Harmony Ranch

Harmony Ranch

Harmony Ranch | Harmony, CA

The surrounding coastal hills of this residence are prone to heavy winds and beautiful vistas. In an effort to shield this home from view from the road, a large grassy mound protects the home from prevailing wind and hides it from sight. The native and drought-tolerant grasses flow in the wind and simulate a contemporary version of the surrounding grass-covered hills. A mixture of pervious gravel and modular concrete situate use patterns, while the native mature Oak trees provide instant habitat.

The deer-fenced orchard and vegetable garden features raised planters, composting bins, and a pavilion, mostly constructed with locally sourced redwood.

Landscape Design: Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape | Landscape Construction: Madrone Landscape | Residence Architect: Studio 2G | Residence Contractor: Semmes & Co. Builders, Inc.

Fresh Family Friendly

Fresh Family Friendly

Fresh Family Friendly | San Luis Obispo, CA

This custom design build project in San Luis Obispo finishes out a a beautiful new residence tucked into a gradually-sloping site with a majestic oak tree overhead. A new board-form concrete retaining wall levels the project area, creating a nook for a large swim spa just off of the main patio area. One deck encircles the spa, providing for seating and integrated, safe accessibility, while a mirroring deck extends the raised patio space underneath the oak with minimal impact to the tree. A leveled lower patio area functions as a secondary seating area and transition to a large sweeping lawn area. A modern layout of concrete stepping stones connects the upper decking with another, smaller seating area in the corner. An assortment of flowing grasses, hedging plants, ferns, and Japanese maples provide year-long interest, privacy, and vibrance to the space.

Landscape Design Build: Madrone Landscape

Vibrant Modern Farmhouse

Vibrant Modern Farmhouse

Vibrant Modern Farmhouse Living | Arroyo Grande, CA

This modern residence set in the rolling hills features several areas for gathering, including outdoor dining and a cozy fire feature for cool evenings. Lush artificial turf sets a low-maintenance and low-water foundation for an array of vibrant flowering plants and ornamental grasses before a transition to the native landscape. Multiple segmented concrete paths traverse the site, including at the entry, which leads to a beautiful recirculating stone fountain. Adelaide boulders, Noiyo cobble, and gray gravel mulch treatments also add structure to the landscape. Plant species include pink Rock Purslane, Moonshine Yarrow, architectural New Zealand Flax, and hardy Red Hot Poker.

Landscape Design and Construction: Madrone Landscape

SLO Hilltop Modern

SLO Hilltop Modern

Hilltop Modern | San Luis Obispo, CA

This modern residence nestled in the cleft of a ridgeline in San Luis Obispo boasts a restrained yet refined landscape design to maximize appreciation and functionality from the unique setting. A large, curved lawn echoes the strong curves of the custom residence, transitioning softly through waving grasses to the native shrubs behind. Various moments around the house are accentuated through elegant used of rock and cobble combined with a a thoughtful planting palette. Various native species including Muhlenbergia, Juncus, Arctostaphylos (Manzanita), and Clinopodium lend an extra sense of belonging, with key species framing views, softening lines, and defining pathways around the site.

Landscape Design and Construction: Madrone Landscape

The Human Bean Templeton

The Human Bean Templeton

 The Human Bean | Templeton, CA

Located just off the 101 and Vineyard Drive, this drive-through coffee shop comes with a full landscape element! Designed by Jim Burrows Landscape Architecture, the plan includes an array of hardy grasses and flowing shrubs appropriate for a commercial landscape installation in the California Central Coast.

Landscape Design: Jim Burrows Landscape Architecture | Landscape Construction: Madrone Landscape