nine x nine

The landscape concept begins with preservation and placement. All existing trees on site are retained and become the anchors around which the built form and open spaces are shaped. Instead of clearing the ground, the design allows decks, courtyards and garden edges to adjust around mature trunks, creating a setting that feels established from the start. A large northern garden acts as the primary green foreground, ensuring that every major space opens outward to vegetation and sky. Water elements such as a reflecting pool and a cascading wall introduce movement and help temper the harsh climate, allowing the outdoors to play an active role in comfort and experience.

The landscape unfolds in layers, from ground level gardens to a generous sunken courtyard that brings light and air into the lower floor. Retained trees within the courtyard strengthen the connection between levels, while open stairways and deck extensions blur the boundary between built and unbuilt spaces. Shaded terraces and deep recesses extend living areas outward, making the garden usable across seasons. Together, planting, water, and level changes create a breathable environment that supports passive cooling while maintaining strong visual links to greenery throughout the home.