Type: Single-Family
Services: Landscape Architecture, Construction Observation
Principal In Charge: Michael A. Cook, PLA
Client: Confidential

This streamlined remodel embraces a strong sense of place, perched atop “The Bluff” in Bolinas with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The design reflects the aesthetics of the quiet beach town while introducing a modern, refined flair. Expansive drifts of grasses bloom in the spring and go dormant in the summer, creating a casual, textured garden that echoes the region’s iconic golden hills. The bold geometry of the design is softened by the flowing grasses, naturally framing the panoramic ocean view.

The landscape goes beyond grasses, incorporating weathered steel elements and succulents that make bold visual statements while complementing the surrounding natural environment. Challenges such as salty air and local wildlife—including deer, gophers, and birds—were addressed with resilient, low-maintenance plantings that provide year-round beauty and help prevent erosion that has shaped the site for centuries.