Project Spotlight: Hillside Stone Steps January 25, 2015 Affordable Hardscapes of Virginia - (Virginia Beach, VA) Our client had recently constructed a new custom waterfront home in Virginia Beach, VA. The homes main property is elevated almost 30' above the water, boat lift and dock. The natural hillside leading from backyard is steep, experiencing erosion, and difficult to trek up and down. To access the main property from the dock you would need to climb the steep embankment and to get to the dock below it was a definite test of will. After meeting the client to discuss options it was clear to us that a innovative blend of science and art would be needed to achieve their goals and expectations. Affordable Hardscapes of Virginia submitted an initial design utilizing Eagle Bay's Dublin wall stone as the primary material to construct the 18 individual steps necessary. At the clients request to utilize material left over from the homes construction (2" thick limestone) and incorporate wood to match homes elements the final design was approved. Planning for the project included submittals and approvals by way of a Joint Permit Application administered by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). Do to access limitations and the desire to have minimal environmental impact all excavation and installation was done using only hand tools. Each of the (18) steps was individually built in place on solid footings with subsurface drainage. The steps risers are built with 12" x 8" x 4" (tall) Eagle Bay Dublin Freestanding Wall block in Tan. The limestone step treads are from recycled material left over from the construction of the new home. The wood used to frame around the limestone treads is clear Spanish Cedar cut and planned to 2" x 6".

A grand staircase of natural stone creates a memorable journey while providing lower yard access. Stretched gravel landings between shallow stone risers ease the climb. A dappled stone masonry wall rises quickly next to the steps, beautifully retaining a steep slope and planting.

These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

The client needed a way to enter the backyard without climbing down a steep hill. The walls and staircase provide a beautiful entry to the entertainment space located below.

These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

Everfall is set within a pristine 20,000-square-foot property in one of Coral Gables’ oldest and most storied neighborhoods. Here, mature canopy trees, towering palms, and historic architecture define a sense of place often referred to as the “real Miami.” While the residence showcases exquisitely modernized architecture and unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay, the pre-existing garden fell short of its potential. Our design challenge is twofold: to reimagine vehicular and pedestrian circulation in harmony with the site’s topography, and to create a garden that respects and reinforces the character of its historic setting. Circulation was addressed first. The driveway was redesigned to ease steep slopes and form a welcoming motor court that blends hardscape and planting. Pedestrian access was reoriented to highlight the east–west axis, and the former unsightly pedestrian ramp was replaced with platform steps, expansive landings, and lush planting; establishing a tranquil and clearly defined entry sequence. The planting design emphasizes native species along the perimeter and public right-of-way, aligning with the evolving character of surrounding gardens. Within the property, sculptural specimen trees, epiphytes, and lithophytes evoke the feeling of a long-established landscape. A palette of Mediterranean textures and cliff-dwelling Date Palm species were integrated as elegant accents. Color plays a vital role in the sensory experience, introduced through climbing vines and profusely flowering shrubs and groundcovers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Above all, the garden is designed as a reflection of our clients—their personalities, passions, and way of life. It is a living extension of their home, offering beauty, comfort, and an immersive connection to the natural world. We are honored to shape the vision for the Everfall. This landscape is essential to the experience of the property, and our design seeks to honor its rich context, architectural sophistication, and breathtaking views of the Miami skyline. Scale 0.47 ACRES Scope HARDSCAPE + PLANTING DESIGN Year 2025 Photography Studio PYG Architecture Renovation Bravo Architecture Interior Design Miriam Moore Design Studio Landscape Architecture LandFluent General Contractor Artisan Custom Homes of South Florida Landscape Contractor Signature Trees & Palms Lighting Design / Contractor PCL Lighting

AFTER--Viewed from the entry stairs and from within the home this area is now an attractive entry. At night the 3 silver spheres light up and shine onto the glass 'leaves'. Vertical metal 'trellises link the stairs and the ground with climbing Star Jasmine vines. The scene pulls the eye away from the shady areas under the stairs. The lower retaining wall is steel clad.

These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

A three level terraced garden with a spa, waterfall and patio at the top, a mid level pool and fireplace lounge, and a lower level sport court for basketball and synthetic turf field for soccer and lacrosse. Perfect for an active family who wanted outdoor entertainment and a multi-use sports field on a relatively steep hill.

This massive 74 stone staircase was built in 2014 on beautiful lk Michigan The limestone slabs were shipped from lk superior which has a very hard surface and doesn't shale like other softer more porous limestones. The challenge was the sugar sand and the steep slope. It was difficult getting traction to climb back up the steep slope. This project took 5 days and I needed 120 tons of crushed aggregate as base for a strong foundation under the stones so they would last for 100 of years to come!

This client wanted to experience Santa Fe in Sierra Madre. Challenges were the steep hillside lot, great views, fire concerns and narrow car access. We created a rustic home with a low profile, lush surroundings and an air of quiet tranquility. This rustic southwestern house uses reclaimed vegas and logs for the structural system and asphalt emulsion mud adobe walls for the finish. The house is like an adobe village separated into four structures connected by verandas, courtyards and log bridges. Crisp-Pix

We encountered two design challenges in this original 1916 Oakland bungalow. Existing concrete walls and all the topsoil had been removed, creating a very steep slope. Our job was to bring the space back to the architectural jewel it could be. We added terraced moss rock walls that enabled us to rebuild soil and create more visual depth in this small space. Paint color from the Sherwin-Williams historical pallet complements plant choices, including yellow climbing Roses, warm rusty red Smoke Bush, and trailing Manzanita. (Installed by Andrew Packer, Acorn Landscaping acorn-landscaping.com)

Pre-remodel, the stairs to the master suite climbed in one, straight, steep run, and where the new stairs end was a bare wall. By reconfiguring the hall and closets, we were able to buy space to add a landing and a turn in the stairs. The newly-opened wall, with new windows added high above in the stairwell, allow southern light to glow into the living room. Photo Credit: Simrell+Scott, LLC

We encountered two design challenges in this original 1916 Oakland bungalow. Existing concrete walls and all the topsoil had been removed, creating a very steep slope. Our job was to bring the space back to the architectural jewel it could be. We added terraced moss rock walls that enabled us to rebuild soil and create more visual depth in this small space. Paint color from the Sherwin-Williams historical pallet complements plant choices, including yellow climbing Roses, warm rusty red Smoke Bush, and trailing Manzanita. (Installed by Andrew Packer, Acorn Landscaping acorn-landscaping.com)

We encountered two design challenges in this original 1916 Oakland bungalow. Existing concrete walls and all the topsoil had been removed, creating a very steep slope. Our job was to bring the space back to the architectural jewel it could be. We added terraced moss rock walls that enabled us to rebuild soil and create more visual depth in this small space. Paint color from the Sherwin-Williams historical pallet complements plant choices, including yellow climbing Roses, warm rusty red Smoke Bush, and trailing Manzanita. (Installed by Andrew Packer, Acorn Landscaping acorn-landscaping.com)

Everfall is set within a pristine 20,000-square-foot property in one of Coral Gables’ oldest and most storied neighborhoods. Here, mature canopy trees, towering palms, and historic architecture define a sense of place often referred to as the “real Miami.” While the residence showcases exquisitely modernized architecture and unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay, the pre-existing garden fell short of its potential. Our design challenge is twofold: to reimagine vehicular and pedestrian circulation in harmony with the site’s topography, and to create a garden that respects and reinforces the character of its historic setting. Circulation was addressed first. The driveway was redesigned to ease steep slopes and form a welcoming motor court that blends hardscape and planting. Pedestrian access was reoriented to highlight the east–west axis, and the former unsightly pedestrian ramp was replaced with platform steps, expansive landings, and lush planting; establishing a tranquil and clearly defined entry sequence. The planting design emphasizes native species along the perimeter and public right-of-way, aligning with the evolving character of surrounding gardens. Within the property, sculptural specimen trees, epiphytes, and lithophytes evoke the feeling of a long-established landscape. A palette of Mediterranean textures and cliff-dwelling Date Palm species were integrated as elegant accents. Color plays a vital role in the sensory experience, introduced through climbing vines and profusely flowering shrubs and groundcovers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Above all, the garden is designed as a reflection of our clients—their personalities, passions, and way of life. It is a living extension of their home, offering beauty, comfort, and an immersive connection to the natural world. We are honored to shape the vision for the Everfall. This landscape is essential to the experience of the property, and our design seeks to honor its rich context, architectural sophistication, and breathtaking views of the Miami skyline. Scale 0.47 ACRES Scope HARDSCAPE + PLANTING DESIGN Year 2025 Photography Studio PYG Architecture Renovation Bravo Architecture Interior Design Miriam Moore Design Studio Landscape Architecture LandFluent General Contractor Artisan Custom Homes of South Florida Landscape Contractor Signature Trees & Palms Lighting Design / Contractor PCL Lighting

A close-up of the water feature/waterfall demonstrates the hand placed design tiles on the wall behind the water. Custom ledge seating was added for relaxation. With a steep slope and minimal backyard space, our designer created an outdoor oasis despite the limitations: Swimming pool, attached spa, full landscaping, hardscaping, patio and water feature. Pretty amazing for the square footage provided! Photo: J. Loomis

Wrapped in the tranquility of the woods, this 2,200-square-foot home is a contemporary take on a Dogtrot-style home, with a breezeway separating the main residence to the guest quarters. Anchoring the home to the sloped landscape, the foundation terraces down the hill, going with the land. Inspired by traditional Kentucky barn materials with a modern upgrade, the home’s two towers feature an exterior vertical black shou-sugi-ban-rainscreen cladding paired with a galvanized metal roof. The breezeway—a fantastic covered entertaining space—has a massive skylight designed to cast light on the terrace, acts as a passive cooling element, and takes the bearing of the wood’s harsh climate. Inside the main residence, a shou-sugi-ban sculptural staircase is the focal point of the first level, bringing the exterior materials in and separating the living room and dining area from the kitchen. Textured plaster walls and wide plank wood flooring run throughout the cabin. Large windows frame the east Kentucky woods. Stone floors and a concrete soaking tub and shower complement the cabin’s alluring earth tones. The breezeway separates the main residence to the 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom guest quarters that can be turned on and off when needed via an efficient ductless mini-split HVAC. Outdoor living includes two private roof decks on each tower, one of which offers a well-appointed outdoor shower. Located near Red River Gorge in Rogers, Kentucky, the area is known to have the best rock climbing east of the Mississippi, which was our clients’ draw to the region. This home represents that same respect and admiration for nature. Situated on a steep hill in a heavily wooded area, we limited the number of trees that had to be removed to maintain the environment, making the woods a central figure of the home’s design.

This new two-stall garage with a studio and full bath above is built into a steep slope up-Island on Martha’s Vineyard. It’s side-gabled so that the primary roof slope follows the direction of the hillside slope and keeps the front elevation from appearing overly tall. Front and rear shed dormers add headroom to the second level living space which is reached by exterior stairs off a rear deck. Fieldstone planters and granite stairs climb the hill between the existing house and the new garage. photo by Katie Hutchison