Set amidst a coastal oak grove in Sonoma, this modern residence provides a peaceful retreat for a family and their growing children. Selected for its trees and pond, the site offers a rural escape where the owners can connect with nature. SWA’s design integrates oak grassland, chaparral, and riparian planting over a clean, minimal hardscape. Native meadow grasses create comfortable walking paths that link key destinations across the landscape, including the meadow and pond. Two rows of field-grown Swan Hill olive trees frame the main house, flanking the garage and auto court, with an additional row along the pool and guest house for privacy. The design also includes an edible garden with a chicken coop, a pool with a diving rock, and a fire pit, with custom stonework directed by the landscape architect.
Poly Vita Residential Community
Situated within Foshan’s emerging art district near the Nanhai Art Center, Poly VITA reimagines high-density residential living by drawing from the spatial traditions of Lingnan water town culture. The design translates the layered, processional quality of classical southern Chinese gardens into a contemporary community landscape, moving residents throug...
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...
Revisiting SunCity Kashiwa
Elderly residents at SunCity Kashiwa are no longer at a loss for dinner conversation: an underutilized terrace outside their extensive ground-level common spaces now features a dramatic pond and mountain-inspired rock formation with multiple cascading waterfalls. Everyone wants a window seat. The striking water feature crowns a new four-season view garden desi...
SunCity Yokohama
SunCity Yokohama is a continuum of care retirement community operated by Health Care Japan Co., Ltd., a leader in Japan’s fast growing senior housing communities. With Perkins Eastman Architects PC, SWA completed the master planning phase of the project and is providing schematic design. The plan consists of two single building “villages” connected...