Another view. A contemplation space of crushed limestone, sandstone walls, and sliced granite sitting stones. The setting is carved into a hillside and surrounded with gardens. Credit: Tad Anderson. All rights exclusively reserved.

A pondless waterfall alongside the deck and pool area creates a luxurious and soothing highlight. River stones, moss rock, and plenty of green ground cover add to its natural appeal. Positioned between the driveway and upper patio, it acts as the first stage of a broader ‘contemplation-scape’ that culminates in the upper patio and pool area. www.deckandpatio.com

What does it say about a home that takes your breath away? From the moment you walk through the front door, the beauty of the Big Wood embraces you. The soothing light begs a contemplative moment and the tall ceilings and grand scale make this a striking alpine getaway. The floor plan is perfect for the modern family with separated living spaces and yet is cozy enough to find the perfect spot to gather. A large family room invites late night movies, conversation or napping. The spectacular living room welcomes guests in to the hearth of the home with a quiet sitting area to contemplate the river. This is simply one of the most handsome homes you will find. The fishing is right outside your back door on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Big Wood. The bike path to town is a stone’s throw from your front door and has you in downtown Ketchum in no time. Very few properties have the allure of the river, the proximity to town and the privacy in a home of this caliber.

A full-scale makeover was necessary to address drainage issues and create a low-maintenance landscape. It also offered an opportunity to incorporate the homeowner's love of Japanese Zen gardens. We designed a contemplative space that melds the traditional Zen aesthetic with Northwest plants and materials. The back yard is a peaceful retreat with stone features and restrained planting.

A full-scale makeover was necessary to address drainage issues and create a low-maintenance landscape. It also offered an opportunity to incorporate the homeowner's love of Japanese Zen gardens. We designed a contemplative space that melds the traditional Zen aesthetic with Northwest plants and materials. The back yard is a peaceful retreat with stone features and restrained planting. Stone steps lead to a lower gravel patio with Montana sandstone benches.

Step into a charming backyard retreat that offers a cozy and intimate setting for relaxation and contemplation. At its heart, you'll find two inviting chairs flanking a small round table, creating the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. The chairs beckon you to sit back and savor the peaceful ambiance, while the quaint round table acts as a focal point, inviting you to gather for intimate conversations or perhaps enjoy a cup of coffee or tea amidst nature's serenity. As you settle into the tranquil surroundings, you'll notice a row of privacy trees standing tall behind the seating area, creating a natural screen that shields you from the outside world. These lush green trees provide a sense of seclusion, allowing you to enjoy quiet moments in your own private sanctuary. Under your feet, the floor is adorned with crushed rocks, adding a rustic touch to the setting. The texture of the rocks complements the natural surroundings, enhancing the earthy and organic feel of the backyard. As you walk on the uneven surface, you can feel a sense of grounding and connection to the beauty of nature. The combination of the cozy chairs, the small round table, the privacy trees, and the crushed rock floor creates a harmonious and welcoming outdoor space. It becomes an idyllic spot to retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering solace and a connection to nature that rejuvenates the soul. With every passing moment, you'll find yourself immersed in the gentle rustling of leaves, the subtle fragrance of the privacy trees, and the soothing crunch of the rocks beneath your feet. Whether you're seeking moments of quiet contemplation or a place to share cherished conversations with a loved one, this backyard haven becomes your personal oasis of peace and tranquility.

A full-scale makeover was necessary to address drainage issues and create a low-maintenance landscape. It also offered an opportunity to incorporate the homeowner's love of Japanese Zen gardens. We designed a contemplative space that melds the traditional Zen aesthetic with Northwest plants and materials. The back yard is a peaceful retreat with stone features and restrained planting.

A contemplation space of crushed limestone, sandstone walls, and sliced granite sitting stones. The setting is carved into a hillside and surrounded with gardens. Credit: Tad Anderson. All rights exclusively reserved.

The temple's design presents an avant-garde and spherical architecture that creates a meditative and serene ambiance. The monolithic concrete forms with their smooth finish and the open oculus at the center establish a connection with the natural elements outside, while the interior's earthen tones and controlled lighting intensify the contemplative experience. The central fire pit serves as a traditional focal point, offering warmth and a symbolic presence that enhances spiritual reflection.

A healing garden provides peace and beauty for residents. This local non-profit organization provides end-of-life care for homeless men and women with late-stage and end-stage AIDS and terminal cancer. The client provided us with the design for a Healing Garden for the program’s residents, giving them a dedicated outdoor space to enjoy quiet contemplation, prayer, and group gatherings. Located on a busy and cramped corner in Adams Morgan, D. A. Dunlevy had to work around tight spaces and street traffic. We encountered numerous challenges that were mitigated through careful planning and design. The finished design is a mixture of custom carpentry, advanced concrete work, curved benches, custom metalwork, unique lighting, and a boulder altar as a centerpiece. The space provides room for walking, sitting, and contemplation amongst the peaceful surroundings. We were honored to be a part of this very unique and special project.

A full-scale makeover was necessary to address drainage issues and create a low-maintenance landscape. It also offered an opportunity to incorporate the homeowner's love of Japanese Zen gardens. We designed a contemplative space that melds the traditional Zen aesthetic with Northwest plants and materials. A dry creek bed captures and slows water runoff and allows it to infiltrate into the ground, giving purpose and interest to a long, narrow bed.

A full-scale makeover was necessary to address drainage issues and create a low-maintenance landscape. It also offered an opportunity to incorporate the homeowner's love of Japanese Zen gardens. We designed a contemplative space that melds the traditional Zen aesthetic with Northwest plants and materials. The back yard is a peaceful retreat with stone features and restrained planting. Stone steps lead to a lower gravel patio with Montana sandstone benches. Irregularly placed square pavers bridge the gap between the organic and the geometric.

A healing garden provides peace and beauty for residents. This local non-profit organization provides end-of-life care for homeless men and women with late-stage and end-stage AIDS and terminal cancer. The client provided us with the design for a Healing Garden for the program’s residents, giving them a dedicated outdoor space to enjoy quiet contemplation, prayer, and group gatherings. Located on a busy and cramped corner in Adams Morgan, D. A. Dunlevy had to work around tight spaces and street traffic. We encountered numerous challenges that were mitigated through careful planning and design. The finished design is a mixture of custom carpentry, advanced concrete work, curved benches, custom metalwork, unique lighting, and a boulder altar as a centerpiece. The space provides room for walking, sitting, and contemplation amongst the peaceful surroundings. We were honored to be a part of this very unique and special project.

Minimalist home, with a sleek white exterior that harmonizes with the snowy landscape and reflective water nearby. The residence's simplicity is underscored by its uninterrupted lines and unadorned surfaces, standing as a tranquil refuge within the hushed forest surroundings. Its position by the water's edge invites a contemplative connection with the natural world, highlighting the beauty of its wintry setting.

A full-scale makeover was necessary to address drainage issues and create a low-maintenance landscape. It also offered an opportunity to incorporate the homeowner's love of Japanese Zen gardens. We designed a contemplative space that melds the traditional Zen aesthetic with Northwest plants and materials. An existing masonry wall enclosed the front yard before construction began on the landscape. Dense plantings and locally-sourced boulders soften the space, providing organic architecture to complement the residence.

Ramsey Residence New Construction FEATURED ON THE 2021 AIA AUSTIN HOMES TOUR! The Ramsey Residence contemplates a simple plan in an exuberant manner. An orthogonally refined frontage composing spatial depth and materiality is capped by a sharply projected eave. This cues the organization of the home along a tall, clerestory-lit spine running the length of the home. A formal entry and foyer lead to the main living room and spacious kitchen flanking the axis. Support spaces are discretely tucked away to allow marble slab and wood trim finishes to delineate the spaces. The axis continues as a tall glazed corridor cleaving two outdoor courtyards: ‘fire’ for entertainment, and ‘water’ for contemplation. Private spaces depart the axis to resolve the ensemble with the same attention to material detail and spatial poise as discovered upon first sight.

The temple features a futuristic design with spherical domes, highlighted by illuminated seams that hint at advanced construction techniques. This architectural marvel combines the sleekness of modern design with the timelessness of spiritual spaces. Ambient light filters through the dome, casting a soft glow and creating a serene, otherworldly atmosphere for contemplation and worship.

A healing garden provides peace and beauty for residents. This local non-profit organization provides end-of-life care for homeless men and women with late-stage and end-stage AIDS and terminal cancer. The client provided us with the design for a Healing Garden for the program’s residents, giving them a dedicated outdoor space to enjoy quiet contemplation, prayer, and group gatherings. Located on a busy and cramped corner in Adams Morgan, D. A. Dunlevy had to work around tight spaces and street traffic. We encountered numerous challenges that were mitigated through careful planning and design. The finished design is a mixture of custom carpentry, advanced concrete work, curved benches, custom metalwork, unique lighting, and a boulder altar as a centerpiece. The space provides room for walking, sitting, and contemplation amongst the peaceful surroundings. We were honored to be a part of this very unique and special project.

According to published reports (see intro), serene areas are healing areas. Here, Deck and Patio created a special walking area for the homeowners when they move from one space to the next. This also allowed us to hide their pool equipment in a way that offers contemplation moments as they move around their larger backyard retreat. “However, this kind of walking space is ideal on its own,” says Dave Stockwell. “It was part of a larger project, but it doesn’t need to be.www.deckandpatio.com