Crooked trees and broken stumps are often the legacy of mandates to preserve natural areas in new developments. Nonetheless, images of an outdoor living room surrounded by woodland gardens, natural stone and falling water were already germinating in the client’s imagination.

The challenge to make this site both suit the maximizing the small space on a steep slope and enhancing the livability of the area. Through the use of interwoven man-made and natural materials, we were able to create a functional, inviting terrace that becomes the centerpiece of the view from the wall of windows above.

The client placed a high value on extending the home into the garden, creating a destination for living and entertaining. The soothing trickle and splash of ever-falling water provides nature’s mood music for solitary reflection or a festive gathering of friends.

The backyard slopes away from the house, a natural waterfall would look contrived, so a more sculptural approach was used. Pedestal bowls continuously overflow into a deep pool. Natural minerals contradict the appearance of a retaining wall. The outcroppings of boulders and stone slabs transition from the manufactured pavers used in the patio into a shady woodland garden. They also provide the structural support for the living space above and the connection to the lower garden.

The lower garden beckons with cool shade and imaginative combinations of unusual plants and sculptural whimsies. The dry creek bed channels runoff and invites the exploration of the space. As sunlight moves across the scene, the interplay of form, color and texture reveals the intrinsic, nearly-wild character of this rearrangement of nature’s bounty.

From every vantage point, the places the Breunings live are now intimately integrated. They are never visually separated from the sights and sounds of nature. The places they love to be are only steps away and now there is room to share it with their favorite people.

click each picture for a larger view

click here to read about 2006 PLANET Environmental Improvement Award of Distinction that was awarded to Estate Gardeners, Inc. for this project.