BACK BAY RETREAT

This back-bay residence melds contemporary design with rugged natural elements to reflect the regional landscape surrounding the site. The project draws on the curved shapes of the bay’s shoreline and estuary that can be seen winding away from the property’s edge. These gentle sweeps were then drawn into the smooth curving hardscape walls, more textured stone seat walls, and walk-ways. The polish of the concrete seat walls mirror the sheen on the still waters of the bay in the late afternoon sun. The main paving stone was selected to mimic the colors in the distant sand-spit which help to define this unique back bay setting. The fingers of water that drain into the bay are drawn into the hardscape through the use of dark blue Mexican pebbles that fill the joints between the flagstone. These design elements helped give the site a connection to its spirit of place or “Genius Loci”.

That connection to place was extremely important in creating the plant palette. The native landscape of the estuary is predominated by native juncus, pickle weed, yarrow, and coyote brush which were then pulled up into the landscape to blur the line between nature and the home. Restios, dwarf coyote brush, hybrid yarrows, artemsias, and many non-native grasses were used to draw relationships with the existing natives in the estuary as well as provide water-conscious year-long interest.

The flowing dynamic os the space invites guests to meander through curving pathways to secluded benches where they can absorb the beauty of the bay and watch the grasses and native juncus dance with the wind. Fire bowls and fire pits were also strategically places throughout the site to encourage the use of this great outdoor space regardless of the time of year.