Miniature garden railroad bridge winding through native grasses and Cercis occidentalis in a Los Feliz hillside garden designed by CRAFT Landscape Architecture
Aerial view of a lily pad pond, native sedge plantings, and garden railroad beside a Raphael Soriano midcentury modern home in Los Feliz
View through steel-frame floor-to-ceiling glass doors from a Raphael Soriano residence overlooking a terraced native plant garden in Los Feliz
Curving split-face cmu staircase descending through oak canopy and native plantings on a hillside at a Raphael Soriano residence in Los Feliz
Close-up of yarrow and native wildflowers blooming among boulders beside a small waterfall feature in a Los Feliz ecological garden
Concrete paver terrace with California Gold joints in dappled shade, hardscape detail at a Raphael Soriano house in Los Feliz designed by CRAFT Landscape Architecture

commonwealth

los angeles, Ca

Nestled within the scenic hills of Los Feliz, Los Angeles, this remarkable project pays homage to the architectural legacy of Raphael Soriano. Designed with meticulous attention to historical significance, the hillside residence features strategic landscaping and stabilization efforts while showcasing Soriano's iconic vision.

The project embraces Soriano's vision with copious red-flowering shrubs, a hallmark of his aesthetic, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings. Careful planning included the placement of debris walls to protect the home and stabilize the steep hillside, ensuring both functionality and preservation.

In addition to honoring Soriano's architectural style, the project addresses the modern needs of the homeowners. Emphasizing entertainment, the design seamlessly integrates spaces for hosting large groups, complemented by a sophisticated model train display that serves as a focal point.

Native plants were thoughtfully selected to establish a connection with nearby Griffith Park, enriching the garden with local biodiversity and fostering a harmonious relationship with the landscape. This four-year endeavor involved meticulous design, analysis, and implementation, resulting in a timeless tribute to Raphael Soriano's enduring architectural legacy.

Hand-drawn concept plan showing oak grove, swale, and native planting zones for a Los Feliz hillside garden by CRAFT Landscape Architecture
Illustrated site plan with rain gardens, ironwood groves, and meadow grass at a Raphael Soriano residence in Los Feliz by CRAFT Landscape Architecture
Concrete paver terrace, corten steel bench, and garden railroad at a Raphael Soriano residence in Los Feliz by CRAFT Landscape Architecture
Dry-stacked stone retaining wall with blooming native sage at the Commonwealth Canyon Garden in Los Feliz