Landscape Architects & Designers Near Annapolis

This newly renovated Mid-Century residence blends into a recreated landscape, that compliments the house's clean lines. Long, stepped, decks with planters are incorporated with modern exterior landscape elements to create a new front entrance garden and a side yard leading to a striking pool and entertainment area.

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Our firm was hired to help the clients find a property in the Annapolis area that would accommodate a pool/spa and an area for entertaining large parties. After visiting several homes in the area, we came across this partially finished home along the banks of the Chesapeake Bay. After explaining our vision to the client, we were given carte blanche to create a space that was unlike any that we had done before. With the house sitting 40 feet above the bay, the site lent itself perfectly for a negative edge pool. The pool was elevated 24inches, creating two levels to this flat space as well as adding visual interest and seating for large parties. The same stone veneer on the house was used for the vertical elements of the pool and walls as well as matching Indiana limestone caps. Two custom water bowls framed the end of the negative edge creating the sound of falling water. Due to the close proximity of the pool/spa to the driveway and garage, a clear separation was needed. This was accomplished by installing a four foot stone wall with columns complete with (two) custom mahogany gates serving as the entrance into the space. Crape Myrtles were planted behind the wall to act as screen as well as to provide visual interest. The site lacked shade so a custom arched mahogany pergola, complete with ceiling fans was constructed over the lounge area in front of the stone fire place. Next to the diving board, a raised sun terrace for sun worshipers was put in place. Pennsylvania flagstone with Indiana limestone accents were used for the patio and terrace, thereby matching the existing porches of the house. The large expanse of hardscape was softened by the use of colorful shrubs and perennials to provide year round interest. Finishing the project, a mix of low voltage and metal halide lighting was installed. The end result was a property family and friends could enjoy all year round.

Q

While attending a dinner party at the home of a previous client, this homeowner could not help but notice all of the elements in this project and wanted similar elements in their yard. Having just completed the installation of a pool and paver patio just three years prior, our client knew they had one shot to get it right. After working through several designs it was decided that the only item to remain from the previous project was the pool. A custom mahogany pergola and 18” stone sitting wall defines the summer kitchen and dinning area which leads to the custom circular gas fire pit with a circular stone sitting wall surround. The gas fire pit contains decorative broken glass which adds interest when the fire pit is not in use. A boulder outcropping water feature was added to the pool as well as a custom radius bluestone coping. The patio was designed to accommodate large parties but comfortable enough for small family gatherings. The large expanse of hardscape is softened with lush plantings of color and texture. In the evening, low voltage and metal halide lighting illuminate the space for use well into the evening. The end result of this project left the clients with an area for family and friends to enjoy at any hour of the day or night.

Q

Designing a space to entertain 5 children and mom and dad was no easy task. Many design elements were requested by the client, including a swimming pool, spa, patio space to accommodate large parties, water features, stairs from the existing upper deck, lighting, irrigation, fire place, and of course a sea of colorful plantings. The site was a blank canvas with three feet of fall from one side of the space to the other. The pool and spa were carefully placed to allow the best views of the river while being a focal point itself from the house and side yard. Two tractor trailer loads of boulders were used to construct the waterfalls and dive rock. Dry-stacked stone walls were built to contain the slope and help define the space with bluestone stairs leading to the tumbled paver patio. The stone fire place adds ambiance to the patio area while acting as a focal point. Planting spaces were designed to soften and add color and texture to the extensive hardscape. In the end, all the criteria were met and the functional problems were solved. More to the point of the house and hardscape melts effortlessly into the sea of color and texture.

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