In the Bay Area, “user friendly” doesn’t just refer to the latest software upgrade.
Landscape architecture firm Terremoto created a restrained and refreshing landscape for the couple, who had a few requests: a pool, a bocce court, simplicity, and some fruit trees to power their craft cocktails.
Read on to learn how Terremoto, with offices in both Los Angeles and San Francisco, helped this Sonoma vacation home blend simply into the Northern California wine country.
Photography by Caitlin Atkinson.
The landscape features a straightforward pool and spa, protected al fresco dining area, bocce court, and a fire pit meadow.
“Once a year it’s cut back and that’s it.” When the landscaping was complete, the couple painted the house white and “everything just came together,” says Peauroi.
Because Sonoma County has strict policies against removing trees, the firm worked around many existing specimens, including this towering redwood.
The entry sequence features the redwood and an existing maple. Black path lighting by Lightcraft punctuates the walkway.
The maple acts as a specimen, with a beautiful branching habit.
Raised vegetable beds line the bath to the pool and lounge areas. The light coloration of the coping creates a tone-on-tone contrast to the concrete.
Terremoto gravitates toward what Peauroi calls “elemental moves.” He says, “We like using natural California material. We like being honest, letting the material speak for itself.” The 42-inch Corten steel fire pit with fieldstone seating is the centerpiece of the back meadow, which is atop the septic system.
Black-trimmed folding doors create nearly seamless indoor-outdoor living.
A sunken bocce court features Corten steel edging and oyster shell surfacing.