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Design Guidelines

Breathe
Homes
Cabins
Team
Amenities
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Location
Breathe
Homes
Cabins
Team
Amenities
Lots
Location

 LANDSCAPE AND ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES

Landscape and Architectural Design Guidelines should not be overly prescriptive, but should rather inspire thoughtful design.
Walden Monterey encourages diversity and multiplicity of designs.
Landscape and Architectural Design Guidelines should steer all development of the site, whether buildings, landscape or infrastructure to respect and preserve land, trees, and rock outcroppings, and to seed the site with positive energy development.
Build an architecture that “feels nature” rather than simply responding to it.
Guidelines will allow owners to learn and contribute to the development of sustainable practices rather than dictate or mandate.
A list of technical experts and research entities will be available to owners at the outset of their project process.
Landscape and Architectural Design Guidelines will encourage the authenticity of architectural materials, design approach, and sustainable practices.
From conception to execution, each Walden home becomes a part of a larger ecology across the site.

Landscape and Architectural Design Guidelines will require that each home or common building will meet a minimum mandate of Net Zero Energy to unite innovative technologies with our human desire to connect to the earth.

Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R) will allow for change over time as sustainable technologies and systems advance and the community evolves.

 

 LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

Landscape Design Guidelines set strategies for all private landscapes to be seamlessly integrated with the surrounding natural landscape.
Allow for succession to future generations that remain committed to responsible design practices.
Landscape Design Guidelines will set restrictions on any plant materials, hardscape, or site amenities that do not meet fire zone codes. Rather than limiting, this restriction will encourage and inspire the use of authentic, indigenous planting strategies at landscape retaining walls, terraces, fences and hardscape areas.
Landscape Design Guidelines will encourage integrated sustainable drainage strategies by prohibiting curbs, keeping pavement to a minimum (using only approved materials), and constructing innovative drainage solutions such as vegetated swales. In tandem, these guidelines will require that all retaining solutions remain complementary to the natural grading of the sites.
Landscape Design Guidelines will endeavor to preserve the sense of place, natural landscape, and wildlife corridors by dissolving artificial borders between lot and open space.

 ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES

Architectural Design Guidelines will encourage a sense of privacy and retreat by ensuring that adjacent lots separate homes from view of each other. This guideline inspires a purity of experience where planning ensures the fantasy of being the only person on site (not seeing or hearing others). 

 ADDITIONAL POTENTIAL ATTRIBUTES OR FEATURES

Allow owners the option to bring their own design team to the advisory board for approval.
Don’t force “community” instead inspire a sense of “communing” with like minded people.
Not suburbia.
Use mail collection and other site amenities to reinforce shared community initiatives and resources.
Site Caretaker leads the stewardship of the project rather than the Facilities manager.
Encourage the use of archival materials, a restrained materiality + color palette that blends into surrounding.
Limit Development area and impact, both visually and ecologically.
Tree Land marking /protection. Plant a nursery to continue legacy.
Mapping connecting sites of the trail system (defined by art, architecture, music, nature and food). See trails as connectors of land, people and cultural legacy.
Preservation of ecosystem present on site and special attention given to public, shared open space.
Architectural standards
    Visibility
    Materials (encourage local and renewable where possible)
    Size
    Efficiency/Energy
    Passive setting
    Design review board (create harmony)
    Adaptable to the future
Connect the greater community of Monterey to the project (art, farm, events)
Build shared resource that creates a sense of wonder and appreciation for the site and a tool that creates opportunity to be drawn outward to something larger
Additional/alternative resources in the open space include ecological institute, agricultural research facility, art residency, conservancy, and an alternative energy center.

energy efficiency • lower operating costs • world renowned architects • custom homes • modern • nature • ease of living • living lightly on the land • “of the land” vs. “on the land” • thoughtful approach • inspiration • privacy • views • your quiet place • relationship with land • minimalist • deep connection of the human experience and the elements • cutting edge • serene • unique • balance with nature • environmental innovation • relationship between building and landscape that emphasizes discovery and reflection similar to the model of a japanese garden • bold • comfort • fresh air • alluring beauty • local natural materials • sustainable technologies • smart homes • inspired by the local environment • healthy homes • minimizing carbon footprint • toxin free materials • contemporary • color palette inspired by nature • smart phone controls for HVAC, A/V, security, glazing • passive house standards • maintenance manuals for all homes