Metamorphic Design

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Metamorphic Design

11 Reviews

Back Yard Transformation Optimizes Usable Space

This complete back yard rebuild required new retaining walls to replace the crumbling original granite stone walls. The old garden layout was limited, awkward and underutilized so a design plan was developed to reclaim & optimize usable space, and to create pleasing outdoor areas with greater functional and aesthetic values. *Note: This design/build project was hardscape only. The client selected and installed all softscape plant choices.

Project Year: 2021

Project Cost: $100,001 - $150,000

Country: Canada

View of the main patio area with dining under covered pergola, upper sun deck seated area with fire bowl/table and utility area

AFTER - Completed back yard overview looking West

Utility area in foreground with steps up to the sun deck. Main patio, dining area & pergola beyond

AFTER - Completed back yard overview looking East from the utility area

Overgrown and crumbling low stone retaining walls and a poorly graded concrete path with insufficient drainage

BEFORE - Narrow side path from front to back yard

New concrete block retaining wall and pavers allow for greater ease of transit from front to back and moving waste & recycling receptacles, etc

AFTER - Widened side path with concrete pavers

The structure of the stepped retaining walls for the upslope neighbors to the West and North sides are a prominent feature of the back yard

AFTER - Back yard entrance area

The 40 year old granite stone walls were failing in several sections in addition to being poorly positioned for optimal utilization of back yard space

BEFORE - Cracked & crumbling original builder's walls

After the old walls are removed and more material is excavated, the site is prepared and the footings for the new walls are placed

IN PROGRESS - Starting from scratch to build back better

Rising up from the footings, the form and structure of the new retaining walls take shape in 3D!

IN PROGRESS - Retaining walls taking shape

Dedicated storage space for yard items & waste/recycling receptacles. Gravel base material installed to stage bicycle tune ups & cleaning for the avid cyclists in the family!

AFTER - View of the completed utility area from the entrance

Utility area has access stairs to and from the sun deck

AFTER - Closer view of the utility area

The client's preference for warm tones in the retaining walls was complemented and accented by the red highlights in the western red cedar fence

AFTER - Stepped retaining walls and cedar fence

The narrow path made transit with waste receptacles difficult and the gravel bed on the either side of the path was underutilized space

BEFORE - The old cracked concrete perimeter path

Completed hardscape layout enables better use of space including wider perimeter path

AFTER - New perimeter path with pavers

The old back yard deck had a small footprint that was mostly in shade. The upper area had access to sun but the sloped grade offered low functionality

BEFORE - View of the old stone walls & deck

Tearing out the old to get to the new! Removal of the lower stone walls and excavation for the new footprint

IN PROGRESS - Breaking ground, and the old stone walls

Positioning the footprint of the new lower retaining walls for the sun deck and main patio areas

IN PROGRESS - Placing the footings

Capped and completed! New upper and lower retaining walls maximize usable garden space and provide improved access to sunlight

IN PROGRESS - Walls completed and awaiting pavers

View looking to the East from the utility area, including the sun deck with seated area and main patio area beyond

AFTER - Completed back yard overview

View of the back structural retaining walls stepped out from the property line. Looking towards the sun deck and pergola beyond

AFTER - Stepped retaining walls and cedar fence

The aptly named sun deck allows the opportunity to make the most of the sunniest areas of the back yard. The fire bowl provides warmth to take the chill off cooler evenings and converts to a table when not in use

AFTER - View of the sun deck with seating

Closer view of the fire bowl/table and seating on the sun deck. Overlooking the pergola and covered dining area

AFTER - View from the sun deck

View from the walkway of the sun deck and main patio area

AFTER - Alt view of the sun deck & dining area

Walk out at the same level through sliding doors from the kitchen

BEFORE - Old raised deck - walk out from the kitchen

Stepping up to the mid level main patio area from the lower walkway

AFTER - Steps up to the main patio area

Wider view of the main patio area with dining under covered pergola

AFTER - Main patio area with pergola

Most of the old outdoor living space was in shade, while the sunny sections of the back yard had poor access and functionality.

BEFORE - Looking towards the old deck

Covered pergola makes dining al fresco a comfortable affair!

AFTER - Covered pergola with tinted glass roof

Old stone walls and stairs were visibly crumbling, cracked and in some key locations, totally failing

BEFORE - Old stone walls & steps

Completed pergola with string lights is the perfect location for gatherings rain or shine

AFTER - All season BBQ and dining under cover

Dedicated BBQ space with room to spare

AFTER - BBQ corner

Most back yard activity centered around the small older deck. Note the vertical tree trunk in the NW corner as reference point

BEFORE - View from the old deck looking West and North

Excavating to remove material to create the expanded main patio and sun deck areas

IN PROGRESS - Digging out the new patio area

Structural hardscape taking shape to create livable outdoor spaces for the homeowners. Note the vertical tree trunk in the NW corner as reference point

IN PROGRESS - Retaining walls in place

Placing a new horizontally oriented fence in front of the neighbors old fences to unify the look and cover up the variety of lower grade fencing styles. Note the vertical tree trunk in the NW corner as reference point

IN PROGRESS - Pavers installed and fence going up

View from the expanded footprint of the new main patio area with pergola, overlooking the sun deck and utility area beyond. Note the vertical tree trunk in the NW corner as reference point

AFTER - Completed main patio, sun deck and utility area

Main patio view looking down towards the lower level walkway and upper sun deck with seating

AFTER - Closer view of the main patio and sun deck areas

The cracked concrete pathway, pad and gravel area had low functionality, and the upslope neighbors' original builders landscape tie retaining wall was visibly unappealing and in failing condition

BEFORE - Looking towards the Western upslope neighbor's fence

Preparing the ground to place the footprint of the new structural retaining walls

IN PROGRESS - Excavated area in preparation of new wall footings

Creating the sun deck retaining walls and new walkway space along the perimeter of the house

IN PROGRESS - Retaining walls being built

Completed view from the main patio of the sun deck and perimeter walkway

AFTER - Looking towards the upslope Western neighbor

Retaining wall corner, stepping up to the main patio area from the lower walkway

AFTER - Wall & pavers detail

Comfortable seated area adjacent to the main patio dining area is great for before or after dinner cocktails

AFTER - Sun deck with seating around fire bowl/table

The upper area of the back yard was basically non functional, but also had the greatest potential to make best use of available space. Note the vertical tree trunk in the NW corner as reference point

BEFORE - Former field of foxgloves

Completed hardscape lay out allows for maximum and best use of available space and light. Note the vertical tree trunk in the NW corner as reference point

AFTER - Functional and enjoyable outdoor spaces

Alternate view of the under developed upper back section of the garden. Note the chimney on the left as reference point

BEFORE - Field of foxgloves II

Closer view of the sun deck and seating area from the main patio. Note the chimney on the left as reference point

AFTER - Maximizing the footprint to make the most of available space

Stepping up from the mid-level main patio area near the BBQ corner, to the top level sun deck and fire bowl/table

AFTER - Closer view of sun deck & seating

A few easy steps up to the sun deck from the main patio and dining area

AFTER - Step detail

Alternate view from the NE corner overlooking the old compromised stone retaining wall along the back property line. Note the vertical tree trunk in the NW corner as reference point

BEFORE - Looking West down the old back stone wall

Completed view from the NE corner, showing the stepped retaining walls down the length of the back of the property. Note the vertical tree trunk in the NW corner as reference point

AFTER - Completed view looking West along the back wall

Front facing view from the old deck of the former granite and concrete retaining walls

BEFORE - Old stepped stone retaining walls

Completed view of the dining and BBQ area on the main patio

AFTER - Expanded patio footprint

Narrow concrete path with gravel beds and old stone & landscape tie walls from the upslope neighbor

BEFORE - Low function & flow

View from the sun deck of the utility area with wider walkway, functional storage and good flow

AFTER - Dedicated utility space

View from the old deck towards the stone walls and upper lawn area. Note the vertical tree trunk in the NW corner as reference point

BEFORE - Looking towards the NW corner of the property

View from the sun deck towards the utility area and steps. Space for a kitchen garden behind the storage shed is planned. Note the vertical tree trunk in the NW corner as reference point

AFTER - Looking towards the NW corner of the property

A well designed plan provides a clear and detailed roadmap to deliver a smooth install experience, and an excellent end result!

2D Design Plan

3D Landscape Design Plan