Inside a Secret Garden House That Disappears Into Its Surrounding Nature (House Tour)

From the moment the gates opened, client and interior designer Gillian Wynn knew Palms Residence was the secret garden house she had been looking for. After enlisting the help of Olson Kundig for the architecture and design of her home, Gillian delivered a brief that asked for something that was unlike the past work of the studio. As the agenda of the residence was mostly focused on emphasising the garden, both Tom Kundig, Principal and Founder at Olson Kundig, and Gillian knew that in order to make her vision come to life, the home needed to be manipulated around nature.
Seen throughout the house tour is a yoga studio, living and dining areas and a couple of bedrooms, each space blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living and taking advantage of the paradise-like climate of Venice. Employing a number of design techniques, Olson Kundig treats architecture like “layers of clothing,” in that there are multiple ways to open and close the home and manipulate how one can enter and exit. Yet it is how the garden is shaped around the home to encourage light to trickle through the trees and inside to complement the interior design that turns Palms Residence into a secret garden house.
With the focal point of indoor and outdoor living, the home is complemented with wide glass doors and a glass-walled stairwell that invites the light in and creates a warming character. Moreover, due to the home’s location, there is a magical quality of natural light that emphasises the architecture and interior design from the moment the sun rises and until it sets. Additionally, the home’s private yoga studio features a Gamelatron installation, a kinetic sculpture designed by the owner’s close friend Aaron Taylor Kuffner. Composed on site, the sculpture emits a sound bath via Indonesian gongs, which sets the tone of meditation and flow for the rest of the secret garden house.
Through the modest and simple palette, Olson Kundig has intentionally employed a system of proportions and materials that become the background to the main character of the home - the garden. To further complement the secret garden house, thin windows with metal bracing are used to pick up the horizon lines of the garden, whilst white stucco is also employed to reflect the sunlight as it moves through the sky. Additionally, the roof planes and the colour of the secret garden house are dark, so that the vibrancy of the garden can pop. Designed to disappear into the garden, Palms Residence has a natural flow between inside and out that allows the home to become part of the landscape.
00:00 - Introduction From The Homeowner
00:57 - Collaborating With The Architect
01:28 - Intertwining The Indoors And Outdoors
02:43 - Venice's Natural Light
03:14 - The Unique Kinetic Sculpture
04:09 - A Modest Palette
04:56 - Disappearing Into The Garden
05:27 - The Deconstructed Geometry Of The House
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Photography by Trevor Tondro.
Architecture by Olson Kundig.
Interior Design by Gillian Wynn.
Landscape by Russ Cletta Design Studio
Filmed and Edited by Cheer Film Squad Co.
Production by The Local Project.
The Local Project acknowledges the traditional territories and homelands of the Indigenous peoples in the United States. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our respective countries and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.
#GardenHouse #Architecture #Venice

[@TheLocalProject]

We hope you enjoyed watching this incredible video showcasing the peaceful Palms Residence. Olson Kundig has designed a home where architecture, nature, and art converge, creating an extraordinary living experience unlike any other. Palms Residence is a part of our North America Series, for more of the latest and greatest in Australian, New Zealand and North American architecture, interior design and house tours, make sure to subscribe to our tri-annual hardcopy print publication - thelocalproject.com.au/subscribe

[@nidkalansundraja9557]

hope to see projects by Marcio Kogan as well someday...

[@stargazer3887]

I understand the spirit of "living with less", but this house is the representation of luxury. May all people on earth can live one day in such beautiful homes.

[@superbear617]

I could not have said it better.

[@sepikato]

AGREED

[@KalleAnkaCup99]

I too got a little provoked by that sentence. Sitting in a house which 99% of the world population couldn't afford and in the same time pretending to "live with less" and didn't go for the "extra" is just detached from reality

[@tinusg]

@@KalleAnkaCup99 I always watch these videos on mute because of the drivel.

[@IntellectuallySuperior2U]

*Took the words right out of my mouth; I thought exactly the same. Also, her narcissism and pseudo-buddhist stance is self-evident.*

[@susanT78110]

I wish we could have seen more of the actual house because it looks stunning.

[@antonbrndt]

Yeah! I would also love to see house tours of every home they visit. A 15-20min Video of the owner or architect going through the house with us. That would be sooo cool because you would get a way better sense of how it feels in the houses.

[@10secondsofmylife]

@@antonbrndt unfortunately, it would be stupid to do that for security reasons.

[@roberthak3695]

@@10secondsofmylife That is stupid. There are spanish/Mexican channels, where crime is much more rampant, that display the house fully including exact geolocation on the city...

[@vin103]

yes plse! @The Local Project do another episode showing us around the house

[@cynthiajoeverett5798]

More of the interior of the home but also before photos/videos of the house prior to be redesigned. The comparison would have been informative.

[@afjkarey5366]

"I always wanted to live with less and not obsessed about possessions" says the women with 10M$ house and imported indonesian gong art! 🤣🤣🤣

[@mashiroboy]

Yes, if you don't live under a bridge you can't say "I always wanted to live with less and not obsessed about possessions" 😊

[@afjkarey5366]

@@mashiroboy yes, its like saying i love animals and owning an iguana 😊

[@ConceptsInHealth]

Exactly! I am not against having money and spending money. More power to this homeowner! But I get a chuckle from attempts with woke-speak to appear against possessions (i.e. against materialism) while seated in a super-expensive and uber extravagant home. I’m guessing the bathroom fixtures alone cost more than the average home in most parts of the US. Just proudly own it. No guilt. No carbon offsets.

[@mashiroboy]

@@ConceptsInHealth Did you consider that her speech could be a comparison of her current life with the previous phase? Maybe before she owned more material things and was obsessed with them and now she is more detached (and even now having a space for meditation). The problem is that people look at the shack they live in and judge it wrong.

[@emekaokoye9168]

Easily one of my fav properties, the connection between the outdoors and the indoors was so natural. Felt at home, just watching this.

[@marionlou7]

Easily one of the best houses presented here. I think we need to understand the power of a garden and of greenery when it comes to building a place where you want to feel good, at home. It has such a relaxing vibe that immediately transports you to another world and makes you realize that you’re a part of this garden… just so wonderful, I love this

[@TheLocalProject]

Couldn't agree more!

[@gugy68]

Yep. Greenery is everything. I grew up in Rio and always surrounded by nature. This house must have an extremely high water bill. They created an oasis in a very urban area. Sorry but Venice sucks. I worked there in the 99/00s and don’t care for it despite the cool cultural vibe. Too many homeless, crime, traffic, etc. I would love this place on a more nature oriented area.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

I love that idea and I’ll create some content that can showcase this. Granted, my house is more humble in scale, but I’ll see what I can do for you.

[@user-ns3bt6iw4v]

As the Landscape Architect that designed and installed this garden, it evolved and grew over a period of several years. The Local Project did end up including me in the credits, for which I'm very thankful. A truly spectacular residence that occupies a small footprint for the size of the lot and incorporates the existing mature trees and plant material. In an age of overbuilding and maximized square footage, this project is a refreshing balance of interior and exterior space.

[@epluribusunum1460]

I’m sorry to hear that you weren’t credited or interviewed, because I think many of us love this property for the garden. I’d like to thank you for your amazing vision and work.

[@user-ns3bt6iw4v]

Surprisingly we don't have a lot of bugs in Venice. @@handiputra

[@stephenleyden9559]

Dear landscape designer, thank you. The garden is the star in this project. The house was perfect for your garden. This is real 21st century living. Would love to know how big the lot is . Ti looks quite large.

[@claramontesinos7534]

Congratulations on your work! I’d like to know what kind of Magnolia is the tree in the center. I thought it was magnolia grandiflora but the ones I’ve seen have green fruit, not red like in the video. Thanks

[@user-ns3bt6iw4v]

@@claramontesinos7534 it is a large Magnolia grandiflora.

[@dioskouros81]

I rarely watch a house tour video more than once.This house is an architectural marvel,and I totally get the owner hearing angels sing as soon as the gate opened,this garden in heavenly

[@Virgo53100]

WOOOOOW! SHE NEED TO KISS THE GROUND SHE WALKS, TO BE SOOOOO! LUCKY TO AFFORD AND HAVE A EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL HOME LIKE THIS. HER HOME IS TRULY PEACE ON EARTH! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@James-In-Exile]

You're so right, but some people lack that humility and instead feel entitled to everything they have and want. I'm guessing that may be the case here, but I hope not...

[@sealswimswim354]

The kinetic gong sculpture and way the architecture frames the plantings really is poetic. I love the openness of the living area, yet how it retains privacy with the trees surrounding it.

[@gamelatron]

Thank you kindly!

[@marylbullock]

I hope the sound of the gong does no disturb the neighbors.

[@creolelady182]

Absolutely beautiful and my type of home. A place that lowers the blood pressure and maintains the calmness of your mind which I need because of my high stress levels

[@artel6225]

Tom Kundig must have considered it a special project to take on the project and appear on video. It's a beautiful home with a contemporary crittal art deco window style😍

[@mrvk39]

I loved the bits and pieces of the house that were shown. It achieved exactly what the famous architects wanted - a house in a garden that lets all of that in. But, I am bit disappointed we didn't see more of the house - the kitchen (Kundig is famous for them), bedrooms, the flow of the space, the stairs. I want to see more!

[@antonbrndt]

Yes!!! And. Was always wondering if they always do a second video, where they just walk through the house. I always get a different sense about a space when I see people walking through it. I think it would be so awesome if they did this!

[@mrvk39]

@@antonbrndt yup! that would be great. But on this channel, they often do a very good job showing the entire flow of the place. But, in some videos they don't... maybe the architects and owners direct them to show only certain parts?

[@alymerry3705]

I’m a javanese, and i was so impresed with the gamelan machine concept! Great idea. Peaceful house 😊

[@nikkilogan7726]

Love the lush garden... really feels at home! The ambiance is very peaceful. Would love to stay in a beautiful home like that. Thanks Local Project 🥰

[@carolinawren3594]

even an architect as gifted, and perhaps particularly an architect as gifted, as Tom Kundig needs an exceptional client for true magic to occur.

[@CharlesGriffith1965]

It helps when its Steve Wynn's kid and she has unending resources 🤣🤣🤣

[@user-oy8tm5xu2h]

thank you 🙏

[@mr2981]

@@CharlesGriffith1965 Yeah, that's the exceptional part.

[@carolinawren3594]

granted, though enormous wealth has created some of the greatest monstrosities in the built environment. Ms Wynn's house is the exception that proves the rule.@@CharlesGriffith1965

[@bosvigos9165]

Quite simply the most magnificent home I have ever seen. It’s connection to the outside is truly magical. What a glorious creation.

[@SammieSea]

This is absolutely the most beautiful house I have ever seen. The lighting is so calming!

[@barbarajackson3422]

It really is a house inside a garden. So beautifully designed and executed to give the seamless feeling of being inside and yet still outside. I think those trees loves this house too

[@kerjagawe4612]

I spent my whole life with gong, it's very common in Indonesia. But, the way you 'treat it', I never imagine that before. Beyond my imagination, absolutely beautiful!

[@mmendi1114]

the play of the patterns of shadow and how it dances with the light on the surfaces of this house...are serene

[@surfnbacker84]

“Provides the psychological benefits of living with less”. Says the woman in a $10mm home with a yoga studio. Gorgeous home but that may be the most ridiculous statement I’ve heard.

[@meilau4253]

She's living the abosolute Californian dream home! I love the play of lights & shadow throughout the day, the abundance of glass. This house is the perfect balance of indoor outdoor serenity!

[@robdiaz13]

crushed it. Home is so well done. So many times builders and arch types miss on the land. This home is just beyond. Bravo.

[@toodlesoops7761]

I cry for joy at the simple profound beauty of her soul brought forward in this home - thank you -

[@oneofakindlifestyle]

I love this warmness in this house with the interiors. Its minimalist but feels so cozy and warm 🥰

[@justinamusyoka4986]

This is the home and serenity everyone wants.Thanks for sharing.

[@lylylyly33]

This is one of the most beautiful gardens I've seen.

[@CuzEillyCan_Interiors]

Hands down, it's my favorite. I love the connection between indoors and outdoors. And that gong- Beautiful work of art you have here. ❤❤❤

[@8gagee]

Just...WOW! I love everything about this space! The home, the garden, the materials, the gongs.....Bravo!

[@AstronautOtto]

I enjoyed the architect's way of explaining thee garden... he sees it as a layer. Like clothing! Great illustration.

[@pixiequilt]

Lovely house but the smooth editing makes this even worth watching. My favourite part? The design concept where the house is intented to disappear from all the greenery. Living there would probably be like a daily discovery. Contrary to what other say, it screams humility to me. I am an introvert and I see the peace and contentment that the house exudes. Unlike those "in your face" mansions you see, that demands attention. I just realized, I had to work hard because this is the kind of home that I dream about everyday 🙂❤️

[@donovanreimer2324]

Sort of seemingly effortless perfection. I am in awe.

[@sqnhunter]

I love the concept. I have always advocated for living the eco lifestyle where you bring the outside to the inside and set the inside outside. A great combination of lifestyle and nature. I have been building this way for years myself...but this is an absolute pearl!

[@miramusa4970]

This is the most beautiful house i see so far..its so natural,cozy ,and warm..

[@user-eb5md4gr2i]

시크릿 가든 멋집니다. 집 안에 숲을 들여놓아 보는 것만으로도 평화로운 마음이 드네요.

[@aradhanakakar8776]

SO beautiful, serene and calming .... so true to the caption. it flows without the boundaries dominating... loved it

[@CourtneyBishopPOA]

What a gorgeous space for a yoga studio. The sound of angels as the gates open.. that's how you know you've found the one ✨Magic.

[@TheLocalProject]

So true!

[@SLULTRA1989]

This house is modern and seamlessly integrated with nature, I love it

[@jtdave8721]

I'M obsessed with this garden. You have to be really lucky to find something like this and to live like that in Venice it's not common an really rare. I love this house so much. If you know her father this definitely and absolutely not his style. I love that for her. Love love this

[@NBportofino]

Who’s her father and what is his style?

[@jtdave8721]

@@NBportofino Steve Wynn he's casino mogul. And all is house looks exactly like the interior of his hotels just look for it online you'll see

[@beatrizlopez7241]

Yo estoy creando mi jardín,y me gustaría que quede igual que esto, sería sensacional😅😊❤

[@MissPrissy6688]

OMG !!!! The house of my dreams ! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Angel-ng9tq]

So serene, thank you so much for showing us your personal space...so greatful. xx💝

[@hwahonglim5708]

Simply exhilarating! Seeing elements from the tropics, South E. Asia and greater Asia feel so much like home to me

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

I'm so glad this came up on my feed. Breathtakingly beautiful, everything about it. Thanks so much for discovering this gem and then making and uploading such a ravishing video.

[@Architurnon]

I'm completely captivated by this garden. It's truly a stroke of luck to come across something so exquisite, especially considering how uncommon it is to enjoy such a lifestyle in Venice. This house holds a special place in my heart. It's clear that if you're familiar with her father, this style is definitely and unequivocally not his. I admire that uniqueness, especially tailored to her tastes. I'm absolutely smitten with this place.

[@imianco8079]

beautiful!! really appreciated the equal passion ideas of the homeowner architect and venice contributing.. it is a stunning place that is a sanctuary and seems nurtures restores you which is the intention of a well designed home. thank you everyone for this inspiration!

[@vidhyasubramanian3549]

Iam going to save this video. Watching this home created with so much passion...is a meditation in itself. God bless this home. 🙏

[@janetyamashige9573]

What a stunning property. The garden space is exquisite, I love how the home just sort of vanishes into it. I think I heard those singing angels too.

[@Diddy1970AD]

The fusion of the house within and to the garden is sublime. Both the house and the gardens are exceptional, but I think there is also a wider message that many householders could learn from. Take care of your house and spend time gardening. The effort will be worth it. It might not be on the same scale as this but a well cared for house and garden will improve your emotional well being no end. My admiration to everyone involved in this project.

[@pavana2810]

As an avid gardener this house is a total soulful inspiration. I need to build a less expensive version of this. The gong art was so beautiful - sound bath.

[@gamelatron]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@vivarosa1860]

For the past four years, I've indulged in countless house tours. Yet, among them all, this house stands out as the only one that truly resonates with me. It initially caught my eye as a reel on Instagram, and that led me to explore every aspect of it. At this very moment, I find myself on the threshold of living my dream life. With unwavering determination, I've been mustering up the courage to launch my own company, envisioning something significant and grand. This house feels like an affirmation, a sign that I am destined for something big. It's as if my dreams are materializing before my very eyes, and this house embodies everything I aspire to. Leaving this comment serves as a promise to myself that in just a few years, I will make my dream a reality and establish my own company. Undoubtedly, this house will remain my biggest inspiration, reminding me of the heights I can achieve.

[@shwetagomathisankar4534]

Looks stunning!! Excellent merge of garden and the house!

[@LifewithAlegria]

Absolutely stunning. An entire work of art. 🌸

[@ryanelfman3520]

Can’t go wrong with an Olson kundig house

[@prinprin3313]

Ohhhhh, it was a heaven! The impression of this house will live inside of me! I can not imagine I really see it. It is really a dream. Hard to find the words. But is nicely said - not to be tight up to your possession, have a Spirit of garden and freedom. You re wonderful people. I am so happy you exist.

[@kilanoorlatish2579]

kudos to the editor, who knitted the scenes perfectly with the scenario narrated by the architect.

[@do5601]

Whichever the aspirations of the original house & site were, and the newest owner’s, this house & it’s symbiotic connection with it’s landscape in this video are holistic. Love it all❤

[@MommyVanJava]

I love the idea of the moment in 3:05

[@mytube-10]

Beautiful and serene! I love the motto: "living with less, not being a slave to your possessions".💖

[@SteveEaton]

Having heard Tom Kundig speak at university, I would like to concur that he is a humble and modest person. His talk was great and so lacking in all the pompousness found in so many architects. it was really refreshing.

[@drakedrones]

A house built around a garden is always ❤❤❤.

[@AJMDESIIGNCONSULTANT]

Energy, Frequency & Vibration !! Simply Superb Work !! God Bless the Entire Team 😇

[@kibibishaw1194]

Seems like such a healing rejuvenating Home 🏡

[@relaxbebe]

Stunning my home! Thank you for sharing!

[@Sailingbill1]

Stunning house. Love the light, all of the glass (and how clean they are ;-), and how inside lives outside. Quite a property in Venice.

[@gamelatron]

A wonderful video. Honored to be part of this project. I love Gillians and Kundig's vision and work. I call the Gamelatron sonic kinetic sculpture seen in the middle of the video "Cahaya di Hati" or Light of the heart.

[@kitzv91]

Indonesian here, I really admire your work! Semoga suatu hari nanti bisa experience langsung.

[@gamelatron]

@@kitzv91 Terima Kasih. Di mana di Indonesia? Saya ada berberapa Gamelatron di Jakarta di tempat Umum di lobby World Trade Center 2, dan tempat lain

[@galbism]

Fantastic! @gamelatron this is one of your most beautiful sculptures.

[@evantheodorsabatke]

This house is modern and seamlessly integrated with nature, I love it.

[@darien33]

Una de mis casas favoritas del canal . Tiene armonía y es bella en su integración exterior interior.

[@littlenest]

This is simply perfect! ♥

[@Jijohann]

I love how you presented this house as a pice of art,cause it is. One element that I like about this house is that it's playful. At least that is what I see

[@MrGoalie2012]

as a recent discoverer of Olsun Kundig I loveeeeeeed this

[@francineh.7825]

I love the owner's, and the Architect's, description of this property and home as much as I love this house. Beautiful!

[@TheLocalProject]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nialoren1651]

There are many resonant ideas & inspiration of this home that I would love in to incorporate in my dream home. Simply beautiful. ❤

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Really is spectacular, and rewarding for the architect to see the finished product. I like that Javan music installation.

[@neeldave007]

Probably best garden home I ever viewed...!!!

[@b.m824]

Heavenly paradise. Just beautiful. Enjoy. ❤

[@thejournalingclub8739]

The storytelling was just beautiful!

[@CinemaLover1900]

A stunning accomplishment. Truly an oasis.

[@user-tl1yf2lm5k]

Peaceful and lush I relaxed just watching the video, the perfect home and truly a sanctuary ❤

[@wildlifegardenssydney7492]

The house as the enveloping garden room…….so gorgeous….every detail…

[@iahorvath]

Stunning home!

[@carmencampana3329]

A beautifully made film! It captured the vibe of the home.

[@BonjourInParis]

It’s perfect to do meditation in the stunning house. OMG

[@geemail369]

What a beautiful shell, for everything about to come.

[@jessicaveganjessica2208]

Gorgeous!

[@lisahinkofer2085]

Absolutely beautiful home

[@MAM3able]

Projeto belíssimo, me inspira muito!

[@brandyurban9415]

Wow! Absolutely breathtaking! It’s hard to believe how some people live.

[@Editorknowsbest]

I love Tom Kundig's work. Thank you for featuring this stunning garden retreat.

[@TheLocalProject]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@intervibist]

Gorgeous! So easy to fall in love with this home.

[@ChefRamidaThaiFoodExpert]

Wow, it looks absolutely breathtaking! This has truly inspired me for my upcoming summer home project.

[@christianemeiners9224]

Stunning

[@sophieostria9113]

Simply wonderful!

[@elizabethbaldt1381]

So beautiful and peaceful. Love it.❤

[@willcookmakeup]

My god this home is perfect. What a beautiful design. Possibly my favorite home I've seen featured on a tour show

[@TheLocalProject]

Wow, thank you!

[@orchidalicia7996]

Talk about gardening , Ive been wanting to cut the grass at my mother's house since 16th May, when i last mowed the lawn, however every time i go out i see the beautiful bees and butterflies enjoying the nectar from the wild flowers...i go back in the house feeling contented mother nature is speaking to me, another month passes without the lawn being cut🐝🌼

[@brendacaceres2430]

Wow, qué belleza de jardín y propiedad. Sin estar ahí, ya caminé por sus jardínes. Hermoso.

[@annaalmirall193]

Beautiful result!

[@dianemorgan600]

Beautiful, very zen, I would love to live in a secret garden house. The grounding would be incredible. So peaceful and spiritual, feel nothing but love for this incredible property.

[@jamesbond7102]

Just amazing

[@bu7511]

one of the best projects I have seen. well done