The rolling terrain made it challenging to find a level area large enough to accommodate a pool and deck. The ideal solution was to build a series of retaining walls with a portion of the pool wall protruding above grade.

The slope towards the back is so steep that the home’s basement walkout is at ground level. The large 20’ x 45’ custom vinyl pool fits comfortably into the terrain thanks to a stepped retaining wall at the shallow end of the pool which provides the backdrop for a spacious lounge area.

Example of a mid-century modern patio design in Seattle

This custom hillside home takes advantage of the terrain in order to provide sweeping views of the local Silver Lake neighborhood. A stepped sectional design provides balconies and outdoor space at every level.

photography by Joe Dodd
Inspiration for a large contemporary hillside concrete paver formal garden in San Francisco.

Mid-Century Remodel on Tabor Hill This sensitively sited house was designed by Robert Coolidge, a renowned architect and grandson of President Calvin Coolidge. The house features a symmetrical gable roof and beautiful floor to ceiling glass facing due south, smartly oriented for passive solar heating. Situated on a steep lot, the house is primarily a single story that steps down to a family room. This lower level opens to a New England exterior. Our goals for this project were to maintain the integrity of the original design while creating more modern spaces. Our design team worked to envision what Coolidge himself might have designed if he'd had access to modern materials and fixtures. With the aim of creating a signature space that ties together the living, dining, and kitchen areas, we designed a variation on the 1950's "floating kitchen." In this inviting assembly, the kitchen is located away from exterior walls, which allows views from the floor-to-ceiling glass to remain uninterrupted by cabinetry. We updated rooms throughout the house; installing modern features that pay homage to the fine, sleek lines of the original design. Finally, we opened the family room to a terrace featuring a fire pit. Since a hallmark of our design is the diminishment of the hard line between interior and exterior, we were especially pleased for the opportunity to update this classic work.

This is an example of a mediterranean front yard driveway in Seattle.

Ideal for slopped lots, high winds, flood or earthquake prone areas
Inspiration for a tropical wood exterior home remodel in San Francisco

Hillside Grading Excavation Colonie, NY Sloped Terrain - professional installation in Loudonville by A&S Enterprises. Quality craftsmanship in landscaping, hardscaping and drainage for Capital Region homeowners.

Design ideas for a modern landscaping in Orange County.

Inspiration for a modern deck remodel in Philadelphia

Terrain builds rockeries.
Photo of a modern landscaping in Seattle.

Inspiration for a coastal landscaping in Orange County.

Minimalist deck photo in Philadelphia

Inspiration for a modern exterior home remodel in San Francisco

Terrain builds rockeries.
Inspiration for a craftsman landscaping in Seattle.

Matthew Carbone
Inspiration for a contemporary three-story wood flat roof remodel in New York

Example of a 1960s pool design in Seattle

Minimalist home design photo in Seattle