roof terrace & courtyard garden

The simple pool was designed to harmonize with the Mediterranean landscape.

Mulberry trees shade the side facade. In winter they shed their leaves and let the sun into the exterior.

A wooden pergola adds shade to the patio. Terrace furniture by XX.

The garden was designed with as sustainable approach and a water-saving ethos. Indigenous trees and shrubs were planted and gravels covers the ground.

The thick stone walls on a traditional finca can be up to three feet thick, providing plenty of natural protection from both the summer sun and cool winter nights. The finca is known for its simple cubic modules set along a main hall, and its horizontal ceilings supported by wooden beams.

The couple took advantage of numerous municipal programs when landscaping the backyard. Mandy recently completed a free course through LADWP, who also promotes resources for the SoCal Turf Replacement Program, to become a certified California Native Plant Landscape: “There is an amazing amount of knowledge and resources for transitioning yards with more native/drought-tolerant plants through LADWP and the Theodore Payne Foundation,” says Mandy.

A new pergola completes the outdoor dining area set against an abundant bougainvillea backdrop.

The house's gabled roof peeks over a screen of acacia trees in the front yard. "Although we love being in a walkable, 'semi-urban' neighborhood, we wanted to create a haven for our family,

Flagstone pavers and drought-tolerant plantings mark the rear facade of the house.

In contrast to the bungalow, the ADU's cedar siding will weather and patina over time

A gravel path with flagstone leads to the new ADU at the rear of the house. "We wanted everything to feel as natural as possible,

"I think patios are very important in this kind of weather-adjusting architecture," says Elizarraras. "They come all the way from Arabic architecture, from 15th-century Southern Spain."

A roof terrace provides ocean views. The Spectra umbrella is by Umbrosa.