This residence sits on the Nipomo Mesa high above farm fields overlooking the dunes and Pacific Ocean. The client wanted a “Japanese Garden,” and a deck off the back of the remodeled residence. We incorporated a major element of japanese gardens the “borrowed landscape.”

Abstracting the quilt work of the farm fields the ipe deck boards alternate directions and raised concrete planters planted with succulents in crop rows add a twist to the usual thought of a Japanese Garden. The farm fields below grow crops which include cut flowers and red leaf lettuce that tie in with the vibrant punch of color in the fire pit and raised bed of echeveria.

Beyond the deck up to the bluff edge drifts of mostly native plants abstract the distant dunes in softer curvaceous flows. The deck creates a generous flow from the residence to the seating area provided by the planter walls and bench by the red recycled glass fire pit.