Search results for "Occasional flooding" in Home Design Ideas

Luxury Vinyl Plank that is grouted in a living room.
Example of a minimalist living room design in Chicago
Example of a minimalist living room design in Chicago

Yorkville Hill Landscaping, Inc.
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard brick water fountain landscape in Chicago with no cover.
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard brick water fountain landscape in Chicago with no cover.
Find the right local pro for your project

Travertine Pool Deck in Indian Rocks Beach Florida. For more information please visit www.outdoorkitchenandgrills.com.
Pool - coastal pool idea in Tampa
Pool - coastal pool idea in Tampa

Armstrong Alterna 12" x 24" Durango Bleached Sand Floor.
Alterna is a great alternative to tile as it is warmer and softer on your feet.
Eat-in kitchen - small victorian single-wall vinyl floor eat-in kitchen idea in Bridgeport with raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets and no island
Eat-in kitchen - small victorian single-wall vinyl floor eat-in kitchen idea in Bridgeport with raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets and no island

4 1/4" white Oak Installed and sanded with Provincial Stain in a satin finish.
Example of a classic dining room design in Bridgeport
Example of a classic dining room design in Bridgeport

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.”
This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat.
The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings.
Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up.
The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation.
When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space.
Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

The stream starts high up on the hillside so it appears to emanate from deep within the hill. The steepness of the hill created the waterfall effect with the stream curving along the base of the hill – completing the illusion.

This pond is just part of a large backyard project envisioned by the homeowner. He wanted to dedicate the backyard, 3+ acres, to the memory of his deceased wife after her battle with cancer. The 25'x30' pond with a soothing 75' meandering stream was installed in the spring of 2013. The dedication 'Park' will host walking paths, sitting areas as well as native plants for visitors old and young.
Photos by; Dan Put

Inspiration for a huge contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun backyard river rock and wood fence walkway in Tampa for summer.

Roman Blend French Pattern Travertine Pavers. For more info please visit www.travertinetampa.com or call 813-808-3938.
Example of a tuscan patio design in Tampa
Example of a tuscan patio design in Tampa

Swimming pool entry bubbler
Oasis Pools
251 Double Creek Dr. Suite #501
Round Rock, TX 78664
512.246.POOL (7665)
www.oasispools.net
Pool - traditional pool idea in Austin
Pool - traditional pool idea in Austin

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard tile and custom-shaped pool remodel in Orlando

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional shade front yard brick landscaping in Los Angeles.
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