Partner Spotlight: Outdoor Living at its Best

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Terra Ferma Landscapes Design and TRG Architects dream up the ultimate California backyard

Photos by Alyssa Sayas

“Our design philosophy stems from a desire to work closely with our clients by listening to their desires and then executing a plan in the best way possible onto the site and surrounding land,” says Brian Koch, Founder and Principal Designer at Terra Ferma Landscapes Design. “All of our projects have context, and we strive to ensure total harmony between the property and the client/family and home.”

Photos by Alyssa Sayas
The outdoor kitchen has it all – grill, pizza oven, fridge, bar seating and plenty of bar seating for friends and families. It is also closely situated to the teen hang-out room where ping pong and other games flow in and out of the home. Photos by Alyssa Sayas.

When hired by clients in the Peninsula to bring their dream backyard to life, Koch and his team partnered with TRG Architects to transform the once neglected backyard of the one-acre lot into a destination for entertainment and relaxation. “They wanted an area that offered lots of space and areas for gatherings with a effortless flow between the indoors and outdoors, with a special focus on comfortable and cozy spaces for the family and entertaining,” he recalls.

Photos by Alyssa Sayas
Locating the spa within the pool and close to the main entertainment areas of the home, allowed for a special connection and social dynamic for the family, whether an intimate evening at home or with a gathering of friends and other families. Photos by Alyssa Sayas.

The teams maximized the expansive terrace in order to take advantage of indoor/outdoor living while curating multiple seating areas and a perfect entry point to the pool. “We feel the most successful feature is the pool and its orientation and connection to the main house and outdoor living room,” notes Elyssia Bassett, Principal Designer and Design Director at Terra Ferma. “The placement is in full view from the house, allowing for easy and fun enjoyment throughout the year.”

Knowing the pool was going to be the main feature of the outdoor garden, we took great care in its positioning and orientation – it is meant to have a strong connection with the home for everyday use. Photos by Alyssa Sayas.

While the area surrounding the pool is open, the team worked with an arborist to ensure the location of the pool would not create any conflict with the existing Oak trees. “We all wanted a pool that was of perfect size, not too far from the home, and surrounded by lawn,” says Bassett.

Our clients wanted to enjoy the expanse of property, so we craftily situated a number of special spaces and gathering spots throughout the property, intertwined with the native Oaks and Redwoods.
Photos by Alyssa Sayas.
Photos by Alyssa Sayas.

The final result is a charming garden where the family could spend hours enjoying all that the California climate has to offer. “We believe this is the home of their dreams,” says Koch. “The kids can play, the adults can entertain or relax, and the views in and out from the home are spectacular throughout the year!”