In today’s busy world, finding peace and quiet can be a challenge. But for one couple with demanding schedules who longed for a retreat from their busy lives, their backyard became a destination for relaxation.
An empty canvas
Situated in the serene outskirts of town, their century-old farmhouse is surrounded by acres of open fields and expansive sunset views. However, despite the picturesque setting, the backyard presented a stark contrast. It was a bare space that lacked form or function.
After devoting attention to the home’s interior, the homeowners wanted to concentrate on the exterior. The goal was to transform the naked landscape into a personalized sanctuary and more importantly, to provide a sense of calm and privacy the couple desired.
To breathe life into it, we focused on three key design elements: Creating zones for relaxing; installing a refreshing water feature; and incorporating items reflected in the yard’s natural countryside surroundings.
A weekend retreat
The clients wanted a private backyard retreat for evenings and weekends. However, a key challenge was defining the space to provide a sense of seclusion, while still blending with the surroundings. This was overcome by selecting large natural stones sourced from a nearby quarry to carve out an intimate nook. These stones, with their rugged appearance, were dry-stacked and installed to blend with the landscape. The resulting natural wall contours the pool area and brings the desired level of privacy and intimacy to the otherwise open backyard.
A focal point
Central to the backyard transformation was the installation of a fibreglass plunge pool, which would become a focal point to anchor the design. We chose a small, free-form model, so upkeep is easy for the homeowners, plus it adds a playful touch to the overall aesthetic. The pool’s calm waters offer cool relief on hot days and a peaceful spot for unwinding. Enhancing the natural vibe is a cascading waterfall that was carefully integrated into the pool’s water circulation system and plumbing infrastructure.
Surrounding the front of the pool is a spacious patio area that was laid with natural-toned pavers, chosen for their timeless appeal and easy maintenance, and providing a durable and visually pleasing surface for outdoor activities. The seamless connection between the patio and pool area maximizes functionality and flow, for easy enjoyment of the outdoor space.
Well lit
As the sun starts to set, the magic of the retreat begins to unfold. Purposeful decorative lighting was integrated into the design, casting a soft glow to enhance every curve and contour of the space, adding warmth and intimacy. Crafting a well-lit outdoor living area creates a multi-dimensional home that can be enjoyed both day and night. Thoughtfully designed landscape lighting enhances the yard’s aesthetic appeal and lends a sophisticated, well-maintained look to this home.
The four-week project resulted in designing a meaningful space tailored to the lifestyle of this busy working couple. From quiet evenings to lively gatherings with friends, every aspect of the backyard reflected their unique preferences and desires, allowing them to fully utilize and enjoy their private retreat.