LUCAS RANCH a Naturalist Residential Development: 2001
Size: 87 Acres, 0.03 Dwelling Units per Acre
Location: East Bay, California
Lucas Ranch is an environmentally integrated subdivision located along Burton Ridge. Intense analysis went into the design process to insure a unique solution tailored to the City of Lafayette’s semi-rural nature in a chaparral environment. In order to preserve the aesthetic appearance, it was important to maintain the Open space condition of the entire site and minimize visibility of new development. These concerns are met through Design specifications for planting, utilities, and road construction. The Master plan distinguishes plots for 28 home sites, specifying building orientation, massing, and construction materials. 96% of the site remains open.
Studies of the site included environmental issues as well as the aesthetics of the landscape. Resultant projections of both distant and localized views of the hillside property showed roads and homes hidden from view. Where some visual buffer is necessary, native plant material is reintroduced to Northern facing hillsides where it will naturally grow.
Roads are designed to follow with the slope of the terrain, avoiding land leveling and existing landscape destruction. Bermed fill conceals the roadsides with mounds of native soil and gravel. Tree-lined roundabouts are planned for fire engine maneuverability, replacing the standard concrete-filled cul-de-sacs. The depth of analysis and site-specific tailoring of these Design specifications have raised the standard for Environmentally integrated home site development.
