When it comes to designing a landscape, capturing the essence of a specific time and place can create a truly remarkable outdoor space. Glenda Flaim, an architect with Butler Armsden Architects in San Francisco, understood this concept when she took on the design of a family home in Portola Valley, California. Her goal was to create a landscape that exuded the charm and authenticity of early California.
Turning Back the Clock
The first step in achieving Flaim's vision was to remove the existing plants that didn't belong in a California native landscape. Out went the maple trees, hydrangea, and pansies, making room for something more fitting. Flaim wanted the landscape to "feel like we had turned back the clock." And that's exactly what she did.
A Meadow for All Seasons
Flaim created a stunning meadow in the backyard that not only captured the look she desired but also served as a functional area for the family. With four boys who wanted a play space that didn't require excessive maintenance, she opted for a native fescue mix that could be mowed shorter in the winter and spring, while left longer in the summer for a "tufted" look.
James Carriere
The Perfect Outdoor Dining Area
The outdoor dining area was designed to accommodate the family's love for entertaining. Flaim ensured that it could comfortably host a large number of people, even during Thanksgiving. By extending the outdoor eating space off the formal dining room, guests could seamlessly move between the indoors and outdoors. Outdoor curtains added warmth from the fireplace, creating a cozy "room" that remained comfortable even in the colder months.
James Carriere
Discovering the Courtyard
The house itself had a unique "C" shape, allowing for an exterior courtyard that served as a pathway between rooms, eliminating the need to walk through the house. This courtyard also provided a serene sitting area where the owners could choose between sun or shade. Flaim drew inspiration from an old farm animal trough and incorporated an untreated concrete water feature, surrounded by permeable ground cover gravel.
James Carriere
Creating Harmony with Repeated Plantings
Flaim wanted to ensure a seamless flow throughout the property, so she repeated the same plantings from the courtyard in various areas. Jerusalem sage, upright myrtle spurge, and lavender were carefully selected to create a cohesive color scheme. By doing this, Flaim created a sense of harmony and continuity throughout the landscape.
James Carriere
Rustic Elegance
To add an element of rustic elegance, a Corten steel staircase leads from the fescue "lawn" to a firepit and awning. The firepit, also made of Corten steel, was intentionally meant to rust and maintain its patina over time. This choice emphasizes the feeling of a landscape that has stood the test of time. The seating area features a couch by Restoration Hardware and the Maia Relax Armchair by Kettal.
James Carriere
Tranquility and Timelessness
By ensuring the landscape looked like it could have existed 100 years ago, Flaim achieved a sense of tranquility and artistry that's truly remarkable. The end result is a landscape that feels authentic and timeless, without being ostentatious. Flaim's ability to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing is what sets this project apart from the rest.
In conclusion, designing a landscape that transports you to another time requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By understanding the essence of a specific era and incorporating native elements, you can create a stunning outdoor space that stands the test of time. Flaim's project in Portola Valley is a testament to the beauty and charm of a landscape that is both reminiscent of the past and perfect for the present.
