The garden is organized around a custom copper spa, with basalt columns, charred wood, dark perimeter walls, and layered planting drawing from volcanic landscapes and Japanese garden traditions. Thermally treated wood forms the bridge, steps, walkways, and terraced planters, while running bamboo provides privacy and enclosure.
A burned-wood sauna frames a mature cut-leaf Japanese maple, and a memorial stone captures shifting branch shadows. Seasonal color and soft textures are layered against a quieter structure of evergreens.
A living wall by Habitat Horticulture anchors the light well, with integrated lighting developed in collaboration with Electrolight.
Additional collaborators included Eche Martinez, Siteworks, Larkspur Builders, and Diamond Spas.
The garden is featured in the December 2026 issue of Luxe Interiors + Design and is dedicated to Ron Herman, my former employer and co-author with Marc Treib of a guide to the gardens of Kyoto.