By Carolyn Weber. Best Attached Project--over 30 du/acre

Designing a super dense 43-du/acre infill project in an exclusive hamlet like Carmel could be tricky, but this one fits in seamlessly. The plan includes five cottage-scaled buildings containing 20 townhomes and stacked units over a one-level subterranean garage that is barely visible. The buildings were designed in two architectural styles to blend in with the character of the neighborhood's existing architecture. The two buildings on the south side are authentic French Tudor with wood shake roofs, half-timbering, smooth toweled plaster, and copper details. The buildings at the north end are Spanish Colonial with clay barrel tile roofs, wrought iron railings, and natural stone.

Builder/Developer: Lexor Builders, Los Gatos, Calif.; Architect/Land planner: McLarand Vasquez Emsiek and Partners, Irvine, Calif.

Photo: Magnus Stark Photography