Nestled perfectly along a mountainside in the North Scottsdale Estancia Community, with views of Pinnacle Peak, and the Valley below, this landscape design honors the surrounding desert and the contemporary architecture of the home. A meandering driveway ascends the hillside to an auto court area where we placed mature cactus and yucca specimens. In the back, terracing was used to create interest and support from the intense hillside. We brought in mass boulders to retain the slope, while adding to the existing terrain. A succulent garden was placed in the terraced hillside using unique and rare species to enhance the surrounding native desert. A vertical fence of well casing rods was installed to preserve the view, while still securing the property. An infinity edge, glass tile pool is the perfect extension of the contemporary home. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Drewett Works Contractor: Manship Builders Interior Designer: David Michael Miller Associates Photography: Dino Tonn

Photography by: Darren Setlow
Traditional exterior home idea in Portland Maine

This stunning lakeside Gazebo and deck design complements our client’s love of nature, need for shade as well as sunning areas but with amenities for comfort and the safety that well-lit spaces can provide. We had to incorporate our clients need to feel safe at the waterside with low slip, low maintenance decking while giving all family members an area to use. The multi level decks with the privacy of the louvered fence design and the luxury of the Dundalk Leisure Craft, Electric Steam Cedar Sauna we installed give this large space a comfortable cozy feel in spite of the over 1,000 sq feet. Looking out over the lake through the seamless glass rails will be enjoyed by this family for decades to come. This outdoor living addition including a deck, gazebo, and sauna, expanding the homeowners living space and brought them closer to the lake. The multilevel low maintenance deck with board walk access from property. This outdoor living design includes a privacy fence, frame-less glass railing, and built-in deck and rail lighting. Decking details include decorative design parting boards, picture frames, and multi color decking accents. TimberTech Terrain Brown Oak was selected for the low-maintenance composite decking and trim, and TimberTech Terrain – Silver Maple was used as the picture Frame and design detail. Concealoc hidden fasteners were used for fastening the decking for a finished look.The composite decking design brings resale value to the property, and is preferred for the look, durability, and low maintenance.

To properly integrate the pool area with the back of the home the elevation of the pool, deck and cabana are higher than the surrounding terrain. Thus, Betz did a landscape design to reconcile the drop with a series of steps plus an armour stone retaining wall to maintain the views from the home’s adjacent basement windows.

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

Kirk Bianchi created the design for this residential resort next to a desert preserve. The overhang of the homes patio suggested a pool with a sweeping curve shape. Kirk positioned a raised vanishing edge pool to work with the ascending terrain and to also capture the reflections of the scenery behind. The fire pit and bbq areas are situated to capture the best views of the superstition mountains, framed by the architectural pergola that creates a window to the vista beyond. A raised glass tile spa, capturing the colors of the desert context, serves as a jewel and centerpiece for the outdoor living space.

Sarah Robinson
This is an example of a mid-century modern drought-tolerant and full sun front yard mulch landscaping in Huntington for summer.

At Villa Puesta de Sol the gazebo stands in the garden next to the pool. This space provides an outdoor shaded space to enjoy both at daytime and night time. It is close to where the terrain drops which provides a really close to the ocean feeling.

For a family putting down lasting roots in Park City, this 10,000-square-foot estate within the gated enclave of Quarry Mountain Ranch is conceived as both sanctuary and legacy. Designed to evolve alongside its owners, the home balances permanence with a deep sensitivity to the land it inhabits. Thoughtfully positioned within an alpine meadow shaped by the gentle flow of McLeod Creek, the residence embraces its setting. The waterway threads through the property, sustaining native grasses and drawing elk, deer, and migratory birdlife, grounding daily life in the rhythms of season and landscape. Broad planes of glass and sheltering rooflines frame uninterrupted views of ski slopes and distant ridgelines, while long sightlines pull natural light deep into the interior. Terraces and covered outdoor rooms mediate between house and meadow, creating spaces for gathering, reflection, and year-round connection to the outdoors. A restrained palette of wood and stone echoes the textures of the terrain, lending warmth and durability to the home’s contemporary expression. A separate guest house extends the architectural language, forming a discreet compound that supports family life, hospitality, and the enduring cadence of alpine living. Architecture: Advanced Design Interior Design: Erin Brewer Design

Nestled perfectly along a mountainside in the North Scottsdale Estancia Community, with views of Pinnacle Peak, and the Valley below, this landscape design honors the surrounding desert and the contemporary architecture of the home. A meandering driveway ascends the hillside to an auto court area where we placed mature cactus and yucca specimens. In the back, terracing was used to create interest and support from the intense hillside. We brought in mass boulders to retain the slope, while adding to the existing terrain. A succulent garden was placed in the terraced hillside using unique and rare species to enhance the surrounding native desert. A vertical fence of well casing rods was installed to preserve the view, while still securing the property. An infinity edge, glass tile pool is the perfect extension of the contemporary home. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Drewett Works Contractor: Manship Builders Interior Designer: David Michael Miller Associates Photography: Dino Tonn

Exquisite and unique, Calacatta Classique Quartz stuns with its clean whites and striking through-body veining. This showstopper countertop offers the look of luxurious marble in durable and maintenance-free quartz.

This French hillside estate is nestled into the desert mountain landscape, with layered stone detailing, warm stucco finishes, and a dramatic winding drive that follows the natural terrain. The elevated setting, expansive layout, and soft exterior lighting create a memorable sense of arrival while showcasing the home’s scale and craftsmanship.

This French estate is set dramatically into the mountainside, with layered stone detailing, arched architecture, and a winding drive that follows the natural terrain. The elevated placement and expansive footprint give the home a striking presence, while the warm exterior lighting highlights its scale, craftsmanship, and connection to the desert landscape.

This 3D Render came together after discussions on how to build the cedar deck around the existing landscaping and terrain. The unique deck shape came from this initial consideration. The two levels came from the client's desire to separate the dining experience from the lounge experience.

The weather and terrain offered a real challenge for this Lagrange home. The Amendola team works in any weather, and this backyard restoration features a four-season room and large patio and outdoor fireplace. Set on a hill, the home’s extensive retaining walls allowed the homeowners to reclaim space in their yard for endless entertaining.

At Villa Puesta de Sol the gazebo stands in the garden next to the pool. This space provides an outdoor shaded space to enjoy both at daytime and night time. It is close to where the terrain drops which provides a really close to the ocean feeling.

The weather and terrain offered a real challenge for this Lagrange home. The Amendola team works in any weather, and this backyard restoration features a four-season room and large patio and outdoor fireplace. Set on a hill, the home’s extensive retaining walls allowed the homeowners to reclaim space in their yard for endless entertaining.

The weather and terrain offered a real challenge for this Lagrange home. The Amendola team works in any weather, and this backyard restoration features a four-season room and large patio and outdoor fireplace. Set on a hill, the home’s extensive retaining walls allowed the homeowners to reclaim space in their yard for endless entertaining.

This 3D Render came together after discussions on how to build the cedar deck around the existing landscaping and terrain. The unique deck shape came from this initial consideration. The two levels came from the client's desire to separate the dining experience from the lounge experience.