Complete Backyard Complete Backyard
Contemporary Courtyard
Front and back reworked together: stone entry steps and fresh planting at the street, a spa-overflow pool and covered outdoor kitchen behind.
How this project came together
The challenge
A central driveway with lawn to the front and side, a freeform pool and spa at the rear with its equipment, concrete walks and pads around the house, and mature planting right around the perimeter. We located the electrical panel, gas meter, water heater and hose bibs, and took spot elevations and drainage outlets.
The design decision
The sketch expanded the planters, upgraded the paving and reworked the layout so the yard flows, with a pergola throwing shade beside the seating and dining area. Selected mature trees along the boundary stayed, because you can't buy that canopy back. The fountain moved, and we carried the lighting and paths further into the yard than they had been.
The build
The built scheme works off the pool and spa that were already there, with upgraded paving and built-in seating. A BBQ island and a pergola-shaded dining zone hold the middle. Modern concrete pavers, gravel inlays and boulders give the contrast, artificial turf and bluestone paths link the spaces, and planters and retaining walls define the edges. The lighting picks out the paths, the seating and the house itself.
The Design Process
From survey to buildable plan
Every project is measured, drawn, and approved before a shovel goes in the ground. These are the actual drawings for this property.
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100%Base Plan
This base plan illustrates an existing property featuring a central driveway with lawn areas along the front and side yards. A freeform pool and spa are located in the rear yard, accompanied by pool equipment. The site includes multiple concrete walkways and pads surrounding the residence, as well as defined planter areas and mature perimeter vegetation that frame the property. Existing utilities, including the electrical panel, gas meter, water heater, and hose bibs, are identified for reference. Spot elevations, drainage outlets, and other utility placements are also noted throughout to support future design and construction planning.
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100%Design Proposals
The sketch plan presents a series of proposed enhancements to the property, including expanded planters, upgraded paving, and a new landscape layout designed for improved flow and aesthetics. A pergola is introduced to create a shaded gathering space, complemented by an outdoor seating and dining area. The design incorporates upgraded plantings with layered landscaping for visual interest, while preserving select mature trees along the property edges. Additional features include a relocated fountain, new lighting elements, and enhanced pathways throughout the yard. Thoughtful placement of utilities and drainage ensures the upgrades integrate seamlessly into the existing site.
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100%Conceptual Plan
This conceptual hardscape design showcases a contemporary outdoor living space centered around the existing pool and spa, with upgraded paving and integrated seating areas. The layout introduces a built-in BBQ island and outdoor dining zone shaded by a pergola, complemented by modern concrete pavers, gravel inlays, and decorative boulders for texture and contrast. Artificial turf and bluestone pathways create seamless transitions between spaces, while accent planters and retaining walls define the garden edges. A layered lighting plan highlights pathways, seating areas, and architectural elements.
Before We Built It
The space, rendered in 3D
Homeowners approve a photorealistic model of their own property before construction starts, so what gets built is what they signed off on.
Before & After
The property as we found it
Drag the handle to see the same view before construction began.
Before After
Finished Project
Contemporary Courtyard in detail
9 photographs of the completed project.
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