barensfeld architecture ramps hilgard garden terrrace in california

The article showcases a custom-built home by Marmol Radziner in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles, listed for $5.89 million. This residence, spanning over 3,110 square feet with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, was constructed in 2010 and recently underwent refinishing. Its design exemplifies California modernism, with a strong emphasis on integrating nature into the living space. A key feature of the property is its surrounding lush botanical gardens, which include towering palms and exotic plants. These natural elements provide privacy and create a serene, secluded atmosphere, making residents feel distanced from the bustling city environment. The house is characterized by its sunlit, open-floor plan and extensive use of floor-to-ceiling windows, designed to maximize views of the surrounding greenery from almost every room. The dining room is strategically placed between two glass walls, offering views of a jetted ozone pool on one side and an outdoor kitchen on the other. The living area features high ceilings with recessed lighting, further enhancing the connection to the outdoors. The chef's kitchen is both spacious and functional, equipped with a Wolf built-in cooktop, ample storage, an oversized island, and custom copper-hued cabinetry. It also offers views of the botanical gardens and includes a leather built-in breakfast nook. The primary suite, located upstairs, presents a moody, minimalist aesthetic. It boasts a wood-paneled, spa-like bathroom with a sunken tub and an expansive walk-in closet. Sliding glass doors in the primary suite open onto an outdoor patio, ensuring continuous visual access to the lush gardens. The outdoor areas are designed for entertaining, featuring an onsen-like bespoke wood hot tub, multiple alfresco lounge spaces, an outdoor kitchen with a wood-fire grill, and weaving garden pathways. Listing agent Desyana Willis of Amalfi Estates highlights that the home's design blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, a hallmark of true California indoor-outdoor living. The property's unique custom design is described as a work of art, seamlessly connecting the backyard with the living room. The home's location is also a notable advantage, being steps away from Abbot Kinney Boulevard, known for its trendy restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and coffee shops. Marmol Radziner, the award-winning architecture firm behind this property, is recognized for its expertise in California modernism and its ability to link homes with nature. The firm's impressive client roster includes public figures such as Tom Ford, Ellen DeGeneres, Bradley Cooper, and Anthony Kiedis. They are also known for their respectful restorations of iconic homes by architects like Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler, including Neutra’s Kaufmann House and Buff & Hensman’s Harvey House in Palm Springs. #LuxuryRealEstate #MarmolRadziner #CaliforniaModernism #VeniceBeach #ArchitecturalDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #BotanicalGardens #LosAngelesHomes

In the northern German town of Bielefeld, a new suburban villa designed by Titus Bernhard Architects presents itself as a sculptural and monolithic stone structure. The project comprises two distinct pitched-roof volumes: a main residence and a separate garage with integrated accommodation. Each volume is meticulously clad in a different type of natural stone, contributing to the dwelling's unique aesthetic and tactile quality. The main house features Dietfurt Dolomite, characterized by its lighter, rough, and textured surfaces, while the garage is finished with Wachenzeller Dolomite, which is polished to a smoother, darker appearance. This deliberate choice of materials and varied finishes creates a striking contrast and depth in the architectural composition. The genesis of this project dates back to 2016, when the clients initiated an architectural competition to select their designer. Titus Bernhard Architects' Augsburg-based studio emerged victorious among five competing firms. The design brief necessitated adherence to local building regulations, specifically mandating a pitched roof for the new structure. Within this seemingly conventional framework, the architects pushed the boundaries of design. They achieved this by employing stone tiles that seamlessly wrap around both the facade and the roof, creating a continuous, sculptural shell. Furthermore, large panes of frameless glass are integrated, abutting the edges of the structure to maintain a minimalist and sophisticated aesthetic. The villa's facade reflects a thoughtful consideration of privacy and openness. The street-facing elevation is relatively enclosed, emphasizing privacy, with the main entrance subtly recessed behind a lush front garden. In contrast, the rear facade is significantly more open, featuring an expansive first-floor terrace accessible from the main bedroom, which also includes a dedicated sitting area. The ground floor's internal layout is functionally divided. A long entrance hall, stairwell, and service space provide circulation and utility, while the primary living areas are arranged in an open-plan configuration. This integrated space encompasses living, sitting, eating, dining, and kitchen zones, all designed to overlook a wraparound stone terrace. Complementing the internal spaces, a covered external seating area adjoins an informal family dining space, with a more formal dining room situated next to a cozy sitting room and a library. Throughout the interior, polished stone floors extend the material narrative from the exterior. Custom-made joinery and pristine white walls define the kitchen, bedrooms, and circulation areas, including a first-floor gallery. A key focus for Bernhard and his team was the meticulous detailing of joints and intersections between disparate surfaces and angles, highlighting the precision of the craftsmanship. Functional elements are discreetly integrated, such as concealed drainage slots at the base of the roof slopes. Flush-mounted rooflights are strategically placed to channel natural daylight, allowing it to cascade through the interior and reach even the basement level, ensuring a well-lit and airy ambiance throughout the subterranean spaces. Titus Bernhard Architekten, established in 1995, has a history of award-winning projects and participation in international events like the Venice Biennales, cementing their reputation for innovative and thoughtful architectural design. #GermanArchitecture #StoneCladVilla #TitusBernhardArchitects #BielefeldHouse #ModernResidential #NaturalStoneDesign #PitchedRoof #ArchitecturalDetailing

The 2025 Sunset Western Home & Design Awards celebrate exceptional landscape design and architecture across the West, highlighting a diverse range of styles from minimalist to maximalist, and from native plant specialists to edible garden enthusiasts. The awards recognize designers and firms that integrate architecture with natural surroundings, focusing on authenticity, sustainability, and innovative outdoor living spaces. This year's featured winners showcase a blend of artistic vision and practical functionality, transforming outdoor areas into extensions of the home. Among the distinguished winners, Lucas & Lucas, based in Northern California, received recognition for "Best Wine Country Wild." This dynamic design duo is celebrated for seamlessly uniting architecture and landscape, creating integrated indoor-outdoor environments. Their projects, which range from contemporary estates to intimate gardens, demonstrate a profound connection to the land and a commitment to regional authenticity, ultimately crafting spaces that epitomize the essence of California living. Inner Gardens, under the leadership of Stephen Block, was awarded for "Best Gold-Standard Garden." Block's visionary approach brings the philosophy of wabi-sabi to life, designing landscapes that embrace natural beauty and deliberate imperfection. His firm is distinguished by its integration of vintage vessels and striking container plantings, merging antique charm with a relaxed West Coast aesthetic. Each garden by Inner Gardens is conceived as a meticulously curated retreat, where timeless design principles meet a deep appreciation for nature, evolving into living works of art that mature gracefully over time. Pine House Edible Gardens, led by Leslie Bennett, earned the title of "Best Kitchen Garden." This firm specializes in converting outdoor areas into verdant, productive landscapes that highlight the aesthetic appeal of edible gardening. Their designs expertly combine visual appeal with practical utility, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. Pine House Edible Gardens develops spaces that foster both physical and spiritual nourishment, embodying the quintessential California garden-to-table lifestyle. Christian Douglas Design was honored for "Best Lush, Layered Landscapes." The firm excels in reimagining outdoor living by thoughtfully incorporating edible gardens into elegant landscape designs. Their "food-forward" methodology marries classical design principles with regenerative agriculture, yielding spaces that are both visually stunning and highly productive. From expansive estates to compact urban courtyards, each project cultivates a profound connection to nature and promotes the pleasure of harvesting homegrown produce, transforming typical gardens into remarkable, sustainable havens. Finally, Appleton Partners, under the creative direction of Marc Appleton, Andrew Scott, and Ken Mineau, received the award for "Best Outdoor Living Room." This firm is renowned for transforming outdoor areas into enduring retreats that meld historical inspiration with contemporary elegance. Their designs feature sun-dappled courtyards and fluid indoor-outdoor transitions, celebrating nature and fashioning deeply personal, comfortable landscapes. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and a client-focused approach, Appleton Partners crafts spaces that are both artistic and inviting, perfectly capturing the West's characteristic casual sophistication. #LandscapeDesign #Architecture #SunsetAwards #CaliforniaLiving #EdibleGardens #SustainableDesign #OutdoorLiving #GardenDesign #HomeDesignAwards

The McDonald family sought a rural Northern California setting in Angwin, a small town within California wine country. They purchased a property primarily for its land, as the existing 1960s ranch house, a stucco box, was characterized by low ceilings, a poor layout, and a significant lack of connection to the outdoors. To transform this dark and uninspiring dwelling into a home that embraced its scenic surroundings, the McDonalds enlisted the expertise of San Francisco-based Lundberg Design. This collaboration was a natural fit, given design principal Olle Lundberg's four-decade friendship with the McDonalds and previous professional engagements. The remodel aimed to address the home's original shortcomings, which included an unremarkable façade, eight-foot ceilings, and only two small windows that failed to capitalize on the picturesque hillside and pond views. Lundberg described the original structure as "one of the plainest structures I’ve ever worked on." The primary objectives were to introduce light and openness into the cramped interior and to forge a stronger connection with the surrounding landscape. To achieve this, the Lundberg team implemented a bidirectional vertical expansion, creating additional living space by dropping the living room floor into an unutilized crawl space, thereby gaining two feet of vertical height. This modification dramatically increased the ceiling height. Perhaps the most impactful design decision was replacing the original hip roof with a gable roof, which allowed for the incorporation of floor-to-ceiling glazing on the entire gabled façade. This architectural change, along with new doors and a terrace, established a previously absent connection to the outdoors, effectively tying the house to its site and enabling residents to fully experience the landscape. Lundberg emphasized that this gesture was crucial in opening the house to the natural environment. To move away from the original stucco exterior, which Lundberg considered "one of my least favorite materials," the team decided to utilize redwood for the revamped exterior. Redwood was chosen for its local availability, affordability, sustainability, and versatility. Humboldt Sawmill, known for its sustainably harvested redwood, supplied several key redwood elements. The stucco was replaced with vertical redwood siding, transforming the exterior into a warm, modern, and inviting facade. A significant design feature, the trellis, integrated redwood beams and columns, providing heat protection while aesthetically blending the built structure with the natural environment. This layering effect enhanced the home's connection to Flin McDonald's landscaping and provided a sense of depth and protection in the warm climate. The interior underwent a complete gut renovation, with the new layout prioritizing public spaces. The kitchen and dining area were centrally located, while the living room and den were strategically placed to benefit from the soaring glazed-end façade. A Finnish soapstone stove, inspired by Lundberg’s Swedish heritage, became a central feature in the public area, serving both as a cooking element and a primary heat source during winter. The primary bathroom, situated at one private end of the house overlooking a hillside, was designed to evoke the sensation of bathing outdoors, enclosed in a glass box. Homeowner Tim McDonald and his son Branden contributed to the project by building many elements themselves, imbuing the residence with a personal touch. Even though their children have since moved out, the house remains a warm and welcoming family gathering place, successfully fulfilling the initial goal of creating a home that softly sits within and deeply connects to its landscape. #ranchHouseRenovation #californiaDesign #sustainableRedwood #indoorOutdoorLiving #lundbergDesign #modernRustic #architecturalTransformation #homeRenovation #humboldtSawmill

A Bloomington, Minnesota, backyard underwent a dramatic transformation, inspired by the midcentury design aesthetic of Palm Springs, California. Homeowners Ayla and Heidi, avid admirers of Palm Springs, collaborated with landscape architect Steve Modrow of biota Landscapes to create a desert oasis in their backyard, bringing the Californian vibe to the Midwest. The project involved a complete overhaul of a previously overgrown yard that lacked sunlight due to numerous trees and was largely covered by a massive deck. The design process, spanning over eight years, aimed to convert the property into a dream resort. Modrow, a native of southern California, understood Ayla's vision, which included creating a unique biome that transports visitors. The redesigned backyard features circular concrete pavers, sparsely planted yucca, prickly pear cacti, Cyntinus shrubs, and thyme, evoking a desert landscape. A key element is an orange-framed door set into a white breeze-block wall, serving as an inviting entrance. Beyond the desert-inspired entrance, a path leads to a hot tub area, uniquely surrounded by faux turf to allow for year-round use, even in Minnesota's cold climate. Behind the hot tub, a Modrian-influenced acrylic-panel wall adds a modern artistic touch, complemented by horsetail grass, which contributes to the midcentury aesthetic. The pool area was also revitalized, with low-growing sumac planted and existing trees thinned and trimmed to create a vertical, sculptural effect. Arcing jets of water and subtle lighting enhance the ambiance in the evenings. For entertainment, an interlocking shuffleboard court was installed on a poured concrete pad, complete with an acrylic panel that functions as a dry-erase scoreboard. This feature caters to Ayla's childhood passion for shuffleboard. The backyard also boasts an updated gazebo, affectionately named “the Pink Flamingo Bar,” and a cheerful yellow-painted wall that serves as a backdrop for decorative items and the couple's collection of cacti from their Palm Springs travels. This vibrant wall extends the playful color scheme throughout the yard, including yellow cushions and seating around a fire pit set in pea gravel. The use of pea gravel around the fire pit offers a soft, squishy surface for barefoot walking, making it comfortable for those coming directly from the pool or hot tub. A hand-troweled concrete pad connects the fire pit area to the glass-walled house, ensuring seamless flow. Locally sourced boulders were strategically placed across the property to reinforce the modern desert aesthetic. The homeowners frequently host gatherings of up to 50 people, emphasizing the social and entertaining aspect of their transformed backyard. The project demonstrates that creating a desert oasis in a non-desert climate like the Midwest is achievable. Modrow ensured that the landscaping included Minnesota-hardy desert plants, blending the desired aesthetic with practical considerations for the local environment. For Ayla and Heidi, the backyard represents a personal oasis, a place to relax and entertain, providing a resort-like experience at home. The ongoing nature of the project, with continuous additions each year, highlights their commitment to evolving and enhancing their unique outdoor living space. #PalmSpringsStyle #BackyardDesign #DesertOasis #MidcenturyModern #OutdoorLiving #LandscapeArchitecture #MinnesotaDesign #BiotaLandscapes #ShuffleboardCourt

This article highlights a remarkable California indoor-outdoor house, dubbed 'Hidden House' and 'Hidden Canyon,' situated in Los Angeles's Mount Washington neighborhood. The residence, which seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings, embodies a timeless L.A. aesthetic, reminiscent of the functional minimalism of the Case Study program and notable for its integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Originally an unremarkable midcentury post-and-beam structure, the house underwent a significant remodel and expansion by Standard Architecture, a firm known for its minimalist designs, under the ownership of filmmaker Laura Gabbert. The design philosophy emphasizes Californian architecture, drawing inspiration from iconic structures like the Schindler house and the Case Study Houses, utilizing readily available materials like stucco, redwood, standard timbers, and concrete. A key feature is the extensive use of enormous sliding glass doors that blur the lines between indoor living areas and various outdoor 'rooms.' These outdoor spaces include a dining patio adjacent to a large kitchen, an upper patio for Gabbert’s daughter, a lounge area with a firepit off the living room, and a private lounge with an outdoor shower connected to the primary bedroom, leading to a two-person perch with canyon views. The property also features a pool, designed and built by Johnston Vidal Projects, lined with Heath Ceramics tiles and surrounded by an ipe wood deck, offering panoramic city views. The landscape design, a collaborative and iterative project spanning over a decade, was led by Fi Campbell, a landscape designer and long-time friend of Gabbert. Initially, budget constraints prevented a grand, pre-designed landscape plan, leading to a phased approach. Campbell, who became familiar with the family's lifestyle and how they utilized the spaces, created a garden that was adaptable and responsive to the site, its inhabitants, and nature's requirements. The garden includes fast-growing sycamores for shade, an extended hardscape with local flagstone and boulders, and a palette of native plants such as bunch grasses and various sages. The design evolved over time, transforming from a sun garden to a shade garden as trees matured, and gravel paths were added to accommodate social activities. The garden also features a fountain surrounded by local boulders, a favored organic design element by Campbell. Campbell's design philosophy is rooted in functionalism, economic, and ecological sustainability, prioritizing the use of natural materials like stone and wood that blend seamlessly with the environment and age gracefully. The landscape also incorporates a productive garden for LA Homefarm, run by Lauri Kranz, which supplies bouquets and vegetables. The collaboration between Gabbert and Campbell underscores a friendship that influenced the garden's evolution, with Campbell providing ongoing care and adaptations. The house represents a harmonious fusion of architectural design and responsive landscaping, creating a home deeply connected to its natural California setting. #CaliforniaArchitecture #IndoorOutdoorLiving #LandscapeDesign #HomeTours #MidCenturyModern #SustainableDesign #FunctionalistArchitecture #OutdoorLivingSpaces #NativePlants

The article explores the multifaceted role of landscape architecture in the Coachella Valley, emphasizing its importance in complementing a home's architecture, connecting with its inhabitants, and respecting the desert environment. It highlights that successful landscaping goes beyond mere plant selection, encompassing driveways, walkways, pools, fire pits, water features, barbecues, walls, and gates, all contributing to a cohesive living space. The piece draws a parallel to Frank Sinatra's appreciation for desert landscaping, noting his choice to integrate his home with the natural habitat rather than imposing a foreign aesthetic. This approach aligns with the growing trend among architects and landscape architects in the region to favor native or adapted plant life. The historical evolution of landscaping in the Coachella Valley is discussed, noting a shift from traditional lush lawns, prevalent after World War II, to more water-conscious and desert-appropriate designs. Early residential landscaping often featured natural desert elements in the front and an 'oasis' of turf and citrus in the back. However, increasing population and droughts in the 1970s and '80s led to conservation efforts. Modern landscape design, as articulated by experts like Lance O’Donnell, emphasizes sensory engagement, guiding the eye with color, contrast, and massing of elements. James Burnett's work at Sunnylands exemplifies this, orchestrating sun, views, and sounds to create an immersive garden experience. Ron Radziner's concept of 'enhanced nature' further illustrates this, aiming to make the native desert more hospitable and beautiful for residents. Several landscape architects, including Sean Lockyer, Steve Gierke, Julie deLeon, Anne Attinger, and Ryan Steer, share their insights and challenges. Lockyer advocates for designs that encourage interaction with the entire site, incorporating features like fire pits or pools. The concept of 'native' plantings is examined, with Gierke noting its subjectivity and expressing a preference for plants indigenous to the broader American Southwest. Designers often face client requests for non-native aesthetics, which Attinger addresses by rephrasing their desires into desert-adaptable forms. Steer highlights the unexpected diversity of plant material available in the desert, allowing for unique landscape creations. The article also delves into the critical environmental considerations for desert landscaping: water, wind, and heat. Drip irrigation and careful time-clock management are essential for water conservation. Wind, particularly in areas like Desert Hot Springs, dictates plant selection and placement, with tall, fragile plants being unsuitable. The intense desert sun requires careful plant orientation and initial shade protection for some species. Certain non-native plants, like the queen palm and invasive Pennisetum, are discouraged due to their unsuitability or environmental impact, while alternatives like Muhlandbergia are recommended. Conversely, the African sumac tree is noted for its allergenic pollen. Finally, the piece lists popular and adaptable desert plants, including fan palms, desert willows, sycamores, mesquites, and designer favorites like aloes, agaves, and yuccas. Architects like Lockyer and Gierke praise plants such as yucca, Mexican olive trees, and palo verde for their aesthetic and adaptive qualities. The importance of texture and contrast in design is emphasized by deLeon, using examples like Lomandra grass and agave. The entire process is conceptualized as a 'play in three acts': design, installation, and ongoing maintenance. This continuous care ensures the landscape evolves gracefully and addresses changing client needs, reflecting the dynamic and often subtle beauty of desert life that smart designers strive to showcase. #LandscapeArchitecture #PalmSprings #DesertLandscaping #NativePlants #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalIntegration #WaterConservation #EnvironmentalDesign #HomeDesign

The Sebastopol Residence, located in northern California, is a residential project designed by San Francisco-based architecture firm Turnbull Griffin Haesloop. Completed in 2009, this house was custom-built for two graphic designers and is situated on a steep slope amidst rolling hills, carefully positioned between two mature redwood trees. The design prioritizes an east-west orientation to maximize views and natural light. The primary concept behind the residence is a long, rectangular, single-level wooden box. This structure not only accommodates the essential living and sleeping areas but also integrates a studio that serves as a garage and a dedicated pool area. The architectural approach responds thoughtfully to its immediate environment. The north elevation is designed to open up extensively to the surrounding landscape, providing expansive views of the natural scenery. In contrast, the southern side of the house is more enclosed, offering privacy and protection from a nearby road and the property's driveway. The material palette contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere. The exterior is clad in cedar, complemented by a metal roof, while the interiors feature Douglas Fir ceilings and decking, sheetrock walls, and ipe flooring. Despite its modest size of 1,700 sq ft, the Sebastopol Residence achieves an airy and spacious feel through its open-plan arrangements and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. This is largely accomplished through the strategic use of large openings, blurring the boundaries between the built environment and nature. This design not only enhances the sense of openness but also provides an ideal backdrop for the owners to display their art collection. The architects articulated their design philosophy, stating that upon first encountering the site, they were particularly impressed by the 'large bowl-shaped meadow that sloped down in the direction of the view' flanked by mature redwood stands. This observation led them to the conclusion that the house should 'span across the bowl to claim the view and connect to the land at either end, anchored by the mature stands of redwoods.' This intent underscores the design's deep respect for and integration with its natural surroundings, making the landscape a central element of the architectural composition. The Sebastopol House exemplifies a harmonious relationship between modern living and the California landscape, where thoughtful design allows the residents to fully engage with and appreciate the beauty of their environment. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #CaliforniaArchitecture #ModernHome #SustainableDesign #TurnbullGriffinHaesloop #SebastopolResidence #OpenPlanLiving #LandscapeIntegration

The term "modern" is a broad and often vague descriptor, encompassing a vast array of concepts, objects, and periods, from the Eiffel Tower to Abstract Expressionism and the iPhone. This extensive definition can be misleading, as modernism itself was a fragmented movement, with various factions often at odds with each other as much as with traditional forms. In architecture, "modern architecture" evokes images of glass walls, cantilevers, industrial materials, and a lack of ornamentation, yet its history is diverse in both style and concept. Styles such as Functionalism, Brutalism, New Formalism, Metabolism, the International Style, and Organic Architecture all fall under this umbrella, each possessing distinct formal and conceptual goals. Popular architectural modernisms, including Streamline Moderne, Art Deco, and Googie, were frequently dismissed by leading modernists as deviations from their intellectual principles. Amidst this stylistic diversity, Late Moderne emerged as a significant architectural style from the late 1930s to the early 1950s, leaving a notable mark on the Coachella Valley, particularly through the work of designer Herbert W. Burns. Late Moderne architecture incorporated a range of influences, emphasizing streamlined forms, organic materials and color palettes, and a balance between horizontal and vertical elements. This style, though distinct from the high modernism of contemporaries like Albert Frey, was a valid modernist expression and proved exceptionally popular with the public. Herbert W. Burns arrived in Palm Springs in 1945, having pursued a diverse career before dedicating himself to architectural design and development. His initial project was the Town & Desert Apartment Hotel, which he owned and operated with his wife, Gayle. This hotel's design established the foundation for his unique Late Moderne approach, with subsequent projects being variations on this theme. These designs typically featured vertical sandstone volumes piercing expansive, horizontal structures, adorned with decorative vertical poles and glass walls, all rendered in a palette of desert-inspired pastels. Edith Eddy Ward, a prominent figure in her own right, arrived in Palm Desert in 1946 and quickly became the Palm Desert Corporation's top sales agent, selling undeveloped desert land to affluent clients. Despite initial skepticism from Carl Henderson, the community's sales manager, Ward's effectiveness and unconventional methods earned her the nickname "Shady Lady of Shadow Mountain." In 1947, Ward commissioned Burns to design a duplex for herself and her mother, Margaret "Bunny" Ward. Located near the then-undeveloped El Paseo, this flat-roofed duplex featured Burns' characteristic sandstone columns, sandstone-faced interior walls, and corrugated glass room dividers, offering panoramic views of the desert landscape. A _Los Angeles Times_ feature highlighted its ability to embrace the desert's beauty while mitigating its harshness. Ward and her mother's occupancy of the Burns duplex was brief. In 1949, ever the shrewd businesswoman, Ward sold the property to Fred and Mildred Talbot, who had admired Burns' work during a stay at the Town & Desert. Anticipating future growth in Palm Desert, Ward had ensured Burns designed the duplex with expansion in mind for a small hotel. The Talbots, in turn, re-hired Burns to design two wings that seamlessly transformed the duplex into a low-slung, V-shaped structure centered around a pool. Completed in 1950, this twelve-unit property opened as the Sun and Shadow Apartment Hotel and operated for over three decades. The building, now housing the Lotus Garden Center, remains visible at the intersection of San Luis Rey Avenue and Larrea Street, a block from El Paseo. While modifications have obscured some of Burns' original design, his signature sandstone volumes still stand as a testament to the building's history and the varied nature of modernism. #PalmDesertHistory #HerbertBurns #EdithEddyWard #LateModerneArchitecture #CoachellaValley #ArchitecturalDesign #MidCenturyModern #PalmSprings #SunAndShadow

Los Angeles is home to numerous botanical gardens and hidden oases, showcasing diverse flora that thrives in Southern California's climate. These green spaces offer a variety of experiences, from extensive themed gardens to tranquil urban retreats. Among the prominent Japanese and botanical gardens, The Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens stands out with its vast collection spread across many acres. It features a desert garden, a serene Japanese garden with a bamboo forest, and Chinese pagodas and pavilions. Reservations are required on weekends and holidays. Descanso Gardens, another significant location, is celebrated for its over 600 varieties of camellia, especially vibrant between January and April, and a Japanese garden known for its cherry blossoms. It also includes a miniature railway, which appeals to families. The South Coast Botanic Garden, located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, spans 87 acres and features Southern California flora, along with smaller Japanese and desert gardens. It is noted for its reasonable admission and special dog walking hours on select Sundays. The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Arcadia is designed as an educational facility, with plants arranged by region, and offers tours. Visitors can explore tropical forests, waterfalls, and observe wild peacocks. The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden, a nearly two-acre private garden in Pasadena, is open to the public on select evenings and afternoons. It features two ponds, four bridges, a cascading waterfall, and a Japanese tea house, meticulously restored after a fire. The Japanese Garden (SuihoEn) in Van Nuys, across from the Sepulveda Basin, features stony bridges, footpaths, manicured trees, and tea houses, irrigated by the adjacent Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. The Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens, located in Griffith Park, combines animal exhibits with over 800 plant species, categorized by continent. The James Irvine Japanese Garden in Little Tokyo, a small tranquil space, is generally only accessible during special events, but offers a complete view of its foliage, stream, and waterfall for those who can visit. Mansion and institution gardens also provide notable botanical experiences. The Getty Center, known for its art museum, features impressive grounds, including Robert Irwin’s Central Garden with a pond and hedge maze, and a cactus garden offering views of the city skyline and the Pacific Ocean. The Exposition Park Rose Garden, a significant L.A. institution, houses a fragrant rose garden with gazebos and a central fountain, though it typically closes for seasonal maintenance from January to mid-March. Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills, a six-and-a-half-acre estate, is accessible via docent-led tours and features manicured gardens and an impeccably assembled mansion. Greystone Mansion, a 55-room Tudor estate, offers free access to its exterior gardens daily, with alleys of poplars and cypress trees, fountains, and a terraced pool area. The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, currently closed due to the Palisades Fire, showcases thousands of Greek and Roman artifacts alongside gardens designed to mimic a Roman country house, complete with a central pool, flower beds, and an edible garden. Urban and hidden gardens offer unique retreats within the city. Amir’s Garden in Griffith Park, created by hiker Amir Dialameh, is a five-acre, volunteer-run shaded retreat for hikers and equestrians, accessible via a half-mile uphill walk. The Blue Ribbon Garden at the Walt Disney Concert Hall offers a lush garden hiding behind the iconic building, providing a perfect spot for a break with two main entrances. Arlington Garden in Pasadena is a completely public garden featuring Italian-inspired landscapes with sycamores, succulents, and a seven-circuit labyrinth. The Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, a former site of the Lawry’s California Center, is ideal for afternoon strolls, hosting events, and featuring a visitor center celebrating the L.A. River. The Garden of Oz in Hollywood, a mosaic-filled grove of folk art and a Designated Historic-Cultural Monument, is not consistently open to the public but can sometimes be visited on Thursdays. The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades, though temporarily closed due to the Palisades Fire, is a mystical, non-denominational retreat on a 10-acre site, featuring a Dutch windmill chapel, a Mississippi houseboat, gliding swans, and a gilded lotus gate enclosing a shrine with Gandhi’s ashes, offering meditation gardens with free reservations. #LosAngelesGardens #BotanicalGardens #JapaneseGardens #HiddenOases #LAAttractions #OutdoorActivities #GriffithPark #PasadenaGardens #BeverlyHillsEstates

Sharon and Mike Matas, a graphic designer/illustrator and an interface designer/entrepreneur respectively, commissioned Swatt Miers Architects to design an off-grid studio in Healdsburg, California. The couple, who previously worked at Apple in San Francisco, sought a remote workspace deeply connected to nature for their 10-acre off-grid property in wine country. Architect Robert Swatt aimed to create a structure that felt light on the land, cantilevering the studio over a steep wooded hillside. This approach ensured minimal disturbance to the natural environment, with the floor lifted to allow the land and nature to remain untouched. The 648-square-foot studio is supported by two extra-wide, cast-in-place concrete pillars and features concrete and glass walls, complemented by western red cedar for the ceiling and floor. The extensive use of glass blurs the boundaries between the interior and the surrounding woodland, while the cedar introduces natural textures and warmth, echoing the trees. The studio's design intent was not merely to offer views of nature but to be an integral part of it, providing an immersive experience for the users. To further integrate the studio with its environment, Sharon and Mike Matas enlisted Bernard Trainor and David LeRoy of Ground Studio Landscape Architecture to rewild the site. Their goal was to make the landscape around the studio feel native and wild, harmonizing with the architectural design. Trainor and LeRoy established a natural courtyard between the studio and the main house, incorporating an edgeless pool that blends into a native meadow. Stone pavers form an organic path connecting the house, meadow, pool, and studio, encouraging movement and interaction with the outdoor spaces. The landscape architects meticulously protected existing native trees, including oaks and madrones, and focused on restoring the original plant communities that had been removed by previous owners. This involved planting large areas of seasonally changing ferns and grasses, along with supporting understory shrubs, and removing all exotic, water-loving plants from the previous garden. This rewilding effort ensured that the studio's surroundings reflected the natural beauty of the region. The finished studio provides a magical and energizing environment for creative work. Sharon and Mike Matas emphasize the innate connection between the studio and the surrounding landscape, both from within and outside the structure. The changing dappled light throughout the day enhances this connection, creating an inspiring atmosphere for art and design. The project successfully combines thoughtful architecture with a sensitive landscape design approach, resulting in a net-zero, off-grid studio that not only serves as a functional workspace but also acts as a sanctuary immersed in nature. The seamless integration of the building materials—concrete, glass, and western red cedar—with the rewilded landscape creates a cohesive and sustainable design that celebrates the woodland setting of Healdsburg, California. #OffGrid #DesignStudio #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableLiving #NatureIntegration #HealdsburgCalifornia #SwattMiersArchitects #GroundStudioLandscapeArchitecture

This article details the transformation of a steep and previously inaccessible San Francisco backyard into a functional and relaxing outdoor living space. Faced with a challenging hilly terrain, a couple, an artist and a therapist, sought the expertise of Molly Sedlacek, principal designer at OR.CA, to redesign their Victorian home's exterior during the 2020 lockdown. The primary goal was to create a safe and usable space, particularly for their young daughter, which necessitated the construction of a robust staircase. The design incorporated sustainably harvested accoya wood for the decking and a winding staircase, chosen for its environmental benefits and the owners' appreciation for its bold graining. This material was also extended to the perimeter fencing, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Local redwood beams were utilized for the firepit seating, providing a connection to the natural landscape. The existing heavy concrete retaining wall, which previously sectioned off the yard and featured precarious steps, was removed. OR.CA's approach involved contouring the slope to integrate various levels, including planters, seating areas, and a secluded hammock spot for relaxation. The staircase was designed with a winding path rather than a straight ascent, encouraging a slower, more immersive experience through the garden. A custom-built workshed was a key addition, crafted from ebonized cedar shingles for durability and a pleasant aroma, with a plastered interior. This versatile structure was initially intended as an art studio but was designed with future adaptability in mind, potentially serving as a guest bedroom or playhouse. The landscaping focused on low-maintenance and water-efficient planting, foregoing traditional sod in favor of wild grasses like steel blue Canyon Prince rye grass and no-mow fescue for the central lawn area. Recognizing San Francisco's unique climate of cool coastal temperatures and ample sunshine, the planting scheme included local varieties alongside species from climatically similar regions, such as Australia, featuring plants like knife-leaf acacia and feltleaf kalanchoe. The strategic selection of these aromatics aimed to create a natural, fragrant ambiance within the garden. #BackyardRenovation #LandscapeDesign #SustainableMaterials #OutdoorLiving #SanFrancisco #HillyTerrain #AccoyaWood #GardenDesign