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.

Services We Provided

Design | Patio | Lighting | Driveway Expansion | Irrigation | Border plantings |Tree, shrub and perennial planting

A family approached us with the desire to transform their property into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. Their hope was to create a landscape architectural masterplan for the entire property that they could implement in stages starting with their top priority items. The primary focus was on addressing their immediate needs, starting with the improvement of the driveway for easier access and maneuvering, and expanding the front yard to create a welcoming entrance. Their thoughts then shifted to the rest of the property where they required updated plantings throughout as well as more space for entertaining.

The project kicked off with a thorough assessment of the property and a detailed discussion with the clients to understand their priorities. The main objectives were identified as follows:

Driveway Expansion

The existing driveway was reconfigured to allow for easier exiting from the garage bays. This required the construction of a new retaining wall to optimize the available space and allow for more space to back out and turn. To accommodate a turnaround feature, the driveway was expanded, providing not only functionality but also enhancing the overall aesthetics of the property.

Front Entry Rebuild

To provide easier accessibility from the street to the front door as well as enhance the overall curb appeal of the main entryway, a new front walk and landing was installed creating a grand entrance that perfectly matches the elegant charm of this home.

Development of Entertainment Space

The existing entertainment consisting of a deck and small grill island was not up to our customers’ standards for hosting events. They were looking to extend the space into the yard to accommodate larger gatherings. 

Retaining Wall Construction

A new fieldstone retaining wall with bluestone caps was expertly crafted to seamlessly integrate with the landscape, providing structural support for the expanded driveway while adding visual interest and keeping in line with the existing natural stone walls on the property.

Natural stone retaining walls offer a multitude of benefits, making them an attractive choice for landscaping and structural support. Firstly, their inherent durability ensures longevity, standing firm against the elements and maintaining structural integrity over time, thus providing a reliable solution for soil retention and erosion control. Additionally, their timeless aesthetic adds a touch of elegance and natural beauty to any outdoor space, seamlessly blending with the surrounding environment. Furthermore, natural stone walls require minimal maintenance, reducing long-term costs and efforts associated with upkeep. Moreover, their versatility allows for various design options, catering to different preferences and landscapes while offering excellent drainage properties. Ultimately, opting for natural stone retaining walls not only enhances the visual appeal of outdoor spaces but also provides lasting functionality and value to any property.

A traditional brick colonial-style house with a well-kept lawn, foundation plantings, and surrounding mature trees.

After Photos

Front Landing, Main Entrance, and Walkway

When redesigning the front landscaping of the home it was apparent the existing entrance did not reflect the grand size and beauty of the home. A focal point was created at the main entrance with a custom-designed front landing increased in size from the existing landing by over two times. A walkway was installed from the road to the front of the home lined with boxwoods and pathway lighting. This not only enhanced the curb appeal but also improved the overall accessibility of the property.

Driveway Turnaround Feature 

A carefully planned turnaround feature was integrated into the expanded driveway, allowing for convenient vehicle maneuvering and creating a charming courtyard effect. The effect was continued with twin cobblestone aprons at either entrance to the driveway turnaround as well as along the garage bay doors. Also new cobblestone edging was designed to border the entire driveway giving it a crisp, stately edge.

New Plantings

Thoughtful plant selections were made to complement the property’s aesthetic and thrive in the local climate, providing year-round visual interest. The plantings were carefully selected to have multi seasonal interest as well as keeping with the clients overall taste and style preference.

Building upon the success of the initial design priorities, the next step involved the careful design and implementation of perimeter plantings to enhance the overall greenery and visual appeal of the property. The selection of plants was curated to provide a harmonious blend of colors, textures, and seasonal interest, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. 

To frame and soften the hardscape elements, carefully selected plantings were introduced along the borders of the patios. This thoughtful integration of greenery added a natural, organic touch, creating a harmonious balance between the built environment and nature.

Bluestone Patios

Recognizing the potential of the backyard as an extension of the living space, our team worked closely with the clients to design and construct elegant bluestone patios. These patios seamlessly extended from the existing deck, offering distinct areas for outdoor relaxation and entertainment. The installation of the two new bluestone patios provided functional spaces for outdoor dining, seating, and entertainment. The choice of bluestone not only added a touch of sophistication but also ensured durability and longevity.

Using natural bluestone for a patio offers a myriad of benefits that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Firstly, bluestone’s inherent durability ensures longevity, standing up to heavy foot traffic and varying weather conditions without losing its charm. Its natural slip-resistant surface makes it safe for outdoor use, reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, bluestone’s versatility shines through its ability to complement any architectural style or landscaping design, whether rustic or contemporary. Its soothing blue-gray hues add a touch of elegance to outdoor spaces, creating a tranquil ambiance. Moreover, bluestone is eco-friendly, requiring minimal processing and maintenance compared to other materials, thus reducing environmental impact. Its natural thermal properties also make it a comfortable surface to walk on barefoot, enhancing the enjoyment of outdoor living spaces. Overall, opting for natural bluestone for a patio not only adds value to the property but also ensures a timeless, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor retreat.

Outdoor Lighting

To extend the usability of the patios into the evening hours, strategically placed outdoor lighting fixtures were installed. These fixtures not only illuminated the pathways but also accentuated the beauty of the patios and surrounding plantings. Over 50 lights were used throughout the property to accomplish the look and feel the customer was hoping to achieve. The landscape lighting design was strategically created to enhance the architectural features of the landscape and provide a warm and inviting atmosphere during the evening hours.

Irrigation Extension

The existing irrigation system was extended to cover the newly landscaped areas. Repairs were made to any existing irrigation that may have needed it.  Having a robust irrigation system ensures that the plantings receive adequate and efficient watering for optimal growth and health.

Well Installation

With such a large property to irrigate, recognizing the importance of sustainable and efficient water management was key. A well was installed to serve as a water source for the irrigation system. This environmentally friendly solution not only reduced water consumption but also provided a reliable and cost-effective means of keeping the entire landscape lush and verdant. 

This Westwood, MA landscape design project showcases our commitment to creating tailored solutions that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. From the initial consultation to the final implementation, every phase was executed with precision, resulting in a satisfied and delighted client. Who continues to utilize Land Design Associates for further projects and maintenance.

With the successful implementation of these additional phases, the transformation of this property was complete. The clients now enjoy a well-designed front yard, a functional and welcoming driveway, and a backyard oasis that seamlessly blends hardscape and softscape elements. The integration of plantings, lighting, and irrigation showcases our commitment to creating landscapes that are both aesthetically pleasing and sustainable.

Landscape architectural design showing a full property design

Before Land Design Associates renovated the backyard at this family home in Westwood, it was bland and underutilized.

The small, discolored vinyl deck was misshapen and tired, the paver-stoned yard offered no privacy for socializing and the lawn areas presented unkempt woods that imposed on the amorphous space.

In short, the homeowners had a beautiful house but lacked a stunning outdoor living space that they could be proud of.

So we set out to design and build for this family with children a backyard patio and lounge area, complete with an outdoor gas fireplace, a kitchen grill built into a stone island and a beautiful perimeter of flowers and plants, to help get them back into nature.

Patio with Grill Island Replaces Old Deck

We designed and built a new patio by hand-laying modern, blue-hued pavers from Techo Bloc and enlarging the surface area for proper outdoor gatherings.

These pavers are a popular choice for many backyard designs in the Boston area as they fit into modest budgets better than most natural stones without greatly sacrificing aesthetics or functionality.

We constructed a grill island along one corner of the patio using a durable, blue-gray granite called Blue Mist for the countertop to complement the nearby wall colors and to match materials for the wall caps and steps.

We built the base from natural veneer stone, sliced very thinly and cemented to a steel-reinforced, concrete-block wall trimmed and hand-laid by our skilled masons, for a high-quality look.

Because veneer stone, which is available in multiple colors and styles, is sliced so thinly, our masons can easily create tight, aesthetically pleasing joints.

We designed the steps to flow gracefully to the patio and ensured they would be large enough even for the children to sit on. The Blue Mist granite for the steps has a non-skid surface yet is smooth enough to comfortably enjoy the area with your bare feet during the summertime.

Outdoor Gas Fireplace Provides Warmth to the Outdoor Lounge Area

Sited at an angle to provide a great interface with the upper patio, the outdoor fireplace is the focal point of the lower sitting area.

We built walls at bench height on the sides of the fireplace to allow plenty of sitting room for friends and family, again using veneer stone and Blue Mist granite for the caps for continuity.

The remote-controlled gas fireplace eliminates the time-consuming needs of having to prepare a fire by hand and to wait for potentially unsafe embers to extinguish before retiring for an evening. Gas fireplaces also do not need to be cleaned of ashes and potentially foul-smelling half-burnt logs.

We used the same Techo Bloc pavers for the lower-area patio surface from the dining-area patio for further aesthetic consistency, accenting them with a lovely Victorien paver border. Banding the patio with a paver of contrasting colors here provided a nice, inexpensive flourish to the design.

The fireplace area is now a “go-to destination” for the family, enabling them to enjoy their outdoor space from early spring to late fall (and even sometimes during mild-weathered winter days!). Gone are the family’s times of not being able to relax outside with a red wine and friends on a gloriously crisp autumn day.

Outdoor Lights to Illuminate Evenings

Our landscaping specialists installed light fixtures underneath the wall caps, step treads and the grill-island countertop to cast just the right amount of light to warm up the patio at night.

Additionally, LED path lights and up-lights on the trees augment and expand the effect of these built-in lights to create a feeling of moonlight throughout the whole backyard, while being fully within the family’s convenient control from either an inside switch or a phone app.

Providing Privacy With Beautiful Flowers and Plants

We used a large variety of colors and textures for the plantings that surround the patio areas.

Along the edges of the upper patio area and throughout the lower patio area, respectively, the family now delights in the aromas and visuals of Boxwood and super fragrant summer sweets.

Endless Summer Hydrangea gives beautiful balls of flowers all summer while large fir trees and western red cedars were planted along the property line to create a sense of privacy from neighboring houses.

Colorful perennials provide vibrancy color throughout the summer season, including a pink dogwood tree that blooms in June to provide flowers that last for weeks.

Lastly, we installed a high-tech drip-irrigation system from Netafim for the plants to create an eco-friendly watering solution that also saves the family tons of time and effort. The drip system connects directly to the lawn-irrigation timer, so hand-watering is never required.

Plant Beds and a New Fence to Define the Large Side Yard

The homeowners have a very large yard that was encroached upon by some messy woods.

Confronted with this challenge, our professional landscapers built a layered planting bed with tall evergreen plants at the back, medium flowering plants in the middle and colorful perennials along the front of the bed with a nice arch and steel edging to permanently maintain the flowing curves of the bed.

The layered planting bed’s effect defines the lawn-area space and creates an edge to separate the yard from the woods. In the back of the planting bed, we installed a spaced picket-vinyl fence that provides a neat appearance and works very well as a background or foil for the variety of textures and colors in the planting bed.

New Outdoor Space a Success for Family and Friends

With the installation of the new patio, fireplace area and side yard, this beautiful house in Westwood now has places for the family and their friends to actually enjoy outside, whereas before they wouldn’t even venture into their backyard.

The project also provided a ton of value to the house when the family decides to sell. The reality of today’s housing market compels young couples to focus on certain must-haves, including nice outdoor living areas and green yards with flowers for their kids to play in.

“Land Design Associates was very professional and their labor crew highly skilled. They provided exceptional advice and created a landscape design based on our vision. The management team was patient and very helpful as we made numerous changes prior to the final drawings. I highly recommend Land Design Associates and their great crew to any potential client.” – Homeowner

Looking to Upgrade your Backyard Space in Westwood and the Surrounding Area with a New Landscape Design?

If you want to stun your family and friends and truly fall in love with spending time outside in your own backyard, come talk to us. We’ve been providing landscaping services to Westwood, Norfolk County and southern Middlesex County for over 25 years, and we’re proud of what we do.