San Rafael Overview: This garden project began with the demolition of an existing pool and decks cantilevered over a hillside. The garden was originally a Japanese-themed garden retreat and free-form shaped pool. While the client wanted to update and replace many elements, they sought to keep the free-form characteristics of the existing design and repurpose existing materials. BK Landscape Design created a new garden with revetment walls and steps to a succulent garden with salvaged boulders from the pool and pool coping. We built a colored concrete path to access a new wood trellis constructed on the center-line view from the master bedroom. A combination of Bay friendly, native and evergreen plantings were chosen for the planting palette. The overhaul of the yard included low-voltage lighting and minimal drainage. A new wood deck replaced the existing one at the entrance as well as a deck off of the master bedroom that was also constructed from repurposed materials. The style mimics the architectural detail of the mansard roof and simple horizontal wood siding of the house. After removing a juniper (as required by the San Rafael Fire Department within the Wildland-Urban interface) we designed and developed a full front-yard planting plan. All plants are Bay-Friendly, native, and irrigated with a more efficient in-line drip irrigation system to minimize water use. Low-voltage lighting and minimal drainage were also part of the overhaul of the front yard redesign.

Thermal finish bluestone steps, board formed concrete walls and ipe decking form clean lines and a create a modern aesthetic.
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Soft lines were desired in a limited space surrounded by easements, building and pool setbacks. Simple architectural curves complemented the architecture of the home. This allowed the client to have a walk around the pool and provide maximum pool surface area. The spa side dry steps allowed access to the pool steps 18" lower than the patio. The spa provides a strong visual from the family room and balancing the project the fire bowl and rainfall provides a strong visual from the arbor, grill counter, bar and master bedroom. We added a door from the master bedroom to allow access directly to the fire pit on that cold winter night. The fire bow wall provides a screen for the utility transformer and location for the rainfall. Landscaping softens the lines of the hardscape fence, and house walls. The firelight along with the low voltage lighting accent the space at night. The step lights allow for safe travel over the changes in elevation to the pool. The stone veneers match the existing grill and bar counter and the flagstone coping step treads and wall caps match existing stone kitchen patio. The concrete paving pattern was selected to match the pattern of the existing stone kitchen patio as well. The trip to the city zoning board was well worth the reward of providing everything the client wanted in a limited space. Project designed by Mike Farley. Check out Mike's reference site for more info and videos at www.FarleyPoolDesigns.com.

This spectacular French estate and gardens is located in the prestigious Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. The dramatic architecture is surrounded by expansive grounds and lushly planted gardens. The property features a grand entrance and decorative gates, a private lake, luxury pool with glass tile finish, tennis routs, bocce court, putting green, walking paths and fire pit.

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Lagoon-side property in the Bel Marin Keys, Novato, CA. Entertaining and enjoying the views were a primary design goal for this project. The concrete steps and pavers lead down to the water's edge. Accented with polished mexican pebbles. I included a sunken patio on one side and a beautiful Buddha statue on the other, surrounded by succulents and other low-water, contemporary plantings. I also used Dymondia ground cover to create a natural pathways within the garden. Photo: © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design. Design Eileen Kelly

The graceful lines of the Japanese soaking tub and the curving porcelain tile steps are reflected in the flowing transition between the Oregon Tile & Marble Legno Tinto tile and the cork flooring. Photo credits to NW Architectural Photography.

Deep overhangs shade the house from direct solar heat gain. The house steps down the hill culminating in a pool. Photo: Prakash Patel
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Building a Dream Backyard When this homeowner started the design process of a new backyard, Braen Supply was immediately there to supply all the stone materials. The home was part of a new development, so the challenge was to make the home stand out while still addressing specific areas of the existing backyard, such as the steep grade. Working With the Experts Taking the steep grade into consideration, moss rock boulders were selected to create stairs down to the lower area of the backyard where the fire pit sits. The grade of the backyard also allowed for the infinity pool, full color bluestone pattern was selected as the veneer for the back wall of the infinity pool. Braen Supply chose Tennessee gray and bluestone to create a seamless transition from the front of the house to the back of the house. Although they are two different stones, they work nicely together to complete the overall design and tone of the home. It all came together and made the perfect backyard. Materials Used: Belgium Blocks Full Color Bluestone Pattern Bluestone Caps Tennessee Gray Irregular Moss Rock Boulders Full Color Bluestone Irregular Kearney Stone Steps Granite Mosaic Veneer Completed Areas: Front Walkway & Porch Driveway Edging Backyard Walkways Pool Patio & Coping Pool Water Features Fireplace Hearth & Mantal Wading Pool Raised Hot Tub

Features duotone cedar shingles, curved dormer over front porch. Grand entryway with stone steps approaching front door. Photo by Dan Cutrona
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The indoor and outdoor kitchen is connected by sliding doors that stack back for easy access to both spaces. This angle shows how headers and rails in the exterior’s frame manage the motorized screens. When the glass doors are open and the screens are down, the indoor/outdoor division is eliminated and the options for cooking, lounging and dining expand. Additionally, this angle shows a close up of the stepping stones that serve as a bridge over the shallow lounge area of the pool.

Exterior floating concrete steps redefine this existing entry. New hot rolled steel planter boxes and an exposed cast in place concrete wall help create a sense of arrival. LED lights embedded in the steel planter, softly light the nosings of the steps. A custom blackened steel and glass entry door provide the new entry with an abundance of light. Photos by Chen + Suchart Studio LLC

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Rebecca Lindenmeyr
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Contemporary Style Wall & Steps using Techo-Bloc's Semma wall & Piedimonte caps.
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