Cotton Residence Orinda, CA Huettl-Thuilot Associates,  Stefan Thuilot-Principal Designer This 1/2-acre garden was designed to provide a young family with unique spaces for a variety of activities. In this simple yet elegant layout, formal areas transition into informal spaces and points of interest are sprinkled throughout the yard. The shape and slope of the backyard allowed for a bold organization of overlapping planes. The view from the terrace looks out across the fountain to a blue wall that acts as a backdrop for a bench and planting. A circular sandbox located within a lush meadow provides flexibility in its dual use as a fire pit. Distinct areas are defined by their characteristic planting; from the front meadow to the side woodland, and around to the back lawn and terraces. Consistent materials and detailing, including custom-cut bluestone and hand-mixed concrete using a local blue aggregate, unify the different areas of the garden. This garden won an “Award of Excellence” in the 2004/2005 Sunset Western Garden Design Awards competition.