LONGING FOR UNITY & ATTENTION IN THE BERKELEY HILLS
This cottage was built in 1910 but in the '80s, the property was split into 2 lots, leaving the original cottage burdened with a neglected yard of multiple slopes leading to a beautiful CA Live Oak. The homeowners wanted to unify the properties, creating space for their extended family and dogs.
The land was a layered wasteland of failing terracing and hardscape, entirely shaded by plant overgrowth. After hauling out 20+ tons of material (81% recycled!), we graded the harsh slopes into a gentle decline, navigated by occasional wide timber steps.
A fountain of basalt columns welcomes you into the space, creating a relaxing vibe from the top of the main house down into the shady redwood seating area. In the main space, we built a large deck for relaxing and entertaining, and a dog run using CA native bunch grass.
​Centered around a lovely CA Live Oak tree, abundant planting beds of fruit trees and native / Mediterranean perennials, raised beds for vegetables and strawberries and a dog-run in native grass were added. Extreme care went into the design to protect the Oak, including plantings under the canopy that require only occasional irrigation.
Earthworks reduced the major erosion problems. Storm runoff is routed into underground infiltration basins, stepped into the hillside beneath a wide curving pathway. This slows down the water and allows it to percolate into the hillside.
The site AFTER major demolition had occurred. Still a long way to go ....