Our team of Austin architects transformed a 1950s home into a mid-century modern retreat for this renovation and addition project. The retired couple who owns the house came to us seeking a design that would bring in natural light and accommodate their many hobbies while offering a modern and streamlined design. The original structure featured an awkward floor plan of choppy spaces divided by various step-downs and a central living area that felt dark and closed off from the outside. Our main goal was to bring in natural light and take advantage of the property’s fantastic backyard views of a peaceful creek. We raised interior floors to the same level, eliminating sunken rooms and step-downs to allow for a more open, free-flowing floor plan. To increase natural light, we changed the traditional hip roofline to a more modern single slope with clerestory windows that take advantage of treetop views. Additionally, we added all new windows strategically positioned to frame views of the backyard. A new open-concept kitchen and living area occupy the central home where previously underutilized rooms once sat. The kitchen features an oversized island, quartzite counters, and upper glass cabinets that mirror the clerestory windows of the room. Large sliding doors spill out to a new covered and raised deck that overlooks Shoal Creek and new backyard amenities, like a bocce ball court and paved walkways. Finally, we finished the home's exterior with durable and low-maintenance cement plank siding and a metal roof in a palette of neutral grays and whites. A bright red door creates a warm welcome to this newly renovated Austin home.

Dan Silverstein
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Back yard renovation that includes an outdoor kitchen, bocce ball court, and sunken fire pit area. Each area is framed by custom fabricated steel accents.

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Luxury Paradise Valley Landscape & Pool Design: A Stunning Desert Retreat This Paradise Valley landscape and pool design seamlessly blends modern luxury with the breathtaking Arizona desert. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Camelback Mountain, this custom infinity-edge pool reflects the warm hues of the sunset, creating a serene and immersive outdoor experience. Elegant fire bowls add warmth and contrast, enhancing the ambiance of this sophisticated outdoor living space. Thoughtfully integrated desert plantings, natural stone, and high-end hardscaping ensure a seamless connection between architecture and nature. Designed for both relaxation and entertaining, this luxury outdoor retreat exemplifies the art of high-end landscape design in Paradise Valley, where every element enhances the beauty of the surroundings.

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This project was driven by a commitment to sustainability and repurposing existing materials, seamlessly blending the old with the new while minimizing waste. The goal was to transform the backyard into a lush garden oasis with a low-water and low-maintenance design. Despite challenges posed by the property's proximity to the golf course and specific guidelines, a harmonious integration of desert plant life and low-water lush plants was achieved. Reusing existing materials and replacing natural grass with synthetic turf minimized water usage, while strategic plant placement utilized run-off water for sustainable irrigation. Navigating the constraints imposed by the Country Club, the project created a cohesive outdoor space and repurposed cobblestones to bridge the gap between the golf course and the rear of the property. This project achieved a balance between ecological consciousness and aesthetic beauty, allowing the garden oasis to coexist harmoniously with the golf course backdrop, providing the clients with a serene and vibrant landscape that aligns with their vision and respects the natural resources of the community.

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Set on a spacious lot in Gilbert, this thoughtfully layered landscape design balances clean, contemporary architecture with soft, welcoming outdoor spaces. Designed by Shearon Design Collective, the project features a linear pool with integrated spa, custom firepit, and a modern outdoor kitchen anchored by natural materials and minimalist geometry. Intimate lounge areas are framed by lush, desert-adapted plantings that soften the hardscape and create a sense of warmth and retreat. This backyard transformation captures the essence of luxury outdoor living—designed for both entertaining and everyday connection.

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Dan Silverstein
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Luxury Paradise Valley Landscape & Pool Design: A Stunning Desert Retreat This Paradise Valley landscape and pool design seamlessly blends modern luxury with the breathtaking Arizona desert. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Camelback Mountain, this custom infinity-edge pool reflects the warm hues of the sunset, creating a serene and immersive outdoor experience. Elegant fire bowls add warmth and contrast, enhancing the ambiance of this sophisticated outdoor living space. Thoughtfully integrated desert plantings, natural stone, and high-end hardscaping ensure a seamless connection between architecture and nature. Designed for both relaxation and entertaining, this luxury outdoor retreat exemplifies the art of high-end landscape design in Paradise Valley, where every element enhances the beauty of the surroundings.

Luxury Paradise Valley Landscape & Pool Design: A Stunning Desert Retreat This Paradise Valley landscape and pool design seamlessly blends modern luxury with the breathtaking Arizona desert. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Camelback Mountain, this custom infinity-edge pool reflects the warm hues of the sunset, creating a serene and immersive outdoor experience. Elegant fire bowls add warmth and contrast, enhancing the ambiance of this sophisticated outdoor living space. Thoughtfully integrated desert plantings, natural stone, and high-end hardscaping ensure a seamless connection between architecture and nature. Designed for both relaxation and entertaining, this luxury outdoor retreat exemplifies the art of high-end landscape design in Paradise Valley, where every element enhances the beauty of the surroundings.

Luxury Paradise Valley Landscape & Pool Design: A Stunning Desert Retreat This Paradise Valley landscape and pool design seamlessly blends modern luxury with the breathtaking Arizona desert. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Camelback Mountain, this custom infinity-edge pool reflects the warm hues of the sunset, creating a serene and immersive outdoor experience. Elegant fire bowls add warmth and contrast, enhancing the ambiance of this sophisticated outdoor living space. Thoughtfully integrated desert plantings, natural stone, and high-end hardscaping ensure a seamless connection between architecture and nature. Designed for both relaxation and entertaining, this luxury outdoor retreat exemplifies the art of high-end landscape design in Paradise Valley, where every element enhances the beauty of the surroundings.

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This transitional residence for a busy family of 6 demanded simplicity and thoughtful design details in a relatively small space. With a sense of throwback country charm the inviting front yard landscape and custom designed address post ensures this yard stands out from it's peers. The backyard consists of a large concrete patio and custom built cedar deck complete with privacy screens, a sunken hot tub, custom outdoor kitchen with two raised specimen apple trees in enormous planters provide a park like setting for the homeowners. Photo Credit: Jamen Rhodes