The Glen at Scripps Ranch
San Diego, CA
Designing a Connected, Wellness-Focused Senior Community
The Glen at Scripps Ranch is a 607,000 SF continuing care retirement community offering 405 residences, including apartment homes, garden terraces, and villas, along with a 60-bed skilled nursing facility. Set in north San Diego County, the campus is designed as a resort-style environment that blends wellness, recreation, and community living.
Gates Studio collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to create a connected, walkable landscape that enhances resident life. The design features accessible pathways, shaded courtyards, and outdoor amenities, including a community garden, rose garden, and recreation courts. Each space was shaped to balance comfort, function, and beauty while encouraging movement, social interaction, and appreciation of the surrounding hillside views.
This project was completed in 2023.
Key Considerations
Site Grading and AccessibilitySteep grade changes required close collaboration with the civil team to develop an accessible, continuous circulation network. Grading and retaining wall solutions were refined to provide comfort and safety while preserving a natural flow through the site.
Fire Management IntegrationThe landscape plan aligned with fire safety requirements, incorporating firescape zones that protect the community while maintaining a cohesive, planted character. Plant selections and materials were chosen to balance resilience, code compliance, and visual appeal.
Soil and Planting ChallengesRocky, low-permeability soils informed a drought-tolerant planting strategy tailored to local conditions. The resulting plant palette offers texture, seasonal interest, and long-term durability with minimal maintenance needs.
Outdoor Comfort and EngagementOutdoor spaces were designed to promote activity and connection. Shaded trellises, generous pathways, and strategically placed gathering areas capture hillside views and create inviting destinations for recreation and relaxation.
Making It Happen
From illustrative plans to implementation, the lake courtyard integrates passive anchor features, including a lake, koi pond, and gazebo, with an activity area that features shaded seating, bocce courts, a putting green, and a fireplace pavilion.
Project Details
An shaded outdoor lounge with fire table sits between the pool building and a serene, cascading water feature.
The porte cochere features palm trees and an elegant water feature welcoming visitors to the site.
Comfortable seating areas with shade surround bocce courts and a putting green.