Background //  In 2021, the homeowners reached out to Open Envelope Studio to see if we were a good fit for their landscape overhaul, which primarily focused on the addition of a pool and covered porch. The clients loved both their neighborhood and home, but as appreciators of design, they had always envisioned a more thoughtful landscape. We immediately felt that the project had the potential to be special. The clients’ excitement was infectious and their goals were concise while leaving room for discovery. We felt our knowledge as a multidisciplinary design firm aligned well with the brief’s equal emphasis on landscape and architecture. 

Concept // The design process distilled the core concept down to three distinct spaces: a relaxation space, cradled into the slope, that facilitates quiet connection with nature and with others; a pool space that draws the eye outward from the house and gives the clients a chance to slow down and counterbalance their demanding work lives; lastly, a communal dining area that acts both as a sheltered space for congregation and central hub for the various pathways. 

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Challenges // Making the pergola, decking, and pool work in the Critical Root Zones of these protected trees plus impervious coverage limitations really was like threading a needle! We're so pleased that we were able to be creative with bar grate connections between the decks and light wells in the pergola roof, which allows a finger of greenery to frame the spaces. 

Experience // The development of the concept was unified by the desire to create a respite from the stimulation and pace of day-to-day life. A subdued color pallete was chosen to brighten the space and allow the homeowners to perceive the subtler experiences provided by nature. A light well, initially conceived as a solution to impervious coverage restrictions, evolved into both a vehicle for dynamic experience as the sun moves and a means to allow light deeper into the space. The roof opening creates a framed view of the live oak canopy above, heightening the appreciation of the mature and complex network of branches. As much thought as we put into what views we wanted to celebrate, we placed equal importance  on the elements we wanted to be shielded from. The roof height limits exposure to the uphill neighbor while a slatted steel screen severs the site lines of the home next door. The product of this purposeful disconnect is a sense that the space is in its own hidden world. From the gates and fence to the tiny firefly lights in the trees, every aspect of the project was considered on whether or not it supported the envisioned experience. Our designs start out as a concept for experiencing big and small moments, so we love hearing from our clients that we have indeed made spaces for taking a  breather after a long week, celebrating birthday parties and anniversaries, mourning losses, enjoying friendships, and creating core memories. 

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TLDR // This project was built in two phases, starting with the front yard while we went through the permitting process and pool construction. The front yard already had some existing steel retaining and planters. We added steps down to the street for slightly easier access to the front yard, as well as a handrail. Plants, new gravel, and landscape lighting freshen it all up for some curb appeal.The backyard was the heart of the project, and was a complete overhaul from living spaces to pool to fencing.