Wood, Water and Stone

N/A

Dave Roche, Lead Landscape Architect

Salvador Davila, Project Manager, Landscape Architect

Nancy Roche, Horticulturist, Owner/Principal

Covell Architecture, Architect

Erin Martin Design, Interior Design

Frank Borges, JR., Builder

This modern residential compound demonstrates the refined use of reclaimed materials, custom fabrication by local artisans, and adaptive reuse. A heritage walnut tree and existing swimming pool established the framework for a design centered on wood, water, and stone. Three new buildings define a central courtyard that serves as both entry sequence and primary viewshed. Collaborating with local artisans, the design team integrated salvaged wood into decks, steps, seating, interior furnishings, and architectural veneers. A custom vertical water feature-constructed from repurposed Eucalyptus log surfaces—celebrates texture, weathering, and craftsmanship. 

The story of this contemporary compound and its serene courtyards is a story of wood, water, and stone, and those who craft them. The clients were looking for a contemplative, relaxing setting for their living, working, exercise and entertainment spaces. The level 1/3-acre parcel on a quiet cul-de-sac, the property is dominated by a heritage Walnut tree with a 70-foot canopy. This tree and the existing swimming pool were the two existing features that were lovingly retained, and became organizing elements as well as setting the themes of wood and water. 

The Residence faces north, with the detached garage and Yoga Barn set at right angles, creating a central courtyard facing north toward the street. The courtyard acts as viewshed for the Residence great room and main dining and living deck, as well as the arrival procession for guests. Beyond a quiet entry of plaster walls and wood gate, guests are treated to the cooling effect of moving water, and the shade of Japanese Maples set in meadows of Slender Veldt Grass sprinkled with Japanese Anemone and Showy Milkweed. The Barn separates the pool area from this courtyard, until the doors are opened, connecting the two spaces. 

Acclaimed wood artisan Evan Shively at Arborica was enlisted to provide reclaimed Monterey Cypress decking for the multiple floating decks at the Residence and the Barn. Inspired by seasoned, Eucalyptus logs seen at Arborica’s yard in Marshall, the landscape architect designed a vertical art piece featuring a patchwork of slabs cut from the exterior of the logs, so all would have the amazing texture revealed when the bark was removed. The pieces were mounted to a custom, hidden stainless steel structure, so water tumbles down the face of the slabs into a contemporary water feature planted with Water Lilies, Papyrus, and Cape Pondweed. The vertical element stands against the windowless plaster wall of the garage building, which will gradually be overtaken by Creeping Fig, creating a soft green third wall to the courtyard. Bringing together the thematic elements of wood and water, it serves as the focal point of layered views across the pool, and through the yoga barn when the large doors are retracted, as well as from the Residence and decks. Slabs of reclaimed Eucalyptus serve as seating blocks, as well as the steps up to the floating decks. Fences of horizontal reclaimed Redwood grape stakes provide privacy while referencing the local vineyards. 

Large format Atlas Grey Limestone pavers unify the outdoor spaces, from the gated entry through the courtyard to the front door, and around the remodeled pool. The light grey pavers complement the plaster building walls, and reduce heat gain with their low albedo rating. Maple trees provide shade as part of the low water use planting palette, watered by a greywater-fed smart irrigation system. The rectilinear pool with built-in spa received a new automatic safety cover to reduce evaporation, and new tile and dark interior finish to accentuate the reflected views of the Barn and landscape. 

By applying rigorous restraint to the family of hardscape materials, the landscape serves to pull together the variety of building forms and finishes, while creating distinctive outdoor experiences for the client and their guests. Throughout the compound, the plant palette was chosen for textural interest and simplicity that announces seasonal changes, and encourages relaxation, rumination and ultimately, reinvigoration.