Influenced by André Le Nôtre and Dan Kiley, this ground-up Marin residence is organized around a highly structured garden designed for an active family.
A new green room expands usable outdoor space while creating privacy, shade, and a strong connection to the landscape. Symmetry is maintained across the site despite contrasting sun and shade conditions, with a tightly controlled palette of evergreens providing long-term structure. Seasonal flowering, fall color, and fruit soften the framework, while massed plantings create impact with a limited number of species.
Water management was integral to the design. Irrigated areas were minimized, drip irrigation was used throughout, and dry wells beneath the turf improve groundwater recharge. The pool and spa include an automated cover, and a concealed system uses the solar-heated thermal mass of the stone terrace to warm the pool.
Custom trellises, espalier, cedar-and-stainless-steel vegetable beds, and temporary cantilevered shade structures were integrated into the garden.
The project was featured on the Ross Garden Tour, in SFC&G, and in Linda O’Keeffe’s Inside Outside. This is the fourth residence JBLA has designed for the client. Architecture by Shay Zak.