TROUSDALE III (Carla Ridge)

Set within the celebrated Trousdale Estates, known for its mid-century modernist roots and sweeping views of Beverly Hills, this landscape design reimagines the garden through the contemporary lens of sustainability. In place of the typical water-intensive plants and lawns that dominate the neighborhood, we embraced a sustainable approach, curating a water-wise garden composed of native California plants paired with materials from around the world, chosen for their beauty and resilience in our dry climate.

Along the street, a vibrant meadow of native grasses and shrubs offers an organic, wabi-sabi quality that is unique to this neighborhood. As guests approach, the meadow subtly engages the senses—seasonal bursts of color, fragrant foliage, and the gentle sway of grasses create a sensory experience that feels surprisingly lush.

Collaborating with Montalba Architects, the landscape was designed to flow seamlessly with the home. Built-in planters invite the eye to follow a deliberate path out into the distant landscape. Three courtyards are designed as serene vignettes, offering a refuge from the busy world while connecting the interior and exterior spaces.

The west-facing pool deck, framed by native plants, connects with the dramatic backdrop of the wild canyon beyond. The setting sun casts a soft glow over the landscape, silhouetting the grasses against the distant hills and mountains.

The landscape complements the architecture, softening its lines and inviting the surrounding environment into the house, resulting in a space that feels both timeless and rooted in its place.

Location
Beverly Hills, CA

Architect
Montalba Architects

Landscape Contractor
Crestview

Photography
SBLA