Remodeling and adding on to a classic pristine 1960’s ranch home is a challenging opportunity. Our clients were clear that their own sense of style should take precedence, but also wanted to honor the home’s spirit. Our solution left the original home as intact as possible and created a linear element that serves as a threshold from old to new. The steel “spine” fulfills the owners’ desire for a dynamic contemporary environment, and sets the tone for the addition. The original kidney pool retains its shape inside the new outline of a spacious rectangle. At the owner’s request each space has a “little surprise” or interesting detail. Photographs by: Miro Dvorscak

This partially wooded, acre and a half lot in West Dundee presented many challenges. The clients began working with a Landscape Architect in the early spring, but after not getting the innovative ideas they were seeking, the home builder and Architect suggested the client contact our landscape design/build firm. We immediately hit it off with the charismatic clients. They had a tall order for us: complete the design and implement the construction within a three month period. For many projects this would be a reasonable time frame. However construction delays and the coordination of multiple trades left a very short window to complete the work. Beyond the tight time frame the site required specific care in preserving the many mature surrounding trees, as well as addressing a vast grade change. Over fifteen feet of grade change occurs from one end of this woodland property to the other. All of these constraints proved to be an enormous challenge as we worked to include and coordinate the following elements: the drive layout, a dramatic front entry, various gardens, landscape lighting, irrigation, and a plan for a backyard pool and entertainment space that already had been started without a clear plan. Fortunately, the client loved our design ideas and attention to detail and we were able to mobilize and begin construction. With the seamless coordination between our firm and the builder we implemented all the elements of this grand project. In total eight different crews and five separate trades worked together to complete the landscape. The completed project resulted in a rewarding experience for our firm, the builder and architect, as well as the client. Together we were able to create and construct a perfect oasis for the client that suited the beautiful property and the architecture of this dream home.

Trees line the perimeter of the back yard, while a sunken gathering area highlights the landscape. "We wanted [the basement] to have attractive outside access and a restful garden sitting area of its own", Gayle explains. Leading into lowest level of the home, the patio brings outdoor elements inside, making the basement feel more like another level, as opposed to a closed-off space. The benches were found at a local gardening center and re-stained by the homeowners, and the fire pit was sourced from the Sundance catalogue. Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2013 Houzz

This beautiful kidney-shaped spa, with natural flagstone coping and bluestone tiling, gets a special touch from a gorgeous waterfall that cascades all the way down the slope behind the whirlpool. Matching natural stone pavers and retaining wall make it all look like a natural part of the rustic landscape.

Complete backyard entertainment area including a custom swimming pool, pool house (bathroom, laundry room, storage and porch for shaded seating), outdoor kitchen, spa, fire pit and lots of space for outdoor furniture.

Photo Credit: Sign On San Diego. The courtyard has high-end, synthetic lawn and low-water desert plants. On the side of the house is a vegetable / herb patch, perfect for summer tomatoes, peppers, and squash. The fountain was designed by the current homeowners to mirror the kidney-bean shape of the living room fireplace. Reflections from the indoor fireplace appear in the fountain.

This Belgard paver patio features Lafitt Rustic Slab pavers in danville beige and two weston seat walls in cotswold mist, complementing the home’s neutral color. The classic kidney bean shape design provides enough space for multiple activities such as dining and grilling. The Weston wall adds seating without taking up space on the patio, as well as creating separation from the rest of the yard. This Belgard paver patio was custom designed and built by Arlington Heights, IL patio designer, Archadeck of Chicagoland.

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This beautiful kidney-shaped spa, with natural flagstone coping and bluestone tiling, gets a special touch from a gorgeous waterfall that cascades all the way down the slope behind the whirlpool. Matching natural stone pavers and retaining wall make it all look like a natural part of the rustic landscape.

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