Viamonte at Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek, CA
A Lush Podium Landscape for Active Senior Living
Gates Studio served as landscape architect for Viamonte at Walnut Creek, a 174-residence senior living community operated by Sequoia Living and located within The Orchards retail district in Walnut Creek. Designed as part of a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood, the 3.8-acre site features a resort-style podium landscape with two interior courtyards and perimeter areas that offer diverse outdoor amenities, including al fresco dining around a fountain, bocce courts, fruit trees, a yoga lawn, an herb garden, a greenhouse, a meditation garden, a fire pit lounge, and an art patio. Through a balance of activity and retreat, the landscape design promotes wellness, social connection, and a strong sense of place, reflecting Gates Studio’s vision of landscape as the foundation for a vibrant and engaging community.
This project was completed in 2021.
Key Considerations
Reimagining Podium as LandscapeBuilt over structured parking, the courtyard landscape is entirely elevated. The design uses raised planters, generous pots, and integrated edges to create a layered, garden-like environment, transforming the podium into a lush and inviting outdoor setting.
Designing for Flexibility and Daily LifeSpaces are intentionally open and adaptable, supporting a range of uses throughout the day. Lawns, dining areas, and pathways are seamlessly connected, allowing areas like the yoga lawn to double as event space or casual gathering zones, encouraging both activity and spontaneity.
Framing a Connection to NatureThe landscape draws from its surroundings—nearby oak trees and distant mountain views—to ground the experience in place. Perforated metal fencing provides enclosure while maintaining visual connections to the natural areas beyond, balancing privacy with openness.
Places for Engagement and RetreatPlanting and program elements are designed to be both interactive and restorative. Fruit trees, herb gardens, and the greenhouse invite hands-on engagement, while quieter spaces like the meditation garden and fountain offer moments of calm within the community.
Project Details
Decorative fencing quotes the shapes and textures of the adjacent oak tree and the distant peaks of Mount Diablo seen from the property.
Water glides across stone and rock in the courtyard's central fountain. Framed by shrubs and trees, this focal element offers serene sights and sounds.
Bocce courts, BBQ areas, lawns, and seating blend with the natural landscape and create comfortable spaces for outdoor dining, socializing, and relaxing in the elements.
An aerial view of the rectangular courtyard shows how the playful, organic design seamlessly integrates with the modern, geometric building layout.
Fruit trees bring a pop of color and a sense of vitality to the courtyard landscape.
Lawns provide flexible space for activities like yoga and stretching, as well as social gatherings and events.