Landscape Architect Articles

Something New on Every Level02-25-21 | Feature

Something New on Every Level

Multi-level, Outdoor Entertainment Space in Alamo, California
by Terry Camp, PLA, ASLA, Camp & Camp Associates, Inc.

In Alamo, California the Landscape Architects with Camp & Camp Associates designed this multi-level, outdoor entertainment space. Planters located next to the infinity edge pool were added to counteract the primary grade change from the pool level terrace to the lower lawn, and flank the staircase. Upper level planters were introduced to edge the frame of the spa as well. High-fidelity speakers located just beneath the infinity edge are aimed toward the pool and the house to maximize noise going to the center of the property and away from neighboring homes. The pool was lined with ceramic tiles chosen for their dark coloration to limit the degree of tile reveal and to complement the house with a dark grey reflecting surface. Furthermore, the tiles are organized in a common running pattern which creates the appearance of texture without having an overt pattern.

The team designed the garden area with raised beds to hold vegetables, herbs, and spices. Each planter is bordered with IPE and wrought iron on the corners. A sophisticated soil mix containing the necessary nutrients and trace elements the vegetables need to flourish is found within each planter. The soil also was created to be light and allow for sufficient aeration for the plants.

In using IPE Milesian hardwood, the lounge and swing area was designed with similar materials as the cabana structure that encompasses it. The team added ornamental, multi-level basket lights between the swings. The shade provided by this structure is the only remote shade in the otherwise exposed yard area.

The gateway that leads to the backyard area was designed with a geometric metal grill made out of slate relief and mounted to provide visual depth and create shadows over the thick plexiglass that runs along the gate behind the grating. Hidden light fixtures are placed below the gate which create a halo effect at night.

The pathway leading through the site has varying grade levels as a change in elevation occurs at the twin repurposed buildings, so the Landscape Architects added IPE panels that screen the surface connections on the side of the building and become a part of the structure. After adding the panels, the team decided to enhance them by creating an irrigated vertical herb garden. This was accomplished by putting hooks connected to galvanized containers to hold the plants which were then attached to an irrigating system from behind.

This pond-less water sculpture features three reflective, stainless steel columns. The water is fed from a pumping mechanism below the surface hidden by a fiberglass vault underneath the Mexican pebble, and trickles down the side of each column from the top of the structures. The lighting fixtures are intentionally positioned with one pointed to cast a light shadow of the horse tail, another directed to connect the design elements of the garage to the vertical stone along the house, and the last light is positioned to reflect off the adjacent steel column.

The walkway between the twin accessory buildings has smooth 18'' square steppingstones surrounded by Mexican pebble and Corten Steel boards, and is lined with Variegated Mondo grass. The Landscape Architect used this design as a relatively inexpensive yet attractive treatment for a walkway.

1 / 10

2 / 10

3 / 10

4 / 10

5 / 10

6 / 10

7 / 10

8 / 10

9 / 10

10 / 10

The Landscape Architects with Camp & Camp Associates, Inc. designed this unusual flag lot configuration site, which became a formidable challenge when incorporating their desires for an outdoor entertainment space, areas for the kids to play, a pool, and privacy into an organized and cohesive site plan design. The team was responsible for creating the landscape design, construction documents, and organizing the construction administration for this newly constructed home including, all hardscape, planting, irrigation, lighting, details and specifications. Different use areas at the rear yard were created by a series of large terraces. The primary, upper terrace features a large patio, infinity pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, and cabana lounge. The mid terrace includes a large play structure and turf play area. The lower terrace incorporates a dog run and contemplative garden.

The firm worked closely in coordination with the architect, developer, and engineering consultants throughout the conceptual design phase, entitlement process for zoning and planning, design development and value engineering, construction documentation, contract award, full construction period services and compliance certification.

The house entry is enhanced by a cubist water feature while the remaining front property is large enough to accommodate a chef inspired vegetable garden, vertical herb gardens, an orchard, a designer garden shed with a sports lawn beyond, and large evergreen trees at the property lines provide a complete sense of privacy.

The backyard was designed with entertaining in mind and features an infinity edge pool, large outdoor kitchen, and cabana lounge on the main rear terrace level directly outside of the home.

The large outdoor terraces accommodate guests throughout the year with a variety of recreation offerings for each season. A raised-bed garden allows homeowners to grow their own vegetables, herbs, spices, and fruit. To give the backyard more privacy, the side yards and rear property are lined heavily with 20' specimen evergreens. The large trees help to create a tall green wall without introducing a confined feeling to the backyard space. A modern sliding entrance gate, specimen trees, and shrubs provide privacy at the front entrance.

The first and most obvious challenge was working with the unusual shape of the site. It was configured by a lot merger between a remote flag lot and another smaller 1-acre road frontage lot, connected by a generous access easement. The seemingly difficult corridor of land, between the road and the main house, gave way to a unique opportunity. A progression activity experienced along the entrance drive included a play field, extensive farm to table garden, and detached accessory structures for a gym and a secondary garage. The site then opens to a generous 1.5-acre gently sloping lot. The main house and associated outdoor living areas, the striking home design by Steven Kubitschek, and the sloping rear yard, commanded a response respecting the architectural vocabulary of the house. Working closely with the clients, the team identified objectionable view corridors and privacy needs for the various indoor spaces and exterior family activity areas. 60" box Coast Redwoods and 48" and 36" box shrubs, were strategically placed along property boundaries as well as inboard locations. Intercepting views from adjacent neighbors while preserving distant views to the rolling oak studded hills was paramount for privacy and enjoyment of the outdoor spaces. Social requirements for large gatherings, entertainment, and children's activities played a major role in the siting of the outdoor terraces, infinity edge pool, lower playhouse, dog run, pool pavilion, outdoor kitchen, and of course the plantings that complement the fabric of this intricate yet simple outdoor "Floor Plan".

An interesting issue regarding storm water control surfaced itself as the hardscape and finished grading reached the final design stage. The county jurisdiction mandated the bio-filtration of all impervious surfaces created by the drive, terraces, pool, walkways, and the roofs of the house and accessory buildings. Runoff from these surfaces were collected through a subsurface drain system and conveyed to a lower level infiltration basin. This drainage collection structure occupied several hundred square feet and required vegetation with specific approved plant selections of grasses and certain perennials. A meditative retreat seems to be in order for this storm water control structure. The team was able to provide a dual purpose for an otherwise non usable and visually prominent space. Granite stones in a spiral pattern allowed for seating in this contemplative retreat while taking advantage of the concrete overflow intake as a pedestal for a "Prayer Obelisk.".

As seen in LASN magazine, February 2021.