In today’s design walkthrough, we revisit a landscape design challenge in Los Altos, CA. We’ve reviewed the design process in a prior blog on the site, but today we’re excited to take a look at the final, post-construction space. Another Eichler home, we were excited to create an outdoor living space that honored the original architecture while bringing the backyard into the modern day.
Through the introductory design process, we walked the homeowners through a series of 2D and 3D renderings. During these stages, they were able to give us feedback. From tweaking the layout to pinpointing the materials, our clients have a hand in every aspect of the design. When all the fine details were ironed out, the project went into construction. Now, we’re excited to walk through the final project with you, space by space.
Eichler Outdoor Renovation–The Finished Space
Stepping out of the home, the clients immediately walk out onto their brand new concrete patio. This serves as a central point for the homeowners to gather, and holds not only a large dining table, but also their new outdoor furniture. From here, friends and family can gather comfortably while watching guests in the pool or out on the tanning deck.
From here, the clients step down onto their brand new pool deck. Long, rectangular pavers create a sleek, modern line that mimics the long, linear shape of the pool. To the right side, a small tanning deck provides space for a line of lounge chairs. Not only does this create additional seating, but it also helps to break up the visual lines and add some natural materials back into the space.
From the tanning deck, the clients look out over their brand new pool. Long and rectangular, the pool is scaled to fit the space, with a built-in spa in the upper right corner. Here, pool goers can easily transition between the pool and the spa. Both are finished with custom coping and waterline tile. At the far end of the pool, a diving board provides an opportunity for the kids to practice their cannonballs.
Around the yard, outdoor lighting provides ambience, safety, and advanced functionality. From highlighting landscaping to illuminating the pool and pathways, great lighting makes a world of difference. We installed lighting along the lip of the pool, as well as along the raised planters, pathways, and perimeter of the yard.
Stepping up off of the pool deck, the clients progress onto a path of concrete steppers. The homeowners were eager to have some green space to balance out the new patio and tanning deck. To accommodate this, we created a raised lawn on the far side of the yard. Here, the property’s existing trees get a chance to shine while providing natural shade in the space. Around the perimeter, plantings add dimension and visual interest.
As a whole, the finished space is a modern take on classic California design. It’s not every day that we are lucky enough to work with pieces of architectural history. When we do, we want to make sure that every aspect of the space not only serves the homeowners, but also does the home justice. In this Los Altos Eichler landscape design challenge, we think we’ve done just that.
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