Landscape at Makai House

A stream setback and landslide hazards further complicated the design and permitting process. The wide backyard has heavy solar exposure, while the side yard, where the home’s entrance lies, is well-shaded. One side is apt to get too warm while the other is a shady refuge.

These areas — along with a service pathway and a refined entry sequence — required different approaches to be successful. The final design brings these puzzle pieces together in a unified approach that feels cohesive despite their different needs and program goals.

The landscape blends a Japanese garden with the features of a Pacific Northwest shoreline, creating truly usable spaces in addition to protecting the environmental buffers and natural habitat space.

Supporting the design of the updated home, the yard and garden feature the same strong geometry of sharp corners and straight lines; the flow between the interior and exterior spaces of the home was a strong influence on both areas.

Outside, returning to a more natural feel within a manicured space was achieved in part by retaining and highlighting existing mature trees, such as the standout maple and black pines.

Bluestone walkways and metal planting containers reinforce this geometry while underlining the organic elements of the space.

A meandering path staggers to make room for the mature maple tree’s root ball, pushing the stairs slightly to the side. The path’s winding adds to the flow over the landscape, which considers the sequence of coming and going from the home.

Here, the stone pavers also stagger in a look reminiscent of a Japanese tiled roof, bringing a unique materiality to a common Japanese building practice. With the entryway tucked to the side, it was important to create a visual guide for guests to use to locate the front door.

The path, along with carefully placed planters shape the sequence to the entry, creating a clear and welcoming place to enter the home.

Along the shoreline, native plantings support the natural ecosystem, creating a seamless transition between the more organic beachfront and the courtyard feel of the manicured yard. Tall grasses help to maintain privacy without totally obscuring the nearby activity on the water.

These balances between indoor and outdoor, public and private are a sign of the successful implementation of the design vision, creating a stunning waterfront experience.