CASE STUDY No. 6:

Squished Tranquility

Problem:

Clients wanted a Zen garden with a sense of privacy for yoga and meditation, but the only available site for this garden was a narrow, triangular space squished between the clients’ garage and neighboring properties. Additional client concerns included sound pollution and fire defense.

Solution:

I added weathering steel panels to an existing stucco retaining wall, forming an ad-hoc fence that enclosed the space, limiting views into and out of the garden. As a bonus, the fire-proof panels also protect the space from flying embers in the event of a wildfire.

A water fountain and wind chime provide a soundtrack to the space that help wash out neighboring sounds, potted specimen trees and flowering vines offer seasonal interest, and overhead cafe lights make the space usable day or night.