LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/457513
72 Landscape Architect and Specifier News Southern California homeowners, Reza and Evelyn both wanted an environment to entertain their friends and family, as such they sought out Altera, a landscape architecture firm in Dana Point, Calif. When the designer, Elaine Iverson, arrived at the residence there was nothing more than dirt and property line walls in the front and back yards, and a basic paved driveway. The new design features a hardscape heaven, with colored concrete, travertine paving, as well as a limestone veneer fireplace and firewall. Front Yard The driveway was demolished and replaced with a neutral colored concrete and an aggregate finish. The bottom half of the driveway received decorative travertine stepping pads outlined with turfgrass. To complete the look, the basic concrete walkway in the courtyard was replaced with travertine paving that matches the driveway. To help create a more definite walkway, a 24-inch high retaining wall with smooth stucco veneer was added to the front of the yard. Thirty-inch pilasters with smooth stucco veneer and custom precast caps sit on each side of the wall. Framing the arched brick entryway are 30-square- inch pottery plinths, also 24 inches high. These are made from concrete and have a smooth stucco veneer with custom precast caps. Plants in the front yard include two Manzanilla olive trees, which are the main focal points, one on each side of the yard, as well as bougainvillea, Pittosporum, and Hebe shrub. Path and uplights are by FX Luminaire. Courtyard/Front Door Entry The homeowners requested a new entryway leading from the front yard walkway to the courtyard. To Above The newly laid driveway was paved with neutral colored concrete and travertine pavestones, which have a turfgrass border. The turf is supported by a soil and grate system. Two Manzanilla olive trees are the main focal points, with one on each side of the yard. The landscaping makes use of Crassifolium compactum, Bird of Paradise, and coleus, to name a few.