South Pasadena Hillside

Spanish house on a very steep lot with an overgrown unusable backyard. The clients wished to have a space inspired by their tropical travels to be able to entertain and enjoy the wonderful views. We created a series of several Class A fire-rated Timber Tech decks whose two lower levels span over an unused drainage path, which captured a lot of extra family space.

A gorgeous custom 10’ cedar soaking tub is flanked by two storage bench seating units and is built into the upper deck. There are muscular mature Pine trees below giving the yard a fantastic treetop quality and the spa beautifully reflects the serene setting and surrounding trees.

An existing round concrete wall was retained, stuccoed, and given a new railing, and a series of additional planted low retaining walls were added below to support it. Custom welded steel railings throughout, new stairs (landscape timber and Timber Tech) and handrails, lighting in the steps, planting beds, and in the existing fruit orchards below, new stuccoed tiered concrete garden beds with seating edges, and two turf areas for the kids and dog.

Low maintenance plants were used throughout, with additional edible trees and shrubs added (Asian Pear, Pineapple Guava, Persimmon, Dwarf Fig, Pomegranate) to add to their existing edible array. What was once an unmanageable hillside has been turned into a major amenity for this house and young family.