Originally surrounded by chain-link fence, with a side walk dangerously not up to code and a tall improperly built retaining wall leaning into the pool deck, this landscape was in dire need of help. We started by tearing out the fence, ripping out the old sidewalk and disassembling the retaining walls surrounding the pool. We then rebuilt the walls in terraces to break up the height surrounding the pool and add planting space. We installed safe natural stone steps with a concrete paver walkway leading to the front and back of the property. Next we added boulders throughout the landscape which both helped retain, add beauty and break up the walls. We then added all the plantings and put L-stone gravel throughout a large portion of the landscape. The flora softened the look of the design, while the stone made maintenance needs lower. We finished the project by installing a fire-pit space and wrapping the poles holding the deck with custom block and caps. All put together there is an impressive display of boulders, year round color and functionality to this beautiful space.

Q Stern Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard stone and rectangular hot tub remodel in Philadelphia

New staircase links the original art deco main floor to the new modern ground floor. Detail of the custom powder coated steel handrail.
Staircase - mid-sized modern wooden u-shaped glass railing staircase idea in San Francisco with wooden risers

pool between main house and guest house. stepping stone across pool link the master suite with the guest house. screened porch balcony at top right.

This sustainable project was completed on a private 80 acre view parcel in the hills above Corralitos, CA. The owners were drawn to us through the Green Building link on our website and after an initial meeting, hired us to manage the preliminary feasibility studies, site work, design and eventual construction. With this type of project, we start at the beginning; making sure that development on the site is both possible and practical before we spend a lot of our client’s budget on plans that may not be suitable. After we determined that building on the property would be permitted by the Santa Cruz County Building and Planning Departments, we completed several feasibility steps that included: •A geologic review • Percolation test (for septic) • Water well probability analysis • Grading analysis • Biologic review • Site survey and topographic mapping • Earthquake zone and archeological clearances With these steps finished, we set up interviews with several local architects that we partner with to find the one that was most appealing to our client. The owners were integral to the process and agreed with our choice of Daniel Silvernail, Architect. He impressed the clients with his gracious nature and open attitude; welcoming feedback and the preferences they had throughout the design process. In addition to being very reasonably priced, Mr. Silvernail quickly gave his attention to the preliminary design plans. After client reviews and approval the full architectural and construction blueprints were finished. We had the complete ready-to-submit-for-permit documents in less than 10 weeks; this included structural engineering, energy calculations and Green Building ratings. We were all impressed by his professionalism throughout the design and building process.

This sustainable project was completed on a private 80 acre view parcel in the hills above Corralitos, CA. The owners were drawn to us through the Green Building link on our website and after an initial meeting, hired us to manage the preliminary feasibility studies, site work, design and eventual construction. With this type of project, we start at the beginning; making sure that development on the site is both possible and practical before we spend a lot of our client’s budget on plans that may not be suitable. After we determined that building on the property would be permitted by the Santa Cruz County Building and Planning Departments, we completed several feasibility steps that included: •A geologic review • Percolation test (for septic) • Water well probability analysis • Grading analysis • Biologic review • Site survey and topographic mapping • Earthquake zone and archeological clearances With these steps finished, we set up interviews with several local architects that we partner with to find the one that was most appealing to our client. The owners were integral to the process and agreed with our choice of Daniel Silvernail, Architect. He impressed the clients with his gracious nature and open attitude; welcoming feedback and the preferences they had throughout the design process. In addition to being very reasonably priced, Mr. Silvernail quickly gave his attention to the preliminary design plans. After client reviews and approval the full architectural and construction blueprints were finished. We had the complete ready-to-submit-for-permit documents in less than 10 weeks; this included structural engineering, energy calculations and Green Building ratings. We were all impressed by his professionalism throughout the design and building process.

Originally surrounded by chain-link fence, with a side walk dangerously not up to code and a tall improperly built retaining wall leaning into the pool deck, this landscape was in dire need of help. We started by tearing out the fence, ripping out the old sidewalk and disassembling the retaining walls surrounding the pool. We then rebuilt the walls in terraces to break up the height surrounding the pool and add planting space. We installed safe natural stone steps with a concrete paver walkway leading to the front and back of the property. Next we added boulders throughout the landscape which both helped retain, add beauty and break up the walls. We then added all the plantings and put L-stone gravel throughout a large portion of the landscape. The flora softened the look of the design, while the stone made maintenance needs lower. We finished the project by installing a fire-pit space and wrapping the poles holding the deck with custom block and caps. All put together there is an impressive display of boulders, year round color and functionality to this beautiful space.

Other highlights of this custom vinyl pool include full-width walk-in steps, a 5 x 9 spa plus underwater bench which runs the length of the pool. The backyard borders a natural green space, so a series of attractive decorative grasses and shrubs help to hide the chain link safety fence.

This Long Island patio installation presented the challenge of a small backyard and existing free-form pool to work around. The solution was a beautiful multi-level pool surround that gave the illusion of space by creating dedicated areas for dining, cooking, and lounging. And to fit the client's budget, the design was structured as a multi-stage installation, with the ability to add additional areas and landscape elements in the future. See more info about this project here: http://www.aboveallmasonry.com/massapequa-ny-landscape-design-2

A new ten light door and deck was installed to link the kitchen to the back yard.
Deck - small transitional backyard deck idea in Seattle with no cover

After the construction of a two-story colonial brick house, this backyard was left as an open canvas for a full creative design that included a plethora of amenities. Starting with a raised patio and balcony railing, this allows comfortable daily use to walk out of the house to the barbecue or to use the spa. The spa was built on a raised platform for easy access from the top patio. The patio steps were paved with flamed Amagansett granite pavers and treads. The brick columns were built on the raised patio to enhance the railing and decorated with flower pots. The raised patio allows a perfect view of the entire backyard. Many amenities were included in the backyard design. The 16’x32’ vinyl swimming pool was built with an auto cover and a self-contained sheer descend water feature set across from the pool. The patio around the pool was constructed with mocha travertine. A mosaic stone pebble inlay of a bloomed rose highlights the pool steps. Decorative flower pots are seasonally decorated around the pool. The pool house was built with a bathroom, T.V. room and an outdoor bar. The bocci court was built with crushed white marble dust and is equipped with lights for nighttime use. A Versa basketball court that includes lights, basketball hoop, and surrounded by netting so the basketball doesn't go outside the property line. A dog run was built with synthetic turf and is surrounded by a black chain link fence. The remaining space in the backyard was covered with artificial turf in which a putting green was inlaid. This backyard was designed and built with low maintenance in mind. From the evergreen shrubs to the natural stone travertine patio and synthetic grass. There is no need for lawnmowers or any weekly maintenance. These homeowners can enjoy their backyard all year round without interruption from weekly up keeping. Caste aluminum furniture ornate the patio and allows comfortable seating in backyard patio areas. For more information about Gappsi services and estimates visit www.gappsi.com or call us at 631-543-1177

Originally surrounded by chain-link fence, with a side walk dangerously not up to code and a tall improperly built retaining wall leaning into the pool deck, this landscape was in dire need of help. We started by tearing out the fence, ripping out the old sidewalk and disassembling the retaining walls surrounding the pool. We then rebuilt the walls in terraces to break up the height surrounding the pool and add planting space. We installed safe natural stone steps with a concrete paver walkway leading to the front and back of the property. Next we added boulders throughout the landscape which both helped retain, add beauty and break up the walls. We then added all the plantings and put L-stone gravel throughout a large portion of the landscape. The flora softened the look of the design, while the stone made maintenance needs lower. We finished the project by installing a fire-pit space and wrapping the poles holding the deck with custom block and caps. All put together there is an impressive display of boulders, year round color and functionality to this beautiful space.

This sustainable project was completed on a private 80 acre view parcel in the hills above Corralitos, CA. The owners were drawn to us through the Green Building link on our website and after an initial meeting, hired us to manage the preliminary feasibility studies, site work, design and eventual construction. With this type of project, we start at the beginning; making sure that development on the site is both possible and practical before we spend a lot of our client’s budget on plans that may not be suitable. After we determined that building on the property would be permitted by the Santa Cruz County Building and Planning Departments, we completed several feasibility steps that included: •A geologic review • Percolation test (for septic) • Water well probability analysis • Grading analysis • Biologic review • Site survey and topographic mapping • Earthquake zone and archeological clearances With these steps finished, we set up interviews with several local architects that we partner with to find the one that was most appealing to our client. The owners were integral to the process and agreed with our choice of Daniel Silvernail, Architect. He impressed the clients with his gracious nature and open attitude; welcoming feedback and the preferences they had throughout the design process. In addition to being very reasonably priced, Mr. Silvernail quickly gave his attention to the preliminary design plans. After client reviews and approval the full architectural and construction blueprints were finished. We had the complete ready-to-submit-for-permit documents in less than 10 weeks; this included structural engineering, energy calculations and Green Building ratings. We were all impressed by his professionalism throughout the design and building process.

An Eden cut stone retaining wall with under-ledge LED lighting transitions the grade, while new Eden cut stone stairs link the outdoor living area to the upper yard. A larger entertainment space of full range, patterned bluestone and Whitacre Greer brick pavers gives more room than the old patio allowed.

Meandering paths of pebble and oyster shell link the main house, pool and spa area, and the guest house on this Kiawah Island property. Regionally sourced granite steps set into the slope are repeated throughout the site. Wes Fredsell Photography

Sunday, June 28, 3:30 to 5:00pm | Potomac, MD Family Retreat by Lila Fendrick and Doug Stookey of Lila Fendrick Landscape Architecture and Garden Design The landscape architects incorporated an adjoining lot to create this delightful family retreat where the clients spend time with their two sons growing vegetables, swimming, playing in splash pools, soaking in the hot tub, hiding in a below-grade fort, and running through a maze of paths formed by towering shrubs. The height differential between the owner’s house and the crest of the new lot presented opportunities for linking the two lots. The landscape architect designed dramatic lawn steps up to the new pool and pool house complex, designing tiers of waterfalls around a sunken spa, terracing the site with playfully hidden paths, and concealing a lower level parking area and garage. The project uses locally sourced Western Maryland stone on the pool house/guest house and Delaware River Jacks for the pebble paving. Utah-sourced quartzite-sandstone boulders reflect the clients’ appreciation for rugged western American landscapes. The variety of materials, linked by color and texture, and the unusual programming create a place of retreat and fun that feels far from the typical Washington, DC, area backyard. Photo by Gordon Beall

After the construction of a two-story colonial brick house, this backyard was left as an open canvas for a full creative design that included a plethora of amenities. Starting with a raised patio and balcony railing, this allows comfortable daily use to walk out of the house to the barbecue or to use the spa. The spa was built on a raised platform for easy access from the top patio. The patio steps were paved with flamed Amagansett granite pavers and treads. The brick columns were built on the raised patio to enhance the railing and decorated with flower pots. The raised patio allows a perfect view of the entire backyard. Many amenities were included in the backyard design. The 16’x32’ vinyl swimming pool was built with an auto cover and a self-contained sheer descend water feature set across from the pool. The patio around the pool was constructed with mocha travertine. A mosaic stone pebble inlay of a bloomed rose highlights the pool steps. Decorative flower pots are seasonally decorated around the pool. The pool house was built with a bathroom, T.V. room and an outdoor bar. The bocci court was built with crushed white marble dust and is equipped with lights for nighttime use. A Versa basketball court that includes lights, basketball hoop, and surrounded by netting so the basketball doesn't go outside the property line. A dog run was built with synthetic turf and is surrounded by a black chain link fence. The remaining space in the backyard was covered with artificial turf in which a putting green was inlaid. This backyard was designed and built with low maintenance in mind. From the evergreen shrubs to the natural stone travertine patio and synthetic grass. There is no need for lawnmowers or any weekly maintenance. These homeowners can enjoy their backyard all year round without interruption from weekly up keeping. Caste aluminum furniture ornate the patio and allows comfortable seating in backyard patio areas. For more information about Gappsi services and estimates visit www.gappsi.com or call us at 631-543-1177

Sunday, June 28, 3:30 to 5:00pm | Potomac, MD Family Retreat by Lila Fendrick and Doug Stookey of Lila Fendrick Landscape Architecture and Garden Design The landscape architects incorporated an adjoining lot to create this delightful family retreat where the clients spend time with their two sons growing vegetables, swimming, playing in splash pools, soaking in the hot tub, hiding in a below-grade fort, and running through a maze of paths formed by towering shrubs. The height differential between the owner’s house and the crest of the new lot presented opportunities for linking the two lots. The landscape architect designed dramatic lawn steps up to the new pool and pool house complex, designing tiers of waterfalls around a sunken spa, terracing the site with playfully hidden paths, and concealing a lower level parking area and garage. The project uses locally sourced Western Maryland stone on the pool house/guest house and Delaware River Jacks for the pebble paving. Utah-sourced quartzite-sandstone boulders reflect the clients’ appreciation for rugged western American landscapes. The variety of materials, linked by color and texture, and the unusual programming create a place of retreat and fun that feels far from the typical Washington, DC, area backyard. Photo by Gordon Beall

Sunday, June 28, 3:30 to 5:00pm | Potomac, MD Family Retreat by Lila Fendrick and Doug Stookey of Lila Fendrick Landscape Architecture and Garden Design The landscape architects incorporated an adjoining lot to create this delightful family retreat where the clients spend time with their two sons growing vegetables, swimming, playing in splash pools, soaking in the hot tub, hiding in a below-grade fort, and running through a maze of paths formed by towering shrubs. The height differential between the owner’s house and the crest of the new lot presented opportunities for linking the two lots. The landscape architect designed dramatic lawn steps up to the new pool and pool house complex, designing tiers of waterfalls around a sunken spa, terracing the site with playfully hidden paths, and concealing a lower level parking area and garage. The project uses locally sourced Western Maryland stone on the pool house/guest house and Delaware River Jacks for the pebble paving. Utah-sourced quartzite-sandstone boulders reflect the clients’ appreciation for rugged western American landscapes. The variety of materials, linked by color and texture, and the unusual programming create a place of retreat and fun that feels far from the typical Washington, DC, area backyard. Photo by Gordon Beall