Davidson Communities has recently constructed three model homes for their Miraval community in Carmel Valley and Benchmark Landscape installed unique landscapes for each. Providing personal service, Benchmark collaborated with interior designers: Design Line, Landscape Architect Land Concern and Davidson Communities – contributing ideas to alter design and substitute plant material – all while keeping within the budget and vision for the project. The model home lots are set in a zone 1 fire area, so all landscaping had to meet the fire department guidelines for safety and code requirements.

Not only are each of the models at the Miraval community very different in architecture and design, but the landscapes differ as well. What remains the same, however, is the water-conserving plant palette at each home and magnificent views of McGongle Canyon and open-space area.

On the first home, the sales office, the front landscape greets you with striking large (15’) specimen olive trees surrounding a large wooden deck with a bistro area and a water feature as the main design elements.

The middle house in the model home tract has a unique landscape entrance lined with succulents, river rock and a pondless water feature. The architecture is a Spanish inspired design with the backyard opening up into a seating area complete with a fire pit, citrus orchard and an outdoor dining area.

The last house is all about bringing the outdoors in – the entire interior kitchen and living room open up into the backyard creating a vast and complete outdoor living area. Features in the outdoor living area include seating area, barbecue island and lawn area for children to play.

Benchmark is proud to be part of this project and delighted at the opportunity to have collaborated with the interior designer and landscape architect as well as the builder to create each beautiful model home’s landscape.