Santa Cruz Beach House Landscape Design and Build Project
- Under Construction
Taking their plant passion and going with it
This landscape design project for Kim and Mike’s Santa Cruz beach house was really memorable.
From our first meeting they were clear decision makers, knowing what plants they wanted to see in their garden. The beach house that was designed by the talented Warren Tamashiro took several years from design to completion. During the building phase I visited the site regularly to investigate and plan how to integrate the existing landscape into our landscaping vision.
The home was contemporary in style built using exposed concrete, wood and steel. The landscape complimented the contemporary lines of the architecture and reflected a tropical flavor. This is a family friendly home with hot tub, outdoor shower and seating area, which on cooler evenings is warmed by the gas fire ring. We located the outdoor shower in a private area near the surfboard shed and private exercise room.
The landscape was pivotal in creating a sanctuary place and to diffuse street noise. The walkways were poured in situ concrete slabs that covered the sub surface drainage to this flat lot.
The lawns are a great play area for the children and family pets in the warm months and soaked up the rain during the rain season.
Plant foliage was a primary element with flowers forming an accent to the landscape design. Many large leaved, variegated shrubs and grasses were used as a back drop, protected by the building and fences. The front yard contains wind and salt air tolerant planting. A rustling hedge of clumping bamboo (with root guard) flanks the entry way and softens the scene. The large trees screen strategic areas of the second floor without compromising the beautiful architecture.
The front lawn was installed with a cantilevered concrete patio leaving space to subtly light under the concrete and enhance the floating lawn look at night.
