Merit Award
San Anselmo Residence
San Anselmo, CA
Landscape Architect: Ron Lutsko Jr.
A couple seeking their dream place to build their retirement home discovered this 1/3 acre hilltop site in San Anselmo, California with dramatic views of Mount Tamalpais to the south and tree-covered hills to the north and east. The design team sought to maximize the mountain and hilltop views while minimizing neighbor sight lines, creating a secluded retreat within a populated suburban context. The architecture carefully frames views and expands into exterior terraces for indoor/outdoor living and entertaining. Sculptural landscape
elements of stair and plants play off the boldness of the architecture. Honoring mature existing oak trees that frame wooded views, and embracing a water wise philosophy with cactus and other drought tolerant plants, the planting design is a playful contrast to a lush northern California hillside and its arid counterpart.
