Spectacular Views

in Mill Valley

This residence is perched along the ridgeline of Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, just a short walk from the grand redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument. On properties like this one, the role of the landscape is an accompanying act, to frame the already spectacular surrounding views.

In order to achieve this, we kept it simple and relied on some of the fundamental principles of design.

A grid structure based off of the existing architecture provided a logical layout. We then pulled these lines out and away, giving the eye a clean path to follow toward the view of the San Francisco Bay to the South.

We used a consistent palette of materials with matching tones in the foreground where pea gravel and rock mulch define the human and plant spaces respectively.

An existing stand of sycamore trees provided a perfect place to tuck a formal patio and seating area which create a destination where the inhabitants can feel as if they’re floating up above the misty bay below.

This microclimate has the luxury of being protected from fog on many days, which allowed us to use drought tolerant plants with tidy sculptural qualities.

Several varieties of Agave sit in rows and containers frame each area, while more lush broadleaf plants are relegated as a backdrop to the hot tub area.

The remaining lawn, roughly ¼ the size of the original, dramatically reduced water use on the property while still providing space for the family’s fabled volley ball matches.

More Projects