Outdoor Spaces

Mela Breen and David Good set out to build a zero-energy property that blended into its surroundings in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

In the South Bay, San Jose–based BLAINE Architects expanded this Eichler by transforming the old carport into an atrium. A folding glass NanaWall system allows the owners to watch their kids in the playroom from the kitchen.

The outdoor kitchen features Fire Magic outdoor appliances.

For the landscape and redesigned pool area, Terremoto kept “their movies simple and elemental,” matching the subtractive approach taken in the house. The firm collaborated with Farnham on the design of the long-span pergola, which is cleverly engineered to only need four support posts.

“This house considers also real and imagined aspects: It is now projected as a diffuse space, free of partitions, where the boundaries between rooms are blurred so that any unexpected events can happen,” says Pardo.

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The family often spends evenings in front of the fire pit on the outdoor patio on the second floor.

The secluded half-acre lot is filled with lush greenery and large trees.

A new outdoor deck addition, which meets the local council’s requirements for site coverage, was built in the rear garden.

Carstensen landscaped the backyard and added a simple fire pit circle with chairs. He updated the deck, replacing the vertical posts with screens to create a more open feeling.

"The graceful ovoid arcs through the site, and the wood deck, concrete pavers, and a custom-fabricated steel planter all curve as they meet the line," explain the designers. "The shed itself tucks into the arc by only a very specific amount, a glowing anchor point in the yard."

The outdoor terrace is paved with honed basaltina. The teak outdoor sofas arranged around the fire pit are by James Perse.

Since the project was completed earlier this year, Soria's parents enjoy their backyard every day.

Humboldt Redwood lumber and timbers are Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C005200) certified, which means that the forests it's harvested from are responsibly and sustainably managed.

The lower level area is now the perfect protected spot for al fresco dinner parties.

Another view of the covered walkway skirting the courtyard and the primary living areas.

Concrete pavers line the new hardscape, which steps up to a deck built of ipe wood. Ipe wood has also been used for the built-in benches and fencing.