Valley Home

This ranch house extension with a split level addition was all about taking advantage of views, sun exposure and utilizing every opportunity for enhanced indoor outdoor living.

The landscape design is a succession of exterior spaces that connects a multi-level home with a guest house and gym below without excessive earthwork. A long pool creates a mid-level gathering space, while a firepit terrace and indoor/outdoor counter are sited at the same level as the floor of the house. This grade change in the middle of the backyard created an opportunity for a fountain wall that spills into the pool and showcases the locally-made blue tile, a color that repeats itself throughout the project.

From the pool terrace, stone paving and concrete stairs run along the existing grade down to the dining terrace off the lower level of the split level addition. The steel frame and wood tread stairs float above the existing grade and continue down from the dining terrace to the existing ADU.

The result is a landscape that enhances the interior spaces with views and connections. The landscape's respect for the existing grades allows for easy circulation and blends the transition from manmade to natural.