Contrast & Variety in Altadena

Swimming Pool Construction
Altadena

Contemporary Intersecting Informal

In many landscape designs, the interplay of formal or contemporary elements with informal surroundings creates a striking visual contrast. This balance between order and organic form can make the structured elements stand out more vividly against the softer, more relaxed backdrop.

This particular project embodies this concept by integrating a decomposed granite path that meanders through an informal landscape of boulder walls and timber ties. These natural elements frame a contemporary building and formal pool, creating a striking juxtaposition between structured design and natural surroundings. The project showcases how the interplay of formal and informal design elements can enhance each other, adding depth and interest to the overall composition.

As visitors approach and wander along the decomposed granite path, their gaze is drawn across the lawns, deck, and pool to a beautiful, contemporary structure that integrates seamlessly into its natural surroundings. The design creates a dynamic yet cohesive composition, making the formal elements stand out without feeling isolated from the informal landscape.

The client envisioned using the expansive space at the back of the property as a retreat—a place to live, relax, and appreciate contemporary architecture. This vision was realized through a collaborative design effort, involving our in-house design team, the client’s interior decorator, and thoughtful, tasteful input from the clients themselves.

The site features a sloping backyard, where the house is separated by a driveway that wraps around to a garage. Before we began, a steep slope behind the driveway extended into a sloping yard. Our design transformed this challenging terrain by incorporating a visually inviting stairway, visible from the main house courtyard. We leveled the back area using a series of boulder walls and alternating landscape timbers, punctuating the space with informal plantings to create a natural, harmonious setting.

The design includes an open structure that could easily function as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Complete with a sink, cooking area, outdoor shower, restroom, wine cellar, storage room, and sauna, the structure’s Ipe deck is set at the same level as the cabana and pool decking. The open walls of the cabana straddle the pool, bringing the tranquility of water close. The contemporary style of the cabana, complete with a fire pit and ceiling heaters, allows for year-round use. Despite the Mediterranean style of the house and steps, this ultra-modern design feels like a surprising yet intentional addition, seamlessly integrated into the lush, mountainous landscape.

The juxtaposition of a contemporary structure and related amenities within a natural, untamed landscape brings out the best of both worlds, highlighting the principles of balance, contrast, and emphasis. This contrast draws attention to the clean, modern lines of the architecture while enhancing the organic flow of the surrounding greenery.

Principles of Art in Design:

• Repetition and Rhythm: The decomposed granite path, along with the repeating forms of materials—from boulder walls to timber landscape ties—creates a rhythmic flow that guides you through the space. This design subtly encourages movement and exploration, reinforcing a sense of rhythm throughout the landscape.
• Balance and Harmony: Parallel lines and complementary materials throughout the design ensure a sense of balance, while the mix of natural and structured elements harmonizes the setting.
• Contrast, Emphasis, Value, and Texture: The sharp, contemporary lines of the cabana stand out against the softer, organic forms of the boulders and plantings, emphasizing both elements. The interplay of light and shadow across different textures—stone, wood, water, and greenery—adds depth, enhancing contrast and drawing the eye to key features of the design. This dynamic use of value highlights the structure’s formality against the lush, informal landscape, enriching the overall aesthetic.
• Form and Mass: The large deck, pool, and expansive lawn serve as grounding elements, anchoring the design and adding visual weight. From inside the cabana, views extend out to the natural landscape, maintaining a sense of openness while still offering shelter.

Awards

This project earned four awards from the California Landscape Contractors Association, including:
• Best Design/Build
• Special Effects Award: Recognizing unique methods or materials and special artistic effects.
• Best Shade/Deck
• Best Use of Rockscape in the Landscape