Landscape Architect Articles

Brazilian Blowout01-08-24 | News

Brazilian Blowout

Westlake, California
by Scott Cohen, Owner and President, Green Scene Inc. - PHOTOS COURTESY OF IRVIN PACHECO, INVIEW MEDIA

In the Southern California town of Westlake, a residence with backyard views of a dirt and rock hill presented a real challenge to The Green Scene, a landscape design and construction firm serving the Los Angeles area. To turn the site into the picture of refinement that the homeowners, recently relocated from Brazil, wanted, Scott Cohen, the owner of the firm, was tasked with creating a plan that included a reverse infinity edge pool with a rim-flow spa and terracing in the backyard. The project's design focused on developing a visually appealing, functional area, set up for entertaining family and guests and included 2,300 square feet of pavers.

In the front yard, the existing slumpstone garden walls with pilasters, the five- to eight-foot-tall border wall, concrete steps, patios and the driveway were retained. The tree in the foreground is a Duranta patio tree. Next to it are Foxtail ferns, a Mirror Plant, Comprosmos "Marble Queen," and Dwarf Kangaroo Paws, "Sanseveria Pink." In the background is a Silk Floss (Chilopsis) tree adjacent to a newly-planted area of turf. The background planter includes an Orange King Bougainvillea vine.

The reverse infinity edge pool and rim-flow spa encompassed 620 square feet of aqua 7/8" x 1 7/8" tile. Water from the spa overflows into the lower basin. The fire pit was constructed from a cinderblock fire-trough with stone veneer, a cast concrete cap and a fire brick interior. This patio includes a 27' x 10' shade bar cover. Granitelock platinum grey, polished pavers were installed over standard paver gravel and sand with wet set borders.

The back covered patio measures 20' x 18' and features the same pavers installed throughout the project. Along the existing five- to nine-foot-tall, slump stone retaining wall are Yellow Hibiscus. Ice Blue Podocarpus line the property line fence. The tree is a Jacaranda.

Poured-in-place concrete steps with stone veneered risers lead up to the back patio. All totaled, 200 square feet of Alaska Grey veneer from MSI was installed. To the left is a cinderblock planter wall with a stucco veneer, colored to match the house. Its cast-concrete cap, as well as the cap on the stone-veneered bar on the right, are ivory tone to complement the pool coping.

The construction of the pool included 285 linear feet of natural Fresca stone coping from QDI and 950 square feet of Midnight plaster, installed by M. Preciado Pool Plastering. The shotcrete was the work of Crown Valley Pools. A vanishing edge at the front of the pool allows water to cascade to the basin below. Smart phone remote controls can adjust the speed of the water, and therefore the auditory ambiance: even designed to mimic the powerful sounds emitted by the famous Iguazu Falls in Brazil.

On this side of the house are stepping stones made from cast concrete and set in wood chip mulch in the foreground and Del Rio 1"-3" stones in the background. Plantings here include a Citrus Lemon tree, a Citrus Lime tree on the right, and a Dalechampa "Brazilian Butterfly" vine on the left.

The barbecue and serving counter were constructed with cinderblock, a poured-in-place concrete top with recycled glass embedded in it, and stucco veneer to match the house. Stainless steel 1" x 2" tile was used for the backsplash. The 3-burner, outdoor grill has an integrated smoking system.

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Tasked with creating a stunning new construction home in the picturesque area of Westlake, California, Scott Cohen, owner of Green Scene Inc., found the project to be truly challenging and exciting. The location presented its unique set of difficulties, with the views out the backdoor consisting of nothing but a massive upslope of dirt and rock. However, Cohen and his team were determined to turn this seemingly daunting landscape into an oasis of modern elegance.

The Origin Story
The clients who had just relocated from Brazil to California had a clear vision in mind - they wanted a contemporary pool design with clean lines and a modern color palette that would seamlessly blend with the breathtaking natural surroundings. The design team's primary objective was to create a space that would not only be visually appealing but also functional and ideal for entertaining.

Digging into the Design
For starters, provisions had to be made for contributory drainage. An encroachment permit was required for construction and/or discharge of drainage within public road right-of-way. And no work was allowed within the protected zone of an oak tree without an oak tree report and permit.

One of the main challenges was to incorporate multiple outdoor rooms for entertainment without having to compromise the natural beauty with unattractive retaining walls. After careful deliberation and brainstorming, the team devised a brilliant solution - a reverse infinity edge pool with a rim-flow spa and terraced backyard.

By elevating the front edge of the pool to 42 inches, the perfect vantage point was created for panoramic views of the mesmerizing waterfall cascading over the vanishing edge. This captivating sight could now be admired from the large glass folding doors at the back of the home, effectively blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living.

In line with the clients' desire for versatility and entertainment options, a custom modern swimming pool was added that includes a volleyball net, perfect for both relaxation and sporting activities. The pool features a variety of luxurious elements such as Baja shelves, ledge loungers, an infinity edge spa, and bubblers, providing ample choices for the clients to unwind and enjoy.

Creating a "Sound" Experience
Waterfall features are not just about how they look but how they sound too. With this in mind, Cohen incorporated smart phone remote controls to adjust the speed of the water, allowing the clients to create the ambiance they desire. From subtle, soothing falls to powerful, thunderous cascades reminiscent of the famous Iguazu Falls in Brazil, the clients could control it all from the palm of their hands.

The Importance of the Hardscape
The materials chosen for this contemporary project were carefully selected to reflect a harmonious blend of nature and modernity. Two hundred and eighty-five linear feet of Natural Fresca stone coping was combined with stacked stone, cast-in-place concrete, 620 square feet of 7/8" by 1 and 7/8" tile for the spa and pool and 2,300 square feet of Granitelock platinum grey, polished pavers on top of standard paver gravel and sand with wet set borders.
The creative use of stone veneer planter walls played a dual role - not only did they add to the aesthetics, but they also reduced the need for unsightly retaining walls. Throughout the project, 200 square feet of Alaska Grey veneer was installed.

Adding to the Outdoor Entertainment
To maintain the outdoor room ambiance, the contemporary fire pit, infinity spa, and dual swim-up bars were placed at the same level as the rear of the house. Moreover, steps were added that lead to a breathtaking view deck and yet another fire pit table, ensuring that every corner of the backyard would be utilized to its fullest potential.

For those who enjoy poolside gatherings and entertainment, a built-in pool table and a swim-up bar were added, making it a breeze for the clients to host memorable get-togethers with family and friends. The BBQ counter, equipped with a Green Scene signature polished concrete countertop adorned with crushed recycled glass, was designated as the ideal spot for the grill master to prepare a feast for their guests.

Softening the Look
The plant list was quite extensive. Trees included jacarandas, carrotwoods, fruitless olives, limes, lemons, pink grapefruits, ornamental strawberries and crape myrtles. Among the plants were photinias, agaves, hibiscuses, roses and jasmines. To spread more color, Orange King Bougainvillea vines and Brazilian Butterfly vines were added.

The Results Speak for Themselves
This challenging new construction home in Westlake, Thousand Oaks, showcases our dedication to transforming landscapes into captivating outdoor havens. From a barren up-slope of dirt and rock to a mesmerizing oasis with a contemporary pool design, clean lines, and modern color palette, this project exemplifies the endless possibilities of
landscape architecture.

Culminating in what we decided to call the "Brazilian Blowout" - a perfect fusion of Brazilian aesthetics with a touch of Californian charm, the clients' dream of multiple outdoor rooms for entertaining without compromising on the natural beauty was realized through our innovative reverse infinity edge pool, rim-flow spa, and terraced backyard design. The interplay of water and sound added an extra layer of sensory delight, making the waterfall not just a visual spectacle but also an auditory treat.

With a range of entertainment options, luxurious features, and impeccable design, this outdoor space is an embodiment of sophisticated living and a celebration of the stunning beauty of Brazil and California coming together in perfect harmony.