1960s courtyard tile patio photo in San Francisco with no cover

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

Front yard Pennisetum 'Fairy Tales', non-invasive clumping grasses, flagstone path, Mixing of CA natives and Mediterranean plants. 6 months post-planting.

photos by Trina Roberts 949.395.8341 trina@grinphotography.com www.grinphotography.com
Beach style backyard concrete paver patio photo in Orange County with a fire pit and no cover

Deana M. Chiavola
Design ideas for a huge traditional shade backyard landscaping in Phoenix.

Deana M. Chiavola
This is an example of a large traditional shade landscaping in Phoenix for summer.

Non-invasive Variegated Porcelain Berry Vine--beautiful foliage and gorgeous berries of varied shades of blue and purples

All furniture was composed new. Style direction was to cerate a non invasive, yet friendly place for rental
Living room - mid-sized scandinavian laminate floor living room idea in Stuttgart with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

Towering, non-invasive clumping bamboo creates a forest feel in this shaded garden area. Photographer: Greg Thomas, http://optphotography.com/

All furniture was composed new. Style direction was to cerate a non invasive, yet friendly place for rental
Inspiration for a mid-sized scandinavian laminate floor living room remodel with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

Non-invasive Amethyst Falls wisteria climbs the parapet railing overlooking the East River.
Design ideas for a full sun landscaping in New York.

Deana M. Chiavola
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard formal garden in Phoenix for winter.

Deana M. Chiavola
Photo of a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard landscaping in Phoenix.