Listening to the Land

While we as designers in the housing industry all strive for the same common goal – to build a profitable, efficient, and beautiful project – it is the inception, that initial elusive spark, that is often the most challenging step in the process.

I have heard many designers say that there is nothing more intimidating than staring down at a blank expanse of paper.  In response to overhearing this comment, a fellow land planner and mentor, Don Smith, once told me that “site design is easy, all you need to do is listen to the land.”

Ever since then, I have made this a part of my design process – feeling the flow of the land, unlocking its opportunities, and respecting its constraints.  Don was right.  If you listen hard enough, the land will tell you what to do.  Nowhere does this mantra ring truer than when we collaborate with the team at Rancho Mission Viejo (RMV).  Fostering a legacy that spans centuries, RMV has always been an advocate and steward of the land.

Serenity, Paisley, and Harvest at the Village of Rienda

Just over five years ago, WHA was invited to participate in the ideation and round table discussion for what would become RMV’s Planning Area 3, a pristine piece of ranch land and commanding ridgeline between Chiquita Canyon and Ronald W. Casper’s Wilderness Park in south Orange County.  Once complete, Planning Area 3, will feature over 7,500 homes and 6 million square feet of non-residential space on over 3,000 acres.

What began as a series of three big design concepts, were gradually refined, tested and fitted to the landscape – much as a tailor would measure, cut and fit a fine suit.  Through this iterative process we learned to embrace the concept of wabi sabi in which the beauty of imperfection is appreciated and celebrated during our neighborhood crafting and design sessions.  Asymmetry, authenticity, and simplicity were just some of the methods utilized.

Rienda (meaning “reins” in Spanish), is the first village within Planning Area 3 and pays homage to the land’s ranching legacy by honoring this history through its architectural dialect and landscape palette.  Phase I of Rienda will feature 671 market-rate units in seven different neighborhoods.  Spanning a wide range of market segments, the units will range in size from 800 – 2,200 sf and will feature stacked condos, townhomes, duplexes and detached single-family homes.

Located on over seven acres at the corner of Cow Camp Road and Ranch Canyon, Ranch Camp is the amenity jewel of Rienda.  At the heart of Ranch Camp is Ranch Cove, a sprawling, swimmable half-acre of water surrounded by shade structures, fire pits, barbeques and play areas.  There is also an information/home-finding center, equestrian meadow and a fitness center with lap pool.  Ranch Camp features a trail head that will eventually connect to the extensive trail network that is interwoven throughout the community and the surrounding natural canyons.  Lastly, Rienda will also feature Boulder Pond, a three-acre body of water encircled by even more trails and park space.

And if you still need yet another reason to visit Rienda, the annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo is back this year on August 27th and 28th – just a mile from the village – so grab your boots and head on down!