Joseph Eichler has made history, re-defining the American dream
home and pioneering the California modern design. Today, there
are countless ideas and approaches to landscaping, and the warm
California climate provides limitless possibilities for your
California modern home. But, to compliment the distinct
architecture of Eichler and other modern homes, there are some
landscaping guidelines that, if followed, will bring a beautiful
balance of nostalgia and modernism to your dwelling's outside
area.
Mid-century modern architecture owes an obvious debt to Asian
design principles. This influence is observed in the rectilinear
geometries, open floor plans, multi functional rooms, and the
all-important direct connections between the interior of the
house and the adjacent garden. By following these three key
principles of an authentic Japanese garden, we can begin to
create an outside space that perfectly suits the mid century
modern design: simplicity in material selection and detailing,
appropriate plant choices, and design restraint.
Some examples of landscaping ideas that follow the above
principles:
- Allow the geometry of the home to guide the overall plan.
Resist the temptation to add elements that will distract or
cover the key architectural design elements of your home.
- Consider a mix of materials that provide an interesting
textural contrast inherent in the indoor-outdoor element of
Eichler design- think rock, stone, pavement, metal, mixed in
with lush grass grasses, moss, plants and trees.
- Play with simple, but striking geometric patterns and
contrast- think rectangular paving stones next to linear stalks
of bamboo.
- Balance the interplay between all elements. Repetition of
patterns is often signature. For this effect, first narrow the
scope of elements you wish to work with. You can then use these
well chosen elements in distinct ways. Good artists can create
masterpieces, using only a few colors.
- Select water-wise plants that maintain their foliage
year-round.
- Consider a water feature, like a fountain.
The following is a list of possible plants, shrubs and trees to
consider using as accents and ground cover.
Accent Plants, Trees and Shrubs:
- Horsetail reed, Cape Rush, Papyrus and Feathergrasses
- Sedge, New Zealand Flax, Cordyline, Fountain Grass and Blue
Oat Grass
- Bamboo, Japanese Maples, Weeping Atlas Cedar, Smoke Trees,
Weeping Cherry, Purple Hop Bush
Ground cover: Grasses, Moss and Stones:
- Irish Moss, Baby's Tears, Dead Nettle, Black Mondo Grass
- Mexican Pebbles, River Rock, Pea Gravel, Decomposed Granite
About the author:
MarinDreamHouse provides you with an excellent guide to
County real estate and
target="_blank">Marin County realtors. We are dedicated to
helping consumers understand the market, at a local level.
Stop by today and check out our extensive line of garden river stones!
No comments:
Post a Comment