Since this property overlooks the Pacific Ocean, evening breezes can become quite cool and possibly making evening use not as desirable as one would hope for. Therefore, it was important to provide a cozy outdoor gathering space that is out of the wind, and this space between the home and its Casita provides an excellent location for spending time in front of a warm fireplace, while it also provides for an excellent highlight feature when walking to the front door.
The clients thought the fireplace alone would be sufficient as a design feature, but after showing them that by adding the short wall, with several view-ports accented with wrought iron (that matches their Juliet balcony) it not only provided a true connect between the home and Casita, it also created a much more grand feature and a sense of enclosure without losing the planting depth behind the fireplace, which was needed for privacy.