Existing Conditions: Located in
the Foothills of Boise, Idaho, this property suffered from unusable
space. The back yard consisted of a narrow turf area with a rock retaining wall
that held the steep backyard. The extreme slope was covered in brown, dry
grasses with scattered sage plantings.
Conceptual
Design: The design concept introduced to this project aims to address the unusable
space of the steep backyard. The concept has a strong rectilinear form that
allows for multi level outdoor rooms. Stairs are used to brace
the elevation change and lead to a terraced patio that is built into the
foothills.
Annual color pots were designed in to introduce color - all pots are to be connected to a drip system.
We designed this project and we contacted Aaron with Boden Haus Landscape to install this project.
Construction:
The old deck was removed and excavation started for the patio built into the hillside.
Materials are brought on site and the construction of the wall begins.
Progress is made and the first terrace and stairs are implemented.
A view looking down onto the construction progress and tool storage.
Construction is beginning to wrap up.
The hardscape in the backyard is completed.
The side stairs are added.
The terraced patio is completed and the plant installation begins.
Design: To
transform this backyard into usable and livable space the backyard is terraced.
The tiered design allows for three deck spaces, divided by stairs. The narrow
backyard, which was once lined with large bushes, is designed to allow for a curvilinear stepping stone path that weaves through the grass to the side yard.
The terraces
are framed by retaining walls and colorful native plantings.
With the addition of a sofa and lounge chairs, these spaces become an outdoor living room.
The potted
plants add an architectural element that aids in further defining the space.
The
materials used in this design are concrete pavers, Timbertech composite
decking, Sandstone Slab steps, and Belgard pavers for the patio area and Belgard wall system for the retaining walls.
The design
helps to reclaim a portion of the backyard and transform it into usable space,
while maintaining the remaining portion of the yard to be preserved and with
the native sage and dry grasses.
The design
is relatively low maintenance, yet is charming, highly designed yet seeming
natural.
A special
thanks to Aaron with Boden Haus Landscape for making this project such a success!
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