Complete Backyard Complete Backyard
Zero-Edge Chic
A bare sloped yard rebuilt around a zero-edge reflecting pool, a pergola dining terrace for the shade, and clean modern paving.
How this project came together
The challenge
The house was sitting in dirt. The driveway, the garage access and the entry walks were the only finished surfaces on the place. We took spot elevations for the grade changes and plotted the electric panel, gas meter, irrigation valves, hose bibs and drains, because every one of them was staying put and the design had to work around them.
The design decision
First sketches set the pool and spa with a baja shelf in the middle of the yard, then worked outward from there: a fire-pit lounge, a BBQ island under a pergola, flagstone paving, artificial turf and new beds. We redrew the fencing and gates to suit the new layout rather than leaving them on lines that no longer made sense.
The build
What went in is a lap pool and spa, bluestone patios and two pergolas, one of them over a dining area with a concrete counter and sink. Gravel, bluestone and pavers keep the hardscape reading as separate spaces. Citrus, privacy hedging and drought-tolerant planting layer the edges. We ran the lighting with the rest of the work instead of adding it at the end, which is the only way to get conduit where you actually want it.
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
The base plan outlines the central residence, surrounding dirt areas, and existing concrete surfaces, including the driveway, garage access, and walkways at key entry points. It identifies essential site elements such as utility connections (electric panel, gas meter, irrigation valves, hose bibs, and drains), existing walls and fences, and spot elevations across the property. This plan provides a clear foundation for future design, taking into account the site’s layout, elevation changes, and usable space.
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100%Design Proposals
This sketch shows the proposed backyard makeover featuring a pool and spa with a baja shelf. It includes flagstone pavers, artificial turf, and updated planting beds with mulch. Additional highlights include a fire pit lounge, BBQ island under a pergola, new fencing, and gates. Utilities and lighting are integrated to support function and enhance the overall ambiance.
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100%Conceptual Plan
The conceptual landscape plan details a modern layout featuring a lap pool, spa, bluestone patios, and two pergolas, one with a dining area and concrete countertop with sink. Gravel, bluestone, and pavers define the hardscape, while layered plantings of citrus trees, privacy hedges, and drought-tolerant species add year-round color. Integrated lighting, updated gates, and fencing complete the design with both ambiance and structure.
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
Zero-Edge Chic in detail
8 photographs of the completed project.
Planning something like this?
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