Perched atop a two-story structure, towered over by a connecting residential high rise and surrounded by studio apartments, this unique urban pine forest stands in a bed of low-hanging fog and reaches to the clear skies above. One hundred and one white pines, planted in a loose formation of elliptical mounds, seem cast adrift in a sea of washed river stone. Dwarf mugo pines cover each mound like a carpet with raised Corten steel edges mediating the pine and gravel dialogue. This minimalist mono-culture of a landscape is a poetic distillation—both sample and symbol—of the peace and repose to be found in the great pine forests of the world. Whether standing in the middle of it, or simply viewing it from afar, residents can enjoy the year-round display of lush greenery; wooded decks outside the residents’ lounge at the forest floor offer a closer view of the varied topography, as well as fresh mugo pine scent from the forest’s understory.
Zakin Residence
SWA worked closely with the client and architect in siting the house to maximize views and preserve opportunities in which to develop the landscape. The varied program for the landscape included a small family vineyard, a multi-use field, flower gardens, fountains, terraces, a koi pond, swimming pool and spa, tennis courts, courtyards, a heli-pad and guest par...
Stanford West Apartments
The landscape design for Stanford West Housing creates a lush and inviting place for residents, complete with recreation trails, parks and play areas, while also conserving the site’s environmentally sensitive characteristics. Special emphasis was placed on maintaining the riparian corridor with native planting and the site’s archaeologically sensitive areas w...
Tokyo Park Tower
A new luxury residential block in Tokyo’s Jimbocho District called for a series of discreet garden and courtyard spaces that would serve as urban sanctuaries from the busy street life beyond. Water dominates the landscape language in the form of spouts, pools, water slides, and channels. A lush overlay of evergreen shrubs and flowering perennials brings the se...
Vineyard Estate
Nestled against a natural rock outcropping, the estate and vineyard commands a panoramic view over the town of Sonoma with extended views to San Francisco. SWA developed a master plan that recommended relocating the house before its construction. This wine country residence features dominant roof forms and the tight integration of interior and exterior spaces ...