Nature's Nook
Challenge:
The Stonebrook residence backyard consisted of dilapidated deck overlooking a damp, overgrown backyard that merged with a dense cedar woodlot. The owners envisioned having a low maintenance outdoor living space that accommodated complex modern elements such as a water feature, plunge pool, multi-level deck, and outdoor kitchen, yet transition harmoniously with a naturalized woodlot. The issue was both creative and also practical as the water table was only 6” below grade, and access to the back yard involved a narrow 400’ sloped path.
The Solution:
Since the project involved multiple skilled craftspeople, Earthscape acted as a general contractor allowing the project to be completed on schedule. A modern three level deck built of reinforced cellular PVC with a screwless design was specified as a low maintenance solution. The upper deck bordered by glass insert railings offers a space for lounging and sunbathing with an unobstructed view of the landscape. The upper deck provides a roof for the main deck and includes a waterproof rubber membrane and an underside finished with PVC bead board. The main deck has built-in PVC benches, custom granite countertops, a built-in natural gas BBQ and side burner, a working sink, and normal voltage outdoor lighting for extended use as an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Likewise, the lower deck was built to provide an outdoor living and entertaining space. Because of the wet boggy location, increased pier sizes where were used on the deck with ‘bigfoot’ footings for additional support.
A two tiered masonry-veneer water feature was built in to compliment both the modern and natural setting. Custom aluminum weirs and 8 inch thick continuous poured concrete walls where used for the feature. The cascading water is uplight with landscape lighting as are the beds. The water feature plumbing was tied into the pool plumbing for cost efficiency and easy winter shutdown. Finally, a rough sawn cedar boardwalk and jumbo flagstone steppers lead to a natural fire pit area.
Preview at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aAH6vavQHs
The Stonebrook residence backyard consisted of dilapidated deck overlooking a damp, overgrown backyard that merged with a dense cedar woodlot. The owners envisioned having a low maintenance outdoor living space that accommodated complex modern elements such as a water feature, plunge pool, multi-level deck, and outdoor kitchen, yet transition harmoniously with a naturalized woodlot. The issue was both creative and also practical as the water table was only 6” below grade, and access to the back yard involved a narrow 400’ sloped path.
The Solution:
Since the project involved multiple skilled craftspeople, Earthscape acted as a general contractor allowing the project to be completed on schedule. A modern three level deck built of reinforced cellular PVC with a screwless design was specified as a low maintenance solution. The upper deck bordered by glass insert railings offers a space for lounging and sunbathing with an unobstructed view of the landscape. The upper deck provides a roof for the main deck and includes a waterproof rubber membrane and an underside finished with PVC bead board. The main deck has built-in PVC benches, custom granite countertops, a built-in natural gas BBQ and side burner, a working sink, and normal voltage outdoor lighting for extended use as an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Likewise, the lower deck was built to provide an outdoor living and entertaining space. Because of the wet boggy location, increased pier sizes where were used on the deck with ‘bigfoot’ footings for additional support.
A two tiered masonry-veneer water feature was built in to compliment both the modern and natural setting. Custom aluminum weirs and 8 inch thick continuous poured concrete walls where used for the feature. The cascading water is uplight with landscape lighting as are the beds. The water feature plumbing was tied into the pool plumbing for cost efficiency and easy winter shutdown. Finally, a rough sawn cedar boardwalk and jumbo flagstone steppers lead to a natural fire pit area.
Preview at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aAH6vavQHs
Project Year: 2013
Country: Canada
