The core goal of all landscape designs by ORCA is to reconnect humans with nature by bringing together specific plants and sourcing raw materials. “By using underdone materials that are not pre-fabricated or refined, there is an honesty to the bench you are sitting on or the table you dine at. It allows us to see what was provided from the land, and appreciate the beauty that is native to the landscape we occupy,” explains founder Molly Sedlacek. “This is the same for plants: encouraging biodiversity through native plant selection and choosing trees that are going to provide shelter and habitat for humans and wildlife.”
Both thoughtful concepts are creatively played out in this historical home in Coronado by famed architect Cliff May (known as the originator of the classic “California ranch house” style). “The home is adjacent to a busy street so creating privacy was important, as well as a sense of invitation to passersby as the clients are very active in their community and want a garden to gather in,” says Molly. The addition of a new pool and pool house also meant the land would inevitably be transformed. “This was an opportunity to create rooms separated by flora, pathway material transitions, and even a grade change.”
Please join us as we have a look around.
Photography by Justin Chung, courtesy of ORCA.
Above: An enticing and semi-transparent view into the entry garden with help from a wispy hedge of Acacia Iteaphylla and a block cedar trellis-inspired fence.
Above: A relaxing place for gathering in the front garden, featuring ORCA Adirondack Chairs and a custom fire pit.
Above: The front garden as viewed from the street.
Above: A graphic specimen aloe tree stands over boulder stepping stones that dot the perimeter of the home. “We cut actual boulders in half and flipped them flat side down. We call them ‘dino eggs’,” says Molly.
Above: “We used rammed earth pavers from Oaxaca by Tata Mosaics in a faint blue clay (sourced from the riverbed and sun baked) to reflect the sky and also tie in the historical dark blue trim Cliff May used,” says Molly. The natural material feels great underfoot. “I imagine kids running from front to back barefoot after swimming in the pool.”
Above: “To create an intimate dining zone off the kitchen, we took the patio down a step to allow guests to sit slightly lower in the plants and have the olive tree canopies feel voluminous overhead. We also designed a custom gathering table that is made of 5-inch thick cedar wood and extends over 16 feet in length. The family likes big gatherings so it was only appropriate that a table could support this.”
Above: Garden view of the guest house and the pool area. Muhlenbergia rigens looks especially lovely backlit.
Above: Chunky, rustic wood plays nicely with the rammed earth pathway and golden yellow Abutilon palmeri.
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