Perched atop rugged foothills, this mid-century modern home in Los Angeles had little existing circulation and useable space. The completed project has been featured in Garden Design magazine and accompanies their awarding Heather Lenkin as one of the top three landscape designers in California.

Owner requests included a pool and deck, designed by their architect in collaboration with Lenkin Design, a barbecue area, a bar, an outdoor dance floor for large parties, a new entry to the property, and increased circulation throughout the property. A deep love for the far east and eastern philosophy by the owners, as well as the sharp lines of the mid-century modern home, provide inspiration for the new landscape design.

A two-hundred year old oak sits in the center of a snaking entry drive that flows up the front half of the property. An eight foot statue of Ganesha enhances this focal point. The tree and statue are framed by a custom stone design that echoes carvings in the ancient sculpture.

The entry drive terminates at a covered car port adjacent to the front door entry. Alternating bands of smooth and pebbled concrete progress rhythmically up the new driveway toward salvaged, ornate 18th century Indian palace doors, flanked by lotus bowls, carved stone planters, and bamboo.

In a small courtyard near the driveway, sits a japanese garden that provides gentle circulation to the main outer walkway to the home by means of a river rock path. A Shishi Odoshi fountain creates a soothing atmosphere while also doing it's job of scaring away the local deer.

Outside of the main living room sits an entirely new landscape of the home. Stone walkways lead around the house and open up onto a concrete dance floor and deck that circulates around the pool and existing pool house. A fire pit was added to provide an axial focal point and give warmth to pool goers and partiers alike. An 18th century salvaged palace balcony, takes on new life as a barbeque and bar on the water terrace. The sloping hillside beyond the pool blooms with native drought tolerant plants.

Beyond the pool and pool house structure, a long vista point was envisioned and brought to life. A new staircase leads visitors down to the parking area, while two massive wooden doors, decorated with intricate lotus pattens open to the lookout point. They sit on a concrete pad that mimics the pattern on the doors themselves. Ipe wood pavers offer a path through 'Inspiration Point', where an Indian platform bed and a gypsy cart serve as the perfect place to sip an afternoon cocktail and absorb the rich colors of a California sunset.