Bien Residence – 2010 Landscape Ontario: Award of Excellence
Bien Residence – 2010
Landscape Ontario: Award of Excellence
Extreme landscape makeover required! That was the phone call we received after our homeowners bought a lovely house on a quiet cul-de-sac in Thornhill. Instead of a backyard, they had a tennis court, complete with commercial grade lighting. While the front yard was overgrown and required it’s own makeover; it was the backyard transformation that is so dramatic.
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As a family that entertains often and spends time together outside; a large trex and cedar deck created an intimate gathering place. It is divided into several outdoor rooms with a lounging area complete with fire table and comfy couch, a second seating area which provides sun protection; and a dining area.
A trio of large, sculptural granite bubbling rocks creates a dramatic focal point within the deck area, and provides a white noise effect to block the nearby sounds of traffic from a busy road. In order to maximize the views of both this water feature and trees and greenery of the backyard environment; minimalist glass railings were integrated within the deck, complete with copper accent caps for the posts.
Multiple stairways ensure easy access to the balance of the backyard areas. The final detail of matching Andrew Richard Design outdoor furniture throughout the large deck area helps to tie it all together.
A screened gazebo with it’s own nearby waterfall and pond are tucked in a corner of the yard, creating a lovely distant view from the deck, and a focal point by itself. Exuberant plantings enhance this area and anchor it within the landscape. Additional white birch trees were added to the site, as a contrast to the existing perimeter cedar hedges.
The front yard makeover kept existing specimen trees, and played off the narrow pie-shaped front yard by reducing the impact of the size of the driveway and the walkway by keeping the planting area between them.
Classic Owen Sound sawcut flagstone, and Manitoulin stone steps create a simple, classic and elegant front entrance. Oversize paving stones for the driveway also help to keep the front landscape simple and emphasize the front entrance.
