On Another Level

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Terremoto transmutes an overgrown Echo Park backyard into an oasis

Natural timber steps flanked with custom landscape lights give the path to the pool a natural wilderness look and feel.
Photos by Caitlin Atkinson.

“Their backyard was a rambling ruin of a hillside garden, beautiful in its own way but in need of repurposing and usefulness,” says David Godshall, founder of landscape architecture design studio Terremoto, of a project in Echo Park. “They wanted a small swimming pool and a botanically wild and ambitious garden.”

A cedar soaking tub, set into the plantings, offers warmth and a different bathing experience to the pool below. Photos by Caitlin Atkinson.

The goal of transforming the 8,000-square-foot lot focused on redefining sloped terraces in order to carve out designated areas for individual entertainment spaces including a cedar soaking tub, a firepit and the pool. “Massaging the grading in an elegant way was essential to this,” Godshall recalls. “We wanted the botanical expression of the garden to be regionally appropriate—low-to-no water, and to support nonhuman life— which we achieved through installing a blend of Californian and Australian natives and drought-tolerant plants.”

Terremoto worked with their builders, Johnston Vidal Projects, to give the concrete a warm, imperfect patina. A fragrant Michelia champaca just beyond the bench brings a sweet perfume to the garden experience. Photos by Caitlin Atkinson.

While they are not the first firm to mix Californian and Australian flora, they did incorporate a few rare gems that Sam Webb (the primary designer on this project) found, including tree daisies that were discovered at his secret source in San Diego. “We planted a Michelia champaca tree, which has bright green foliage and incredibly scented flowers,” he notes. “Urban lore says that the scent of Chanel No.5 was modeled after its fragrance.” The final result is a multitiered modern verdant escape where the homeowners can enjoy different levels of their backyard. When asked which area the Terremoto team loves the most, Godshall says, “The firepit seating area is the most visually striking moment to us, but we’re biased!”