Backyard retreat

This is the plan view conceptual of the same space as shown in the previous two renderings. Here the relationship of how the entire backyard would lay out and the space between the upper and lower terrace is explained in this conceptual drawing.

Everything starts with the steps and walk off the drive and down into the upper terrace. A fairly wide set of stairs separates the upper terrace and its lawn from the more public pool area, and the large opening coming from the 2 sets of doors from the walkout basement.

Where the pergola is shown there has been a lot of discussion about some sort of poolhouse to be installed. It seems now this is the way the project is headed.

There is also strong interest in keeping the folly/ornament at the top of the hill. We are now investigating possibilities for this structure. 

Continued: Refining the Space

This is additional look at same space from Monday's post. just trying to get a little closer to a possible look and feel of how the space could turn out.

This was a rendering shown to client and after seeing this, she asked of we could expand on this by turning the pergola into a "pool house"-a big change but not an impossible one. I am going to work on that tomorrow. 

Pool. Patio, Spa, Pergola, Folly

This backyard may get to have it all. we are looking at the lower pool area from where the stairs would lead to the lower terrace. This upper terrace consist of a nice sized lawn space for play surrounded by plantings and a few sculptural peices.

The lower patio has all the entertaining area plus an area to relax. This pergola may change to some sort of poolhouse-I have been asked to render that possible design scenario.

The walk up the hill on the left would lead to the Folly, "temple" seating area. Built as much for it's aesthetic from below as for seating to look over the entire backyard. 

2nd Look at wall

This is from another angle for the same project as yesterday. Trying out different ways to install a wall that is needed to hold up the new parking area, but at the same time not dominant the entire landscape.

My guess is the wall will be shortened and cut back sooner into the bank-not wrapping all the way around. If we add a step or two at the house we will negate some height in the wall also-an extra step or two is more cost effective to overall budget.

The real question will be will the homeowner go for the idea, and for the suggestion that the wall be done in brick-like the house. We shall see. 

Parking Court, Modular Wall, Plants

I don't know if this is going to work. Obviously this is a rendering for a front yard where the main elements are this new wall, the parking spaces now available because of the new wall, and the diversity of the planting(s).

The conifer screen is good and the anchor plantings along the wall base. What is now bugging me are the "standards" above the wall that appear to be placed in the mass planting. It shows some rhythm and harmony, but I now wonder about the appropriateness, and aesthetic. client is looking at this and others on Friday, we will see. 

Bad start to this Waterfeature

This looks like to much rock already-I'll let everyone know how it turns out. 

Springtime from our Woods

A look down through the woods to the back of the house, and shop. Maples are getting ready to leaf out, and the grass is getting ready to be cut.

The hill behind the house almost goes straight up in spots, allowing for the angle in this shot. The woods fill in fairly full during the growing season but there is still enough space for the shafts of light to appear.

These shafts of light, along with the areas of darkness really make for a great woodland setting. 

Advancing the design

This rendering takes it a little further along in the process. Here we have "more defined" the space for what it needs to become.

This clean of a drawing is actually being shown to homeowner, without plant material.I would have preferred to add in the plant material, but the contractor was anxious to move the process along. 

Rendering, sketches

This is a couple of early looks at a weird situation. The main driveawy is down below but the front door is way above-so we need some walls. terraces, and over 20 steps to get to the top.

Maybe I should just design another driveway, further down the gravel drive to get up and around to the front door. Even though the homeowners seem to be against the idea.