The front walkway design had to balance two major objectives. The first being safety and the reducing the number of steps as much as possible, and two, providing a clear highlight for guests to see when entering the property. The entry walkway to the home had to be a balance of elegance and simplicity. Due to the age of the clients, we needed to reduce the number of steps to as little as possible, while adding as much traction to the walkway as possible.

By providing a quaint bubbling fountain feature from this Terra Cotta pottery, it allowed for a focal feature for both guests who arrive and those that depart since it is centered in both the entry walkway and the front door. Due to Terra Cotta flooring being used throughout most of the interior of the house, it was critical to link the exterior by using the same material. By using it as a banding material, steps, some veneer and the pottery, the link was established without being overwhelming.

The entry to the courtyard shows how the front bubbling urn fountain features are centered with the walkway and front door, and how the dual fountains frame the walkway, all working together to provide a soothing, yet dramatic space. Since the home's materials were neutral, adding a wide variety of planting colors soften the walls and ground plane and provide the contrast in color that was desperately needed.

After passing through the courtyard doors, you are welcomed by dual fountain features that frame the walkway and provide a tranquil feeling upon entry into this private space. Finding the right glass waterline tile for fountain and spa was difficult since we wanted it to be complementary to the antique brick and terra cotta paving colors, but the Bamboo Blend (Weave Series from Walker Zanger) provide the right balance of color, while also providing enough of a highlight.