FUNCTIONALITY
The expansive deck provides seperate spaces for the family to hangout, lounge, eating and entertain. It is also positioned for maximum lake views!
A simple outdoor kitchen area with a grill and raised countertop makes it easy to grill up food and eat, all within the same space.
The gas fireplace is an easy to use focal point that also acts as a retaining wall. The clients chose gas because they are sensitive to smoke and didn’t want the mess of a wood fire.
A TV mounted on the fireplace wall offers a space where the family could watch their favorite programs outside. Talk about a great place for football Sunday!
The homeowners are sensitive to the sun, so the designer placed a large Tucci umbrella above the lounge/TV area where they could have some sun protection. The umbrella can be adjusted to different heights and angles, making iteasy for the client’s to adjust the amount of shade as needed.
A sandy beach was installed at the lakeside so that the clients could have an easy and smooth transition into the lake with their kayaks and paddleboards.
AESTHETICS:
A retaining wall with a built in fire feature has a simple and modern flair to it. It is complete with an asymmetrical bench seat for a unique seating option with an unbeatable view!
An asymmetrical bluestone patio has a modern feel but is also very non-traditional. It is composed of larger bluestone pavers with smaller, full color, bluestone pavers throughout, which adds a beautiful pattern and texture to the space.
The fon du lac stone work on the retaining wall by the beach and the fireplace wall complements the color of the house.
Lots of neutral colors were used to keep the space calming with a natural feel.
The dark grey, granite retaining walls add a nice contrast within the space. Beautifully crafted walls were designed since they are such an integral part of the back yard.
The lake views are unobstructed throughout the new outdoor living space.
Ipe hardwood decking is attractive and durable, it is warm to the touch on bare feet and will gracefully age to a silvery gray color over time.
The Tuuci umbrella has a tilting feature that allows the umbrella to be positioned in any way the client’s desire. It can also move vertically to be set at varying heights.
Our crews planted 3,000 bulbs from Netherlands which creates a gorgeous display of tulips, hyacinth and allium in the spring.
CHALLENGES
The hardcover allowance for this lot was slim. The designer was able to work around it by installing a wooden deck and gravel steps with a wood surround. Both of these decisions helped the clients to get the elements they wanted by using materials that wouldn’t count against hardcover.
Steep grade changes proved to be a challenge for this build. The grade change was due to the client’s having a sportcourt inside their house. Different levels were created with stunning retaining walls to stabilize the space.
Being on a lake, there are many setbacks. There is a 75’ setback from OHWL (Ordinary High Water Level) and the house was built to that line. The designer was unable to place the fireplace past a certain setback line, so it was designed as a part of the retaining wall system.
The clients wanted shade in the space, but due to height restrictions they were unable to have a permanent pergola structure. Instead, we opted for an umbrella and spaded in large trees. The honeylocust provided protectection on the upper level of their deck.
Since the homeowners brought us in to the project before the home was complete, more time was put into planning and communicating with the builders to make sure we could seamlessly work in harmony.
Access to the backyard was super tight, especially in regard to the neighbors property. We had to be thoughtful and dilligent when transporting materials through to the backyard.
CRAFTSMANSHIP/INNOVATION:
The dark grey, granite retaining walls take skill and precision to craft. This technique requires attention to detail and accuracy. Each piece of granite is chiseled and retrofitted carefully to ensure stability, beauty and uniformity.
Since there was a strain on the hardcover allowance on the lot, the designer was required to create an innovative solution for the steps. By using timber frames with crushed gravel treads, we were able to provide functional steps that did not count towards the hardcover of the space. It also creates a very non-traditional, ‘up North’, rustic feel and complements the space nicely.
