Location: La Costa | Carlsbad, CA
Situated along a coastal elevation, Aura explores the synthesis of elemental forces, water, flame, stone, and timber, within a multi-tiered outdoor living envelope. The site plan is organized around a strict hierarchy of functional nodes, utilizing glass perimeter balustrades to preserve uninterrupted horizon sightlines while establishing distinct micro-environments for culinary, aquatic, and thermal interaction.
The central lounge features a custom, monolithic charcoal concrete fire-on-water table. Engineered with a continuous perimeter weir, water sheets uniformly over the basin edges while a concealed, high-output gas burner ignites from the center. The assembly requires dual-plumbed recirculation lines, automated water-level sensors, and heat-resistant structural substrates to manage thermal expansion adjacent to active aquatic mechanics.
The outdoor kitchen island features horizontal hardwood cladding in sustainably sourced Ipe, paired with cast stone countertops. Built-in stainless-steel appliances are integrated with concealed structural fasteners and utility routing for gas, power, and drainage, set within a Travertine paver sub-base.
Micro-Topography & Hydrology:
The lower terrace transitions into a synthetic turf putting green bordered by a naturalistic dry creekbed and stream water feature. Native boulder placement, stone steppers, and a climate-adapted subtropical planting palette buffer the hardscape edges, managing local surface runoff while softening the architectural geometry.