Living the Dream

Perched on a high ridge in Larkspur with Bay views and the shadow of Mount Tamalpais, this modern residence by Jensen Architects mirrors the surrounding oaks. A solid core forms the trunk and the cantilevered roof the limbs, allowing the pavilion to float above the landscape. Sliding glass panels retract to dissolve the boundary between the house and the native-oak-strewn ridge.

Challenge

Connect a contemporary residence with an oak-strewn ridge and expansive Bay views.

Design response

Grasses, flowering perennials, stone walls and outdoor rooms extend the architecture into its wooded setting. Stone walls resolve grade changes; native planting connects intimate garden paths with larger outdoor rooms.

• —Led landscape design across all phases and personally produced all drawings—Concept, Schematic, Design Development and Construction Documents for hardscape, planting, soils, irrigation and site amenities.
• —As project manager, coordinated all design, production, QAQC, communications, billing, client management, presentations and project closeout.
• —Regularly visited the site to direct planting layout.
• —Coordinated with the architect on their published case study of the project.
• —Maintained a strong relationship with the architect after completion, leading to additional projects together.