Marin Residence by ACLA

Marin Residence

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A contemplative outdoor gallery emerges from a previously underutilized corner of the property, where art and landscape are integrated at an intimate scale. Sculptural elements are revealed through a sequence of terraced planes, structured plantings, and rammed earth retaining walls that establish a measured spatial rhythm. The design accommodates both solitary exploration and social engagement, providing a refined setting in which art can be experienced as part of daily life.

A contemplative outdoor gallery emerges from a previously underutilized corner of the property, where art and landscape are integrated at an intimate scale. Read more

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residential

Project team

ACLA
Marion Brenner

0h 1m

Addressing more than fifteen feet of grade change, a system of custom rammed earth walls defines a series of gravel plateaus and walkways that extend outward from the hillside. Limestone steps interconnect these levels, unifying the terrain into a coherent composition. The striated horizontal bands of the rammed earth invite movement and emphasize linear continuity across the site. Their rust-hued patina and undulating geometry convey a strong sense of material authenticity, evoking the stratified character of the surrounding earth. Seasonal planting, including Japanese maples, introduces vertical contrast and softness, echoing the rippling patterns articulated in the walls. The precise balance of tone, texture, and form was achieved through an iterative process of material testing and on-site mock-ups.

On the lower terrace, a compact cast iron sculpture anchors the space, its oxidized surface resonating with the warm mineral tones of the rammed earth backdrop. The figure’s compressed massing and angular geometry complement the robust quality of the hardscape. Adjacent plantings of Lonicera nitida and Westringia fruticosa provide a measured counterpoint—organic yet structured—reinforcing the dialogue between built and natural form.

The green lower terrace establishes a stable base for a larger sculptural installation, its quiet presence heightened by the surrounding calm. Clipped hedges along the perimeter introduce order and privacy, while full moon Japanese maples frame a stairway that descends toward the mid-level terrace. The resulting composition balances rigor and repose through the deliberate juxtaposition of plant texture, spatial containment, and axial movement.

Collectively, the design transforms a steep slope into a calibrated landscape of layered perception. Rammed earth walls, sculpted vegetation, and gravel terraces operate not merely as supporting elements but as active spatial organizers that choreograph movement, pause, and visual engagement. Sculptures are seamlessly integrated within this framework, enriching the experiential depth of the site while maintaining its contemplative and enduring character.