When this Westwood family came to Land Design Associates, they had a clear vision: transform their sloped, underutilized backyard into a functional and inviting entertainment space. Their goals were to create ample patio space, an outdoor kitchen, a gas fire pit with seating, lush plantings, and improved access from their existing deck and front yard. They wanted a space that would allow for family gatherings, outdoor cooking, and relaxation, while also improving the flow and accessibility between different areas of their property.
Challenges: Sloped Terrain and Conservation Land
From the outset, we were presented with several design challenges that needed to be addressed. The backyard had a significant slope, which not only limited the functionality of the space but also required careful consideration for drainage. Additionally, the property bordered conservation-protected riverfront land, so we had to navigate strict conservation setbacks and restrictions. This required meticulous planning and collaboration with a survey engineer to ensure the design complied with all environmental regulations.
Phased Approach: Prioritizing the Backyard
Given the scale of the project, the homeowners opted for a phased approach, focusing on the backyard as their top priority. Our primary objective was to create a multi-level entertainment area that not only provided ample space for different activities but also addressed the sloped terrain.
Phase One: Designing a Multi-Level Entertainment Space
To solve the slope issue, we designed a tiered patio system that flowed seamlessly from the front yard to the backyard, integrating each level into a cohesive space for entertaining. The top level served as the transition point from the driveway and the outdoor deck, welcoming guests with creative stone walls and raised garden beds that added texture and softness to the design. This space offered an inviting entrance to the lower entertainment areas, leading guests naturally through the landscape.
The middle level featured a cozy gas fire pit with seating, strategically placed far enough from the house to create an intimate gathering area. This allowed for an unobstructed view of the yard while maintaining a sense of connection to the other outdoor spaces. The fire pit became the central focal point, offering warmth and ambiance during cooler evenings.
Finally, the lowest level was reserved for grilling and dining. This spacious patio area was designed to accommodate outdoor cooking and large family gatherings, with plenty of room for seating, a dining table, and a grilling station. By separating the dining and fire pit areas, we created distinct zones for different activities, making the space versatile and functional.
Phase Two: Future Plans for Driveway, Basketball Court, and Front Yard
Looking ahead, the homeowners also envisioned additional improvements to the front of the property. In future phases, they planned to redo the driveway and create a basketball area for their kids. This would include a small adjacent patio where the family could spend time together while enjoying the outdoor activities.
Additionally, the homeowners wanted to refresh their front yard with updated plantings, giving their home a polished and welcoming curb appeal. Our plan included a range of native plantings to complement the property’s natural surroundings, ensuring the landscape remained visually cohesive from front to back.
Working Within Conservation Boundaries
Given the proximity to conservation-protected riverfront land, it was crucial that we adhered to environmental guidelines throughout the project. We worked closely with the survey engineer to ensure that all design elements, including the patios and plantings, were compliant with conservation setbacks. This also involved presenting our plans to the local conservation board for approval.
To meet the environmental requirements, we incorporated native plantings throughout the property. These plants not only helped to stabilize the soil on the sloped terrain but also contributed to the ecological health of the riverfront area, blending the project harmoniously with its natural surroundings.
The Result: A Stunning, Functional Outdoor Space
This Westwood family now enjoys a beautifully designed, multi-functional outdoor space that perfectly suits their lifestyle. With carefully considered access points from the driveway and the deck, as well as distinct areas for cooking, dining, and relaxing by the fire pit, the backyard has become an ideal space for both intimate family gatherings and larger social events.
As we move forward with future phases of the project, including the driveway, basketball court, and front yard updates, we are excited to continue transforming this property into the family’s dream outdoor oasis.
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