This project showcases the practical and aesthetic application of high-performance outdoor bamboo decking for a staircase and walkway in a challenging forest environment. Our challenge was to create a durable and safe passage that respects the delicate ecosystem. The chosen bamboo material is specifically engineered for exterior use, offering exceptional resistance to moisture, insects, and decay—making it an ideal choice for this setting. The design focuses on clean lines and a non-invasive footprint. The installation required precise engineering to ensure stability and longevity on the uneven terrain. The result is a robust and low-maintenance pathway that provides secure footing while blending beautifully with the surroundings. This project demonstrates our commitment to using innovative, sustainable materials to solve complex landscape design challenges.

I have worked for many past years with this homeowner. This year they were ready for a new deck and design. The goals of this deck was to create useful outdoor living areas and minimize the amount of railing. Another goal was to be maintenance free with a possible roof addition later. We came up with a few designs and then chose one that had 2 levels. The upper level was designed for a future roof for next year to be built on for Summer Shade. The lower level was designed close to the ground without railing. Because of no rail – we did add some deck dot lights around the border so in the evening – you can see the edge of the deck for safety purposes. The product that was chosen was Timbertech’s PVC Capped Composite Decking in the Terrain Series. Colors were Brown Oak for the main and then accented with Rustic Elm. The railing was Westbury’s Full Aluminum Railing (Tuscany Series) in the black color. We then added lighting on all of the steps as well as on top of the picture frame border of the lower deck. This deck turned out great. This late Winter/Early Spring, we will be building a roof above – pictures to come after completion. Part 2 of this project we did in Spring of the next year. We built a new Roof over the main deck with an aluminum ceiling. This project turned out great and even matches the 3D Schematic!

Located on a wooded lot on the south side of Mount Orford in Estrie, this country house is designed to enjoy views of the wooded slope down to a stream at the bottom of the valley and rising to the opposite cliff. The south offers a splendid view of distant mountains. Of modest size, the house is simple, modern and showcases natural materials. It opens towards the forest and the landscape while preserving the intimacy of the customers. The interior is spacious; the living spaces are communicating and friendly, with a high ceiling above the living room and a large picture window in front of the master bedroom, on the mezzanine. The living areas open onto an outdoor terrace that anchors the house to its rocky terrain, protected from the weather and hidden from the street. The rock of the land is highlighted at the edge of the terrace, where a rock face down the slope. A large roof overhang protects the house from the sun in the summer, and the low-level concrete floors absorb sunlight in the winter. The house has been designed according to the criteria of LEED and Novoclimat.

Véronique Côté
Inspiration for a contemporary pool remodel in Montreal

Inspiration for a modern exterior home remodel in Seattle

This home is featured in the September 2008 issue of “Log Home Illustrated.”Its practical elegance is a favorite of many and a great source of inspiration. http://www.coventryloghomes.com/ourDesigns/craftsmanSeries/Athens/model.html

The technique of equal 'cut and fill' are employed here to help traverse this sloped hillside back yard. 4' wide crushed gravel paths allow side-by-side, hand-ind-hand strolls through the garden. Photography by: Joe Hollowell

Falcon House is located on Falcon Ridge Road, which winds along a steeply inclined ridge in a stretch of foothills within Carmel Valley in Monterey County. An old lichen covered barn and split rail, cedar fences characterize this area known as Markham Ranch, and contrast sharply with the preponderance of sprawling, large estate-style homes, many more at-home in the Italian countryside than any landscape of California. Designed for a young family, Falcon House responds to the family’s desire to live a more modest lifestyle, eschewing overt displays of extravagance for an intimate and deferential relation to nature. The 3,200-square-foot residence occupies a difficult portion of the northern slope of a hillside, overlooking a verdant valley and oriented toward Castle Rock in the distance. The steep terrain necessitated a compartmentalized plan capable of negotiating the gentle hillock at the center of the site. A corridor bridge spans two pieces of the house, uniting living and sleeping spaces and allowing an existing watercourse to flow essentially through the house unobstructed. Large panels of glass open the living spaces to the landscape, beneath the deep overhang of a butterfly roof. Operable clerestories placed high on the window-wall allow prevailing breezes to cool the interior spaces. The bedroom wing of the house hugs the hillside as it turns to the west, ensuring privacy from the main living spaces. The sense of seclusion and protection of this wing is reinforced by its lower roofline and its embedment into the hill. Initial resistance by neighboring homeowners has given way to appreciation, having seen the results of careful siting and a material and color palate sympathetic to the surrounding hillsides. The dwelling embodies an attitude of respect for the landscape, and through that perspective Falcon House has become as natural a part of its environment as the hawks flying overhead. 2008 AIA Orange County Chapter Merit Award

The fenestration of the rear façade of this summer cottage has been optimized to afford views of the adjacent Branford River and its natural beauty. Jim Fiora Photography LLC

The 2,400 s.f. net-zero corten house occupies a quarter-acre site transected by a small creek. Platted as a legal lot-of-record in the area’s original subdivision in 1910, the site remained undeveloped due to steep terrain and difficulties crossing the creek for access. Additionally all areas of the site are within the creek’s 25’, 50’ and 75’ riparian stream buffers. By necessity, the house, with considerable jurisdictional involvement, was constructed entirely within the 75’ stream buffer. Bridge/drive design complying with City of Atlanta Watershed regulations and State of Georgia EPD criteria was an essential component in realizing the project.

Hidden backyard retreat with pool and gardens! We resurfaced this pool area using natural stone patio space and flowing landscaping loaded with summer color!

Stunning deck & patio combo features TimberTech Evolutions Terrain decking in Brown Oak. The deck space has plenty of room for dining and includes a buffet table for food and drinks. The patio features a built-in fire pit and outdoor kitchen that includes an outdoor bar for dining. The kitchen in built with Belgard Weston Wall in Ashbury Haze and includes custom limestone countertops. The Belgard pavers consist of Belgar Lafit Slab pavers in Danville Beige with and Old World Cobble soldiers course in Gastony Tan.

Located on a wooded lot on the south side of Mount Orford in Estrie, this country house is designed to enjoy views of the wooded slope down to a stream at the bottom of the valley and rising to the opposite cliff. The south offers a splendid view of distant mountains. Of modest size, the house is simple, modern and showcases natural materials. It opens towards the forest and the landscape while preserving the intimacy of the customers. The interior is spacious; the living spaces are communicating and friendly, with a high ceiling above the living room and a large picture window in front of the master bedroom, on the mezzanine. The living areas open onto an outdoor terrace that anchors the house to its rocky terrain, protected from the weather and hidden from the street. The rock of the land is highlighted at the edge of the terrace, where a rock face down the slope. A large roof overhang protects the house from the sun in the summer, and the low-level concrete floors absorb sunlight in the winter. The house has been designed according to the criteria of LEED and Novoclimat.

knoll landscape design miamin tropical landscape with purple and green leaves, purple flowers, tree ferns
Design ideas for a tropical landscaping in Miami.

Melissa Jones Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern full sun backyard concrete paver formal garden in Seattle with a fire pit.

This three-story vacation home for a family of ski enthusiasts features 5 bedrooms and a six-bed bunk room, 5 1/2 bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, great room, 2 wet bars, great room, exercise room, basement game room, office, mud room, ski work room, decks, stone patio with sunken hot tub, garage, and elevator. The home sits into an extremely steep, half-acre lot that shares a property line with a ski resort and allows for ski-in, ski-out access to the mountain’s 61 trails. This unique location and challenging terrain informed the home’s siting, footprint, program, design, interior design, finishes, and custom made furniture. Credit: Samyn-D'Elia Architects

This estate is surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a big city but you would never know it when enjoying this backyard oasis. The aquatic environment was designed and carefully constructed to architecturally blend with the existing natural beauty, mature trees and rolling topography. The dramatic pool sits between multiple trees, nestled into the rolling terrain, and embraces the organic limb structures of Live Oaks. These limbs were carefully considered while designing this environment and fluidly divide spaces and accentuate views. The pools include an upper diving pool with grotto, large waterfalls, resort size water lounge, infinity edge spa, steps up to an underground slide and a 32 linear foot disappearing water fall. This waterfall pulls guest to the equally stunning lower pool that is connected by a natural staircase that elegantly wraps around the pool and stream. The lower pool is a shallow play pool where the slide exits, has ample seating, includes another massive water lounge and is designed for volleyball and just having a great time. This awesome aquatic family entertaining environment also includes a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, bar, pizza oven, multiple televisions, kamado style gill, many elevations, dry creek beds, artisan crafted hand railing, custom slide, elegant lighting, surround sound audio design, and much more!! Photography: Daniel Driensky

Stunning deck & patio combo features TimberTech Evolutions Terrain decking in Brown Oak. The deck space has plenty of room for dining and includes a buffet table for food and drinks. The patio features a built-in fire pit and outdoor kitchen that includes an outdoor bar for dining. The kitchen in built with Belgard Weston Wall in Ashbury Haze and includes custom limestone countertops. The Belgard pavers consist of Belgar Lafit Slab pavers in Danville Beige with and Old World Cobble soldiers course in Gastony Tan.

Island style patio photo in Detroit