At any major residential renovation or addition, the design of the exterior approach, access and entry area is a significant component that should reflect the overall architectural concept, while relating to and engaging with the surrounding context.

At this modern addition in Laguna Niguel, the hardscape design and detailing was conceived accordingly, with slabs and low walls located to complement the new facade, incorporating a low-maintenance material palette of stucco, concrete and basalt tile inlay.

The staggered forms of the pads create subtle movement at the ground plane that extend into the landscape to follow the natural slope of the terrain. This creates a more organic progression towards the entry that highlights the horizontality of the midcentury aesthetic.

The antique flamed 4"x24" field-cut stone adds color and texture at the acid-etched concrete, providing visual breaks at the driveway, while the expansion joint below helps to prevent surface cracking. For further continuity, this detail also occurs at the walkway- again to break the pads, as well as to underscore the shadowline of the 3" stair tread cantilever, created by a gap at the nosing of the concrete. 

[View completed project images here]

For more on this project, take a look at the design process and initial concept, and view additional construction progress images.  Also, find updates on demolition, framing and exterior finishes at previous blog posts.