Incorporate recycled materials and resource-minded practices for a stylish, earth-friendly retreat
Written bySunsetApril 26, 2011
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Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
1 of 8Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
Incorporating earth-friendly elements
In Bob Buchbinder and Lynn Pearson’s San Francisco backyard, gently curving paths link several stylish spaces—indoor, outdoor, and in between. Many of the materials are recycled; most of the plants need little in the way of care or even water. Design: James Pettigrew and Sean Stout, Organic Mechanics, San Francisco (organicmechanics.comor 415/567-6367)
Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
2 of 8Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
Rescued shed
To some eyes, this weathered structure would have been a teardown. With new windows and wiring, though, it’s now a backyard getaway.
Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
3 of 8Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
Low-water plants
Easy-care honey bush (Melianthus major) and a potted Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Saligna Aurea’) flank a small bench.
Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
4 of 8Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
Salvaged stone
The 16-foot-diameter patio is made of granite remnants—mostly dumpster finds—mixed with metal sewer caps and bricks.
Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
5 of 8Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
Found firepit
A 28-inch-diameter metal wok, turned into a wood-burning fire bowl, sits on a steel base made by one of the homeowners.
Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
6 of 8Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
Living roof
An arbor of recycled copper pipes, covered with passion vines, shades the nearly hidden dining area.
Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
7 of 8Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
Permeable paving
In the arbor-shaded dining area, Salmon Bay–colored pebbles let water seep into the ground rather than run off the property.
Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
8 of 8Photo by David Fenton; written by Julie Chai
Wildlife-friendly fountain
This recirculating fountain ($795;asilvestri.com) provides fresh water for the butterflies and wild parrots that visit. Elegia capensis grows at left.