Taronga

Taronga’s six-acre site, set within Carmel’s 18,000-acre Santa Lucia Preserve, straddles a high ridge with spectacular views. The home respects the site’s challenging topography and magical oak woodland in a series of pavilions arrayed along the ridgeline. The Preserve’s eco-consciousness and the established trees mandated minimal disturbance. Arterra helped integrate the design of the house into the site, starting with its organizing principle, a limestone wall which runs from the auto court through the house to the opposite side to anchor the architecture to site and lead the eye toward the view. A secondary wall, set perpendicular to the first, establishes the geometry for the pool and poolhouse. Multiple terraces defer to the elements while highlighting varying views. Plantings are drought-resistant, low profile and textural. A living roof over the garage allows for unimpeded views from the breezeway lounge. A water feature at the entry and Cor-ten steel details in the firepit, steps, and walls contribute fire resistance and an organic feel while referencing the building materials on the house.