Design ideas for a large southwestern drought-tolerant and full sun side yard concrete paver garden path in Phoenix for fall.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard gravel landscaping in Orange County.

Design ideas for a southwestern drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard retaining wall landscape in San Diego.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

Photography by Raul Garcia Project by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). This urban infill project juxtaposes a tall, slender curved circulation space against a rectangular living space. The tall curved metal wall was a result of bulk plane restrictions and the need to provide privacy from the public decks of the adjacent three story triplex. This element becomes the focus of the residence both visually and experientially. It acts as sun catcher that brings light down through the house from morning until early afternoon. At night it becomes a glowing, welcoming sail for visitors.

Transforming ordinary into extraordinary! Our recent project in Anaheim, showcases the magic of xeriscaping. We worked wonders in the front yard by saying goodbye to old grass and welcoming a sustainable, water-wise oasis. Job Details: - Removed old grass & installed weed barrier - Laid down a beautiful layer of 3/4"" gray rock - Enhanced the landscape with decomposed granite - Added a touch of natural beauty with mulch - Implemented a new drip system for efficient watering - Defined the landscape with sleek bender board - Completed the look with charming riverbed stones The result? A low-maintenance, water-efficient masterpiece that's as stunning as it is eco-friendly!

Transforming ordinary into extraordinary! Our recent project in Anaheim, showcases the magic of xeriscaping. We worked wonders in the front yard by saying goodbye to old grass and welcoming a sustainable, water-wise oasis. Job Details: - Removed old grass & installed weed barrier - Laid down a beautiful layer of 3/4"" gray rock - Enhanced the landscape with decomposed granite - Added a touch of natural beauty with mulch - Implemented a new drip system for efficient watering - Defined the landscape with sleek bender board - Completed the look with charming riverbed stones The result? A low-maintenance, water-efficient masterpiece that's as stunning as it is eco-friendly!

Design ideas for a large southwestern drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard gravel landscaping in Phoenix.

Carol Vander Meulen Dry Creek bed
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary partial sun front yard landscaping in San Francisco.

Vibrant Succulents: With thousands of succulents and cacti to choose from, selection is about color, texture, and dimension.
Photo of a large southwestern drought-tolerant and full sun side yard stone garden path in San Diego.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant and partial sun stone landscaping in Los Angeles.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

Native Edge Landscape, LLC
Inspiration for a small contemporary drought-tolerant and partial sun courtyard gravel landscaping in Austin.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in San Diego.

Richard P. Rauso, ASLA
Design ideas for a small contemporary full sun front yard water fountain landscape.

Photo Credit: Tunia Hyland
Inspiration for a small mediterranean drought-tolerant and full sun backyard landscaping in Albuquerque for summer.

Eichler in Marinwood - At the larger scale of the property existed a desire to soften and deepen the engagement between the house and the street frontage. As such, the landscaping palette consists of textures chosen for subtlety and granularity. Spaces are layered by way of planting, diaphanous fencing and lighting. The interior engages the front of the house by the insertion of a floor to ceiling glazing at the dining room. Jog-in path from street to house maintains a sense of privacy and sequential unveiling of interior/private spaces. This non-atrium model is invested with the best aspects of the iconic eichler configuration without compromise to the sense of order and orientation. photo: scott hargis

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum