Simple Subsitutions with Big Impact

This backyard needed to be reconfigured for maximum enjoyment of the outdoor living space. Rearranging the layout makes the area more spacious and comfortable. Filling in the planting bed in the brick patio optimizes the space for entertaining, and the original brick could be reused.The concept for the deck remained the same, but removing the deteriorating concrete in favor of wood gives the area a fresh look. The whole outdoor living area gets a dramatic update without completely changing the layout. The combination of brick, natural stone, and wood unifies the whole backyard to create more useful and beautiful spaces.

Before: Original landscape

During: Filling in the brick island and removing the old deck

 After: Patio framed by natural stone as seen from the deck

After: New deck and natural stone

Front Step Shape-Up

The walkway to your home is used daily, and the first thing you and your guests see. Having the entrance interesting, inviting, and functional allows for better flow into your home. Safety and style concerns were addressed by ground leveling to provide a more moderate incline for the rounded steps. Amazing how new shapes can provide an attractive alternative to an average staircase. Check out the before and afters:

Before

 Removal of existing stairway

Grading and planning the new walkway

After

With some colorful plants and flowers, this walkway can be a beautiful and functional upgrade in daily life.

Rebuilding for a New Lifestyle

The owner of this home has grown children now, and the old deck and pool had served its useful lifespan.  The owner's goals included creating a lower maintenance space that served their desire to entertain large groups. They love their wooded, rural home, but also recognize the need to make the spaces easy to access.

Finished Patio

Before

After:  

Grades have been adjusted to reduce the number and height of the stairs leading into the landscape. 

This project shows how well a client/contractor partnership can work.  The client did much of the work themselves, including installation of the new deck.  We performed the major site work, built all the walls and infrastructure, and completed the patio and bench seating. Accent lighting adds a nice touch at night, and adds safety.

Raised beds along the deck eliminated the need for railings, creating unobstructed views. 

Hillside Before and After

Transformation of this hillside residence started in the Fall of 2011 and was completed in the Winter of 2013.  A three-phased approach in the construction created many benefits: it allowed the owner to pay in stages, maximized the living convenience of the client, and took advantage of ideal weather for construction.  

Before construction the property was dominated by rough slopes which limited functional space. Terracing reshaped the property so that it was optimized and created a dramatic visual. The space can now be utilized for varied purposes like entertaining at the outdoor kitchen, lawn, or bocce ball court. Terracing also maximizes the natural beauty of the property and new additons like the stone masonry, lawn and gardens. This varied landscape makes staying home comfortable and enjoyable.

Initial landscape

Completed terraced yard

In progress: leveling the terrain

The final product is a terraced living space and garden

The newly leveled lawn allows for a surface to play or relax

Back Yard Miracle

Patio and Play area share adjacent spaces in this tightly
designed back yard, surrounded by a low maintenance garden.  

     Not exactly a Current Project, since we did this in 2010, but this transformation deserves
the attention.  An over grown yard with too many levels was transformed to a family
friendly space for all ages.  The owners like their ability to supervise the children,
playing on smooth boulders in the pea gravel-play yard.  Lawn size was
maximized, and low fencing was installed to keep children in the yard.

 

It is hard to believe this cramped, sloping area

provided all of the space we needed for a new patio.

A 3' wall leveled the area (back of dark gray blocks visible).

Tubes were installed behind the wall for future fence posts, to be

filled with concrete. 

Planters, stairs and patio are set in to make the yard very

accessible and useful.  Irrigation, drainage and lighting

are roughed in at this stage.

Built adjacent an existing porch, this patio and garden

is practically part of the living room.  Great clients,

and a beautiful new landscape.  Enjoy!

Beauty and Function on Evergreen Road

Look at this!

Stone stairs not only provide a way to get from 

A to B, but also serve as a beautiful garden focal point.

It reminds me of a waterfall.

Before: here's the hole and materials.

Mark has done magic again!

Stonework Complete

VANDEGRAAFF RESIDENCE  FEBRUARY 2012

Patience has paid off.  After waiting several weeks, the quarry

supplying the stone was able to gather enough large flat pieces 

to complete this project.  Stone work has that special challenge: 

building a puzzle with unique pieces and no picture to go by. 

The Client, ourselves and visitors are pleased with the result.  

Lights and final planting are next.

 It is hard work move these slabs around.

A sturdy, well composed stone stairway now leads

to and from the front door.