Each floor is set back from the level below to integrate tiered terraces within the building form. Wall-to-wall fenestration and glass guards provide unobstructed lake and ravine views. The walk-out basement adds another level of above-grade living space. A water feature trickles down from the main floor level stone patio.

Surfacedesign, Inc
Example of a minimalist home design design in San Francisco

A solar powered birdbath placed among bright orange lilies, colorful purple iris and a peony nearby. The sound of trickling water draws birds to the yard.

The perfect alternative to a koi pond without sacrificing the natural look and sound of a stream. With no sitting water, this stream is just as much maintenance as a fountain would be.

The backyard of this house was a no-man’s land when the owners moved in. With little more than a few established trees and a big, noisy air-conditioning unit, the yard was an almost open canvas bordering the Los Padres National Forest in a high-fire zone. We installed a large infiltration swale to capture as much rainfall as possible from the house rain gutters, so the water can be stored in the soil where plants can access it, reducing the amount of irrigation this landscape needs. Plantings obscure the air-conditioning unit, and a water feature was installed so the sound of trickling water would drown-out its sound. The plants we chose are drought tolerant and attractive to native birds and insects. We paid special attention to the plantings nearest to the house, keeping them fairly low growing as to not create a fire ladder beneath the eves. The plants also hold a good deal of moisture in their stems and leaves and are easily kept free of desiccated material, making them fire-wise plants that can actually reduce the chances of the property burning in the event of a nearby wildfire.

From one Pro to another, this new outdoor living addition fits in seamless to the original architecture of this El Paso Upper Valley home. Just finished and it feels like its always been there. The cedar pergola shades this beautiful Pennsylvania blue stone patio. Great lynx appliances fill this outdoor kitchen/bar and serving station. Trickling sound from the waterfall along with bouncing flames from the fire pit keeps visitors entranced in this special environment. Flanked by boulders & landscape planters that have color & fragrance all year around. However, when night falls, the landscape lights and fire features illuminate to create a sophisticated festive night spot. One can't wait to come home and enjoy

The waterfall - streams are so realistic that it is amazing to just stand next to them and listen to the different sounds the water makes. Some make deep gurgling sounds, some make loud splashes and some make quiet trickling sounds!

From one Pro to another, this new outdoor living addition fits in seamless to the original architecture of this El Paso Upper Valley home. Just finished and it feels like its always been there. The cedar pergola shades this beautiful Pennsylvania blue stone patio. Great lynx appliances fill this outdoor kitchen/bar and serving station. Trickling sound from the waterfall along with bouncing flames from the fire pit keeps visitors entranced in this special environment. Flanked by boulders & landscape planters that have color & fragrance all year around. However, when night falls, the landscape lights and fire features illuminate to create a sophisticated festive night spot. One can't wait to come home and enjoy

This fountain was one of my favorites. It was so peaceful to sit on the porch and listen to the light trickling of water. It also attracted many different types of birds. The lower pot was planted with a variety of herbs and succulents which never needed to be watered because the fountain had just enough splash that it kept the plants moist.

From one Pro to another, this new outdoor living addition fits in seamless to the original architecture of this El Paso Upper Valley home. Just finished and it feels like its always been there. The cedar pergola shades this beautiful Pennsylvania blue stone patio. Great lynx appliances fill this outdoor kitchen/bar and serving station. Trickling sound from the waterfall along with bouncing flames from the fire pit keeps visitors entranced in this special environment. Flanked by boulders & landscape planters that have color & fragrance all year around. However, when night falls, the landscape lights and fire features illuminate to create a sophisticated festive night spot. One can't wait to come home and enjoy

The columnar water feature was designed to be viewable from every point in the yard. The gentle trickling offers the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing evening on the porch or a competitive game on the sports court.

Dry creek crossing under the stone bridge on a dg pathway. Water flows off the roof and trickles through the streambed to allow for more soil infiltration and less run off. ©Ecology Artisans

The backyard of this house was a no-man’s land when the owners moved in. With little more than a few established trees and a big, noisy air-conditioning unit, the yard was an almost open canvas bordering the Los Padres National Forest in a high-fire zone. We installed a large infiltration swale to capture as much rainfall as possible from the house rain gutters, so the water can be stored in the soil where plants can access it, reducing the amount of irrigation this landscape needs. Plantings obscure the air-conditioning unit, and a water feature was installed so the sound of trickling water would drown-out its sound. The plants we chose are drought tolerant and attractive to native birds and insects. We paid special attention to the plantings nearest to the house, keeping them fairly low growing as to not create a fire ladder beneath the eves. The plants also hold a good deal of moisture in their stems and leaves and are easily kept free of desiccated material, making them fire-wise plants that can actually reduce the chances of the property burning in the event of a nearby wildfire.

Trusted | Proven | Reliable est. | ProScapes | 2001 Proudly serving Skagit, Whatcom, Island and Snohomish Counties
Inspiration for a small side yard gravel retaining wall landscape in Seattle.

Trusted | Proven | Reliable est. | ProScapes | 2001 Proudly serving Skagit, Whatcom, Island and Snohomish Counties
This is an example of a huge pond in Seattle.

Designed for good energy... Our client was looking to create a space for retreat, tranquility, serenity. The existing space was somewhat funky without balance and made it difficult to feel good. Working within an existing courtyard space, we were limited. No matter, our goal was to remedy this outdoor courtyard/sunset balcony space. Our idea was to keep the space cozy but create destination spaces where you can lay down in the grass and look up at the stars. Walk bare foot atop the different hardscape surfaces, reclaimed brick patio & walkway, Silvermist flagstone, terra cotta tiles & tiffway bermuda. The idea of sitting in front of a magical rock island stone fireplace reading a book, sharing conversation with family & friends gives us warm feelings. Bubbling water features dance through out this space creating sounds of trickling brooks you could only hear if you were in a far far away place. The courtyard walls disappear, with plants and trees wrapping there arms around our client while relaxing under a 45 year old ascalone olive tree. A healing garden was the finished product, so much, its a space that you don't ever want to leave....

This High Park backyard is a restorative sanctuary designed for a client who loves gardening and embraces the forest-like character of the site. The landscape is layered to engage all the senses, attracting pollinators and wildlife while offering serene spaces to relax, whether by the calming water feature or at the bar-side of the outdoor kitchen. The existing deck has been transformed into a covered three-season room, seamlessly extending the home’s living space into the outdoors with an elevated view of High Park. Every element of this luxury Toronto backyard landscape balances sensory immersion, wellness, and functionality, creating a private retreat in the heart of the city where family, friends, and nature coexist in harmony.

One of McKinley Burkart’s most aesthetically traditional projects, the Island Residence is a 15,000 square foot house made of pavilions and low bridges, completely surrounded by water. McKinley Burkart worked closely with landscape architects to design a residence that is fully integrated with its site. Water flows from a small fountain and trickles down, flowing throughout the site under glass bridges featuring the koi fish that populate the stream. The house implements Asian planning principles of connecting indoor and outdoor space using pavilions and bridges yet brings forth a West Coast, heavy timber aesthetic throughout the whole residence.

This High Park backyard is a restorative sanctuary designed for a client who loves gardening and embraces the forest-like character of the site. The landscape is layered to engage all the senses, attracting pollinators and wildlife while offering serene spaces to relax, whether by the calming water feature or at the bar-side of the outdoor kitchen. The existing deck has been transformed into a covered three-season room, seamlessly extending the home’s living space into the outdoors with an elevated view of High Park. Every element of this luxury Toronto backyard landscape balances sensory immersion, wellness, and functionality, creating a private retreat in the heart of the city where family, friends, and nature coexist in harmony.