The Auroras Portolealis
This project in Portola Valley, CA is actually two independent
projects built at different times. Both were designed and built by MR
DECK.
The deck is a multilevel platform which covers almost the entire
front yard. A giant California oak tree serves as it's focal point. The
tree's vast, densely leafed canopy provides a natural umbrella over the
entire deck.
Click on photos for larger view
The deck is enclosed by a fence with some unique characteristics.
From the deck side it appears transparent; from the street side it appears
opaque. This gives the enclosed deck a feel of openness yet still gives
the desired privacy.
The fence supports a double-gate for easy access between the deck
and the balance of the front yard.
The various
heights of the fence accommodate the different levels of the major deck
platform and stairs. Between these deck elements and the fence lies a
series of built-in planted flower boxes. Those along the stairs cascade
down within two feet of ground level. The cascading solid portion of the
fence with slatted panels blocks these planters from view, yet the ribbon
of open lattice allows light from the street side to highlight the color
of the flowers in the planters.
This fence was featured in the following publications:
-April 2, 1997 p.4 Home Sect. San
Francisco Chronicle.
-July 3,1998. p.1 LIFE Sect. San Jose Mercury
News "Good {looking} fences make good Neighbors.
-Front Cover, Redwood News Summer 1997
-July/August 1998 This Old House Magazine
p.42
