STONE EDGE FARM, Sonoma, California, USA

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Master's Program in Landscape - Spring 2015

Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture | Completed in 2007 | 3.5 acres

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

DESIGN CONCEPT

This project, designed as a retreat for the client, is composed The predominantly flat, open site called for bold
of elegantly balanced and linked elements within a serene,
gestures to balance the strong forms of the buildings.
uncluttered landscape. A carefully sited trilogy of structures
celestial observatory, spa, stone pyramid are grounded by A raised lap pool links the new buildings, while rows
linear forms, including a reflecting pool, raised lap pool, and
of ancient olive trees reinforce relationships on a
bars of olive trees. The composition floats within meadows
larger scale.
of drought-tolerant grasses, connecting the site to the larger
Sonoma Valley landscape.
Built from the native alluvial stones un-earthed during
construction, a 100 foot long pyramidal sculpture
anchors the new buildings in the landscape. A
Stone Edge Farm is named for the sites unique location
drought-tolerant meadow unifies the ground plane.
over an alluvial plane. Serving as the primary residence for
the owners, this property has been developed incrementally
over a 10 year period to include a commercial vineyard, an Designed as a monolithic mass, the meadow is made
of four layered grass varieties selected for their low
olive orchard that produces award winning oil and an organic
water-use.
garden that supplies several gourmet restaurants locally.
The site, formerly a ramshackle commune, included several
ancient California bay trees, oaks and buckeyes and bordered
a seasonal creek, which flooded the property periodically.

Varied seed production times highlight subtle seasonal

change throughout the year. In addition, the meadow

is carefully graded to perform as a wash, absorbing
flood waters from the creek.
The pool beneath the
observatory captures
a view of the stone
pyramid
structure.
Crafted from stones
un-earthed
during
construction,
the
pyramid holds its weight
among the existing
trees and screens views

This detail shot captures

the Chondropetalums
reflection in the lap
pool. Much of the
design of this project
involved using subtle
nuances of color to
connect the structures
to the landscape of both
the site and the natural

The overall landscape

design creates a quiet,
tranquil place. (Photo:
Vicky Sambunaris)

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01 | Landscape Plan

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STONE EDGE FARM, Sonoma, California, USA

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Master's Program in Landscape - Spring 2015

Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture | Completed in 2007 | 3.5 acres

The siting of the

buildings was an
important early
step in the design
process. The
landscape was
the connecting
element
between the
two architectural
structures, the
spa building and
the observatory.
(Photo: Vicky
Sambunaris)

The stone pyramid

is the third element
of the trilogy of
structures. The tall
grasses conceal
a childs playfield.
(Photo: Marion
Brenner)
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The pool terrace

is carved into a
space between the
olive grove and the
meadow. A dining
area beneath the
olive trees lies just
beyond. The lap
pool reflects the
sky above. (Photo:
Emily Rylander)

Allees of olive
trees frame views
of the observatory,
marking pathways
and defining
spaces for
entertaining.
(Photo: Marion
Brenner)

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SALAME RESIDENCE, Beirut, Lebanon

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Master's Program in Landscape - Spring 2015

Vladimir Djurovic Landscape Architecture | Completed in 2007 | 4000 sq mts

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

DESIGN CONCEPT

On a steep and challenging site, a peaceful sanctuary away from the

hustle and bustle of city life was required. In two small and precise
gestures, the landscape intervention creates a safe and holistic
environment for celebrating essential blissful moments.

At the front side, the granite base of the house was extended
outwards to provide the required outdoor living space, while
being embraced with a multi purpose peripheral water element.
This water surface provides a safe boundary around the entire
terrace, while absorbing the endless panoramic views.

On a remote site, 2700 meters above sea level and the city of Beirut,
the client wanted to create his own private escape, a place to reconnect At the back side, almost as a crater, a garden was carved out,
with what is essential for themnature, family, and friends.The site,
to provide a safe and informal green and organic space for the
a 4000 m2 private hilltop, offered great potential yet equally great
family and children to enjoy.
challenges. Stunning 360-degree views, along with dangerously steep
slopes all around its crest.
The contrast between those two spaces, the formal and
geometric front garden, and the informal and organic back
At a conceptual level, providing appropriate, safe, and usable space
garden, offered the clients a holistic environment that
became one of the most critical aspects of the project to resolve.
responded to their lifestyle and escapists requirements, while
The landscape intervention was defined by two simple gestures that
leaving the rest of the hilltop intact.
resulted in one holistic project. A formal, geometric, granite slab is
extended toward the mountains and the sunset, to an infinity pool that The sloping terrain allows changing-rooms below, but it also
captures the horizon. Horizontal and vertical elements are removed
creates safety issues on the site that are solved by wrapping
from this floating platform to reduce distractions, two sculptural oaks
the granite platform with water channels on each side.

marking the only exceptions.

The
landscape
provides ample space
for contemplation, while
allowing gatherings an
entertainment to occur
in a dramatic setting.
(Photo: Matteo Piazza)
Access to shower and
changing rooms.

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Access to the changing

rooms
appears
to
be carved out of a
monolithic
granite
block. (Photo: Matteo
Piazza)

Front garden floating on

water. (Photo: Matteo
Piazza)

01 | Landscape Plan

SHIVANSH | PA200914

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SALAME RESIDENCE, Beirut, Lebanon

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Master's Program in Landscape - Spring 2015

Vladimir Djurovic Landscape Architecture | Completed in 2007 | 4000 sq mts

Main terrace
embraced with
water. (Photo:
Matteo Piazza)

Main terrace set

for soaking blissful
moments
of
contemplation.
(Photo: Matteo
Piazza)

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Back garden with

grass crater detail
(Photo: Matteo
Piazza)

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The water
element wraps
around the entire
front terrace,
providing a safety
buffer from the
steep hilltop, and
revealing dramatic
uninterrupted
views from the
outdoor terrace
and every room ot
the house.Piazza)

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The Section Showing the

water pool as well as the
contrast between the front
and the rear part of the
garden

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