Watershed Oasis

Orinda, CA  

Water features played a strong role in the development of this design. Located adjacent to the Lafayette reservoir watershed, the challenge in working with this landscape was to re-direct hillside rainwater away from our client’s home in a way that added visual interest.  Our answer: a dry creek bed lined with stones wends its way through the garden, parallel to the house.  When heavy rainfall strikes and hillside rainwater flows to the property, the creek bed fills with water, which is then carried away around the house and deposited into a storm drain.  This temporary “river” activates the outdoor space, and becomes a visual feature through its practical purpose. A family hot tub with outdoor shower provides space for relaxation and enjoyment of the sloping hillside view.