Woods Cove
PROJECT overview
Tucked into a quiet beach street in Laguna Beach, Woods Cove is a private outdoor retreat designed for relaxed coastal living. This project transforms a once-underutilized yard into a layered experience of stone, water, wood, and light, anchored by a dark-tiled lap pool and a series of thoughtfully placed gathering spaces.
A sunken fire pit lounge, framed by hand-stacked stone walls and custom concrete seating, offers a central place for conversation and connection. The adjacent pool house opens to the landscape and serves as a casual living room, blurring the line between inside and out. Natural materials—such as limestone, Ipe wood, and black zellige tile—were chosen for their texture and depth, creating a palette that responds to the surrounding coastal terrain.
Mature olive trees and native plantings were integrated into the layout, softening the architecture and providing shade throughout the day. Built-in and freestanding furniture pieces were selected to invite relaxation and support a slower pace of life. Every element is placed with purpose, balancing structure and openness to create a space that feels inviting and grounded.
Project highlights
Biggest Challenge to Overcome: Working on a remote project where the clients only visited a few times a year. As the project moved along, the clients purchased the house next door to knock down the fence. The way the two spaces worked together was an additional challenge
Core Design Solution: Created distinct yet connected zones/levels for relaxing around the firepit, entertaining, and the house entry. We used mixed materials and different plants unique to each area
Materials and Plant Palette Highlights: Boardform concrete, wispy grasses, hardy perrenials, Eco-Outdoor pavers
Custom Features: Treehouse (we can’t take credit!) designed and built by the owner. A sauna, cold plunge, sunken spa, fireplace
Client Impact / Press Accolades: The space has turned into a Summer retreat for the family
TEAM
Architect: Eric Olsen; Builder: TM Grady; Interiors: Amber Interiors; Photos: Taryn Kent
