Owner’s Design Inspiration
Set atop a hill overlooking a beautiful forest and a gently flowing creek, this landscape unfolds as an extension of the home’s contemporary interior. To achieve this end, we noted the owner’s furniture, rugs and art. We used these materials and forms as inspiration for their new landscape, and more specifically their modern residential patio.
The Gathering Space
The owner loves to host their kids and grandkids. So, at the heart of the outdoor experience we designed a patio. The modern residential patio, situated outside of a prominent bay window, intentionally connects the interior and exterior living spaces.
The contemporary style patio is designed to host gatherings of up to 50 friends and family members. Three black granite cubes bubbling with water bring a soothing sound to guest’s ears. Radiating out from the black cubes are black hexagonal pavers that transition to grey and then white in an ombré pattern. The geometric pavers subtly echo the home’s octagonal cupolas, reinforcing the patio’s connection to the home.
Opposite the water feature, a raised planter punctuated by upright Parkland Pillar Birch trees gives guests comfortable enclosure while doubling as a seat wall. The mixed flowering perennials within the raised planter offer guests a beautiful planting to enjoy. As evening settles in, the firelight from the gas fire pit and the soothing, gurgling water continue to welcome guests for great conversation and maybe even tasty s’mores.
A More Private Space
Just beyond the main entertaining space, is a more private area of the patio, directly adjacent to the master bedroom. This patio accommodates a couple of lounge chairs for sunbathing with a swim spa just beyond. We intentionally set the swim spa below the elevation of the patio to make it easy for the owner to get in and out. Additionally, this enables the main patio with its fire pit and bubbling water feature to be the focal point. Since the swim spa is at the edge of the patio, the owners can enjoy open views of the woods and creek from the spa.
Pickleball
At our initial meeting with the owner, they proudly showed us their reduced scale “pickleball court” in their garage. The floor was taped to delineate the various portions of the court. They shared that they enjoy playing pickleball in this space, but they wondered if we could find a spot for a full-sized court.
Located on a hilltop, there is significant elevation change on this site. However, we were able to tuck a full-size pickleball court along the side of the home. This required the clearing of a few trees and some structural retaining walls. But, it allowed the court to be located in close proximity to the home. And the property’s natural grade changes partially screen the court. The homeowners found this to be a big win! The court provides a place to play without interrupting primary views of the woodland and creek from the main living spaces.
Upon Arrival
The arrival sequence of the home, celebrates the beauty and peacefulness of the woodland. Newly planted Lady Fern, Pennsylvania Sedge, and Common Witchhazel soften the masonry-framed driveway entrance. These strategically placed woodland plants blur the edge between cultivated landscape and surrounding woodland. Columnar Norway Spruce trees subtly screen the garage and guide visitors toward the front door. A circular drive is anchored by a multi-stem River Birch rising from a gentle berm. Flowering perennials and spring bulbs surround the tree and create a planting that evolves with the seasons. Fort McNair Horsechestnut trees provide shade and an unexpected summer bloom, completing an entrance experience that feels distinctive, interesting and welcoming.
Landscape Construction
A great design needs a great landscape contractor to install it. For this project, we worked closely with Twin Lakes Nursery throughout the project. Twin Lakes installed the hardscape, plants and lighting while also managing all of the subcontractors (concrete, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, irrigation) for the project. They ensured that this modern residential patio and landscape became a beautifully built space for the homeowners to enjoy for years to come!