design studio, etc.
Before and After
Los Altos Hills Residence
(Click images to expand)
Before. Note center Oak tree.
After, same view.
This hillside held striking views and amazing potential. Our responsibility was to respect the natural beauty while creating an inviting, livable space. We conceived this infinity edge pool, spa, patios, walls, trellis and gardens to make it work.
North Los Altos Hills Residence
Before
After
Originally this steep rear yard offered only a 10' wide deck just outside the kitchen, enlarge photo to view it in upper right corner. Our careful layout with extensive terracing provides multiple outdoor rooms with an infinity edge pool, patios, planters, BBQ, fireplace and play areas comfortably nestled into the hillside.
Upper level patio and stairs
Front entry, before
Front entry, after
This front yard was dominated by a driveway with excess paving. We sculpted it back to greatly increase the gardens while retaining a serviceable size and shape. A heavy, craftsman style trellis with extensive custom iron work softens the wall on the left and delineates the entryway.
Palo Alto Residence
Side yard driveway, before
Side yard driveway, after
This driveway spanned from fence to house, and was prominent from several rooms and the rear garden. Given the restriction of the narrow area, we could safely use runners instead of full-width paving, greatly reducing the hard-surfaces and adding garden area.San Mateo Residence
Before
After
This lovely home lacked a gracious entry in keeping with it's elegant architecture. The Clients wanted usable space from which to enjoy their gardens and neighborhood. We terraced the gradual slope to provide interest while a small patio with fountain offers structure and an inviting focal point.
Rear yard, before
Rear yard, after
The existing sloping lawn sent errant soccer balls under the deck. We re-graded, added low retaining walls and the patio in the foreground along with low stone planters for structural interest.Woodside Residence
Front entry, before
Front entry, after
The driveway on this beautifully wooded site came almost to the house, leaving little room for an inviting entry garden while the front path was crowded by an old wood wall. By relocating the driveway further up the hillside, we reclaimed space for a generous front garden. A curving stair from the guest parking sweeps down through the gardens past a waterfall and small pond at the front porch.
View from front door, before
View from front door, after
An unrealized hillside becomes an elegant entry garden. The curving stairway descends from the new upper parking area around the waterfall and pond (on right) to the front door. Note the center pine tree on left side of photos for reference.
Rear yard, before
Rear gardens, after
Burdened by a dilapidated deck and awkward elevation changes dividing the area, we created terraced patios joined with stone steps and planters and accented with a small waterfall.Saratoga Hills Residence
Rear yard, before
After
The traditional '60's - '70's era pool with brick planter and junipers connected to the house via a quick, underwhelming stairway. Despite all the paving there was little usable space for gathering. We divided the area into a series of interrelated outdoor 'rooms' at various levels that provide generous space and interest but retain intimacy.Los Altos Residence
This front yard on a cul-de-sac lacked an inviting pedestrian entry, and the garden was relegated to a narrow border around the lawn. We added a low stone wall and entry garden at the street. The arbor at the street signals ‘welcome’ to visitors, who now stroll through the garden, wall and lawn on their way to the front door.Palo Alto Swimming pool
Uhhg. This pool dominated the rear yard, and despite the relentless paving there was little usable space for gathering. We actually filled-in the pool in three locations, which allowed us to bump the deck away from the house and provide much-needed planters. We also prioritized the paving layout so it's path-sized where it serves as a path, but generous where necessary for tables, chairs, etc. The net result is no increase in paving area, but greatly increased functionality.Los Altos Hills Front Entry
This contemporary residence lacked a gracious front entry and had an awkwardly proportioned front porch. We gave the porch new post details and finishes and brought the steps further out into the garden, away from the garage. Generous stone steps and terracing create a welcoming entrance through the garden.
Cupertino whole-house remodel and gardens
This ranch house had an entry crowded into a dark corner. We gave the house a new entry porch that welcomes visitors with a walk through a lovely garden. Stone details in the garden connect it to the architecture of the house.
