2023
Topographic Conversation Pit


I wanted a conversation pit. A straight up 1970s cuddle puddle surrounding a Malm fireplace. “How in the world am I going to afford one of those?” I thought, a year or so into our restoration of our 1963 ranch home— excitedly draining our cash into water heater, HVAC and the like.

Arthur Espenet Carpenter House
Bolinas, California
1966
Photo by Todd Merrill Studio

I grew up visiting Maya Lin’s Wave Field in my hometown Ann Arbor, Michigan. Accompanied by my late Momma, an artist herself, I developed a deep appreciation for immersive spaces that reshape how we perceive and engage with the earth, that see beyond the ordinary.

So, that coupled with spending all of my free time outside that summer - I guess you could say my idea came naturally.

One day, Gregory (my partner) couldn’t find me anywhere. He found me outside with the pit nearly dug out in a day, working along with our dog, Tipper.

After months of poring over my plans in my head and choosing the perfect spot, I just started digging…

I then perfected the drainage and built the fire pit (using passed down pumice stone from Greg’s dad’s mid century house) on top.

Next was the turf - a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass (soft), dutch white clover (diversity), and a mix of tall, red and fine fescue (strong).

… and digging, and digging. And measuring, approximating, and engineering french trench drainage. (And explaining to Gregory why there’s a giant hole in our yard and why it’ll work).