Please HELP design my backyard!

coddely2003

10 years ago

I have a backyard in need of help! I need ideas on how to make an awesome backyard. I am worried, that if we do a large concrete slab, that it has to be done right or it will look bad and not add value to the property. I hired a professional designer to do an initial design, but my requirements have changed. I no longer want a fireplace in the space, and would opt for a fire-pit and a place for a basketball hoop instead. I was originally going to do flagstone, but am now thinking a slab, so that we can shoot basketball without tripping and the kids can rollerblade without all of the cracks and bumps. Let me give you some background and what our needs are...

I have a wife and 4 kids ranging from age 1 - 8 years old. We want to remake our backyard into a multifunctional space that will serve both our kids as well as a place to relax with friends and family. Here is what we are looking for:

Space for a movable fire-pit and furniture around it (to be used in the fall and winter. This fire-pit will be put away during the spring and summer when it is hot.
A large slab to let our kids ride scooters, rollerblades and play basketball while we hang out with them.

Here are some of my questions:

How would you remake our existing plan into something that fits into our new requirements? Would you change the shape? how do you transition between the slap and the retaining wall; would you soften it with plants and grasses somehow?
What kind of finish would you do to the concrete? Just plain slab, colored border, stamped (is there a low profile stamp that you wont trip on), salt-rock finish?
What kind of color would you color the slab? None, solid surface, stained concrete throughout, acid wash?
What kind of lighting would you put in and where? Up-lights in the concrete illuminating the wall? Downlights on the wall? etc...

Here is my backyard currently and the design we had done (that doesn't meet out needs anymore):

Backyard · More Info

Backyard · More Info

Backyard · More Info

Backyard · More Info

Animation of the Design:

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Comments (5)

Kivi
10 years ago
For sure I would change the shape since there is nowhere near enough paved surface planned for roller blades and scooters. Honestly even though it's not a tiny yard it appears to be pretty restrictive for those activities even if most of the yard was a hard paved surface. However, if you went that route I would think very few folks in the future would want such a massive paved space. What is the minimum amount of space you think you need to accommodate your kids activities. It sounds like that is a fundamental requirement for you. I would decide that first...then develop a design around that.
One thing I noticed in your pictures was that it appears your yard has a bit of a slope going towards your house. Obviously you don't want a sloped pad so that is another thing you will need to keep in mind. You will need a step up somewhere to deal with the grade change.
coddely2003
Original Author
10 years ago
It is not that big of a space, so that is the concern. I would say it is more important to build in a basketball area than a large area for rollerblading. The kids will use whatever is there. I dont need a full court, just enough to shoot around. I was hoping to have a space for entertaining as well as a play area. Maybe it just isnt a large enough space for both without overwhelming the backyard. Do you think I should just stick to the original design instead?
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PRO
Verdance Landscape Architecture
10 years ago
If the original design doesn't suit your needs then it would be a waste of your time and money to stick to it. It does seem like you're asking an awful lot from a small space — those activities take up a lot of room, plus space for the furniture (including an extra 2' – 4' of circulation space around it) plus space to store the fire pit, etc.… In my opinion you would be much better served to consult with a(nother) professional landscape designer to solve your space planning before you think about materials. You can visit www.apld.org to find a designer near you.
coddely2003 thanked Verdance Landscape Architecture
PRO
Verdance Landscape Architecture
10 years ago
By the way, here's a backyard we designed using interlocking pavers for the patio and basketball areas… in large expanses, this may be less expensive and more attractive than tinted/textured concrete, but the cleft texture of the pavers makes them less suitable for "rolling" activities like scooters and skates.
coddely2003 thanked Verdance Landscape Architecture
Kivi
10 years ago
I think the design pic Verdance posted is a very nice looking installation of a hoop space, that works very well while blending into the rest of the garden space. Nicely done!
I had a look at the animation of your old design, and I have to say I don't love it. I agree that it would be worth bringing in a different designer than the original one you had, to rethink your space based on your current desires.
coddely2003 thanked Kivi