Project Description

This farmhouse-style home in Kentfield Is a wonderland of kid friendly landscape elements.  The house was built in the early 1970’s on the side of a slope, and a seasonal stream was diverted for the swimming pool, causing winter drainage problems. Simmonds & Associates completely re-made the landscape. Working with the existing landform, the entry to the house and all patios were rebuilt with bluestone paving, which is complimented by hand-selected gray-brown moss rock walls.  The front yard was fenced in elegant wrought iron to provide security for the children, and the planting replaced with a contemporary mix of drought resistant plants, highlighted by several sculptural olive trees.  A side yard lawn was restored using synthetic turf, with a sunken trampoline.

One request from the client was to find ways to make use of the steep hill that backed the property.  Our design makes use of almost the entire property, expanding both the dining and barbecue terrace at the back of the house, the pool patio, complete with a fire pit, and the meandering hillside paths to the top of the water slide.  A deep drainage channel of stone and boulders is crossed by different stone and boulder bridges, to give access to the child play house nestled on its own terrace and protected on the downhill side by cargo nets.  Views of Mt. Tamalpias that the client was unaware of were revealed and are enjoyed from the pool patio.

Furniture: Kingsley Bates teak; Umbrellas: Tuuci; Pots: La Viletta de Sonoma; Construction by McArdell Landscapes and Aquascapes Pools

Ecological Attributes

  • stormwater retention, runoff & erosion control
  • permeable paving
  • appropriate plant selection
  • lawn reduction and lawn substitutes
  • planting to attract beneficial birds, butterflies and insects
  • planting for habitat
  • long life lamps and fiber optics