curvilinear geometry, improving circulation, and connecting the site to its dramatic natural setting-creating a timeless garden that floats among the clouds. 

History Marin Headlands in the Round tells the story of the historic restoration of an iconic 1954 round home by Mario Corbett, located atop a Sausalito ridge with 180–degree views of San Francisco Bay. The original garden, designed by Eckbo, Royston & Williams, had long disappeared -overgrown with invasive plants, unsafe, and disconnected from the architecture and surrounding landscape. The clients, both architectural enthusiasts, were drawn to the home’s sculptural mid- century form and wanted to honor its legacy while making it more livable, functional, and resilient. 

Intent The landscape architect’s vision was to modernize the garden while reinterpreting the original design—circular geometry, seamless indoor–outdoor flow, and strong connections to the natural context. The goal was to distill the purity of the home’s geometry into a landscape that felt effortless and timeless. 

Circulation Impervious surfaces are reduced by replacing the original concrete auto court with gravel, allowing rainwater infiltration and a more natural arrival. A carport had distorted the house’s geometry and made the main entry confusing. Removing this structure restored the clean circular form and allowed a direct, cohesive entry. A low wall and cast-concrete fountain define a new entry sequence with sculptural simplicity. Circulation now continues fluidly around the house. Along the sides, poured concrete was reimagined as large, individual pavers with gravel joints to enhance permeability and integrate greenery. A round wooden hot tub and compact deck were tucked into a sheltered location for privacy and sweeping views of the bay. 

Connection to the Land The original rear patio was unsafe, with an abrupt eight-foot drop. The new design enlarges this space into a limestone–paved terrace with broad stairs connecting to a second circular patio below. Both are enclosed by discreet guardrails concealed within low planters, maintaining uninterrupted vistas while ensuring safety. A custom water feature on the lower terrace provides soothing sound that masks freeway noise. The result is a landscape of concentric terraces that seem to float among the clouds-echoing the form and spirit of the Round House. 

Plants and Ecology Plantings reinforce the geometry of the site while embracing coastal resilience and fire safety. The palette was chosen for sculptural form, low water use, and wind tolerance. Trees provide protection from coastal winds while preserving the home’s sweeping views. These species are compatible with the surrounding coastal ecosystem-enhancing biodiversity while reducing resource use. 

Stewardship The design restores ecological balance through reduced impervious coverage, improved stormwater infiltration, and use of local, durable materials. Sensitive grading stabilized eroded slopes and reconnected the home to its natural terrain. The project improves fire safety through plant selection and spacing, creating a defensible yet lush environment. 

Conclusion Marin Headlands in the Round celebrates the transformative power of landscape design to restore, renew, and reinterpret a mid-century landmark. The project honors the purity of original design principles while transforming the site into a functional, contemporary retreat. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Marin Headlands, this garden reestablishes a deep connection between architecture, landscape, and the timeless experience of living among the clouds.