Raposo Residence, San Carlos

A Hillside GARDEN

• Natural factors: The house is sited on a flag lot. This garden is steeply sloped in the back towards the house. The existing landscape is of rock terraces that were built on the slope. There are few existing plantings that can be saved and used in the new design.


• Cultural factors: Circulation into the back slope is from the kitchen and family room. The style of the house is mediterranean with French architectural accents. The existing driveway is shared by the adjacent house.


• Aesthetic factors: The fine view of the hills in a 180 degree direction can be seen at the top of the slope. The owner enjoyed the view of the land they don't own.


• Synthesis: Working with the natural character of the land, the owner created a new access from another street entrance. A new driveway was installed. In the back of the property, a guesthouse, swimming pool, bbq area, children's play area were installed. The site has new retaining walls to hold and stabilize the slope, and functional spaces for lounging, eating, and entertaining.


• Summary: The amenities the owners wanted: a guest house,
  a pool, bbq area, palm trees, fruit trees, flower beds are strung out on this back slope. For low maintenance, drought resistant shrubs and ground covers were installed. Irrigation system of xerigation/landscape drip is implemented for efficient way of watering flowering beds, ground cover and shrubs.