Urban Oasis: Small Space, BIG fun!
Elegant Oasis: Maximizing Entertaining Space
In reimagining this 14,233 sqft lot, the goal was to create a high-impact, space-efficient outdoor environment, where space meets sophistication for unrivaled outdoor entertaining.
This presentation outlines the thoughtfully designed elements which were meticulously integrated to maximize entertaining space within the constraints of the property.
The project commenced with relocating the pool to the furthest reaches of the property, respecting property line setbacks to amplify the area available for entertainment. Adjacent to the back door, a covered built-in kitchen and intimate seating area offer protection from both bugs and the scorching afternoon sun, thanks to a convenient drop-down screen.
The 18'x36' pool serves as the focal point, backed by an 18" masonry wall adorned with LED lighting accents. Behind this backdrop, a hedge of long-blooming hydrangeas and espalier-shaped European hornbeams complements the formal design, infusing the space with timeless elegance.
The pool deck features a sturdy 5" rebar-reinforced concrete overlay with Valders Dove White and gray stone laid in a herringbone pattern (5'x18" pieces). To address stormwater retention, a large drywell behind the pool was repurposed as the base for a putting green, encircled by permeable gravel and stone coping. Landscape lighting makes it perfect for endless fun, day and night.
To minimize the “fence feeling” and to distinguish the detached garage driveway, a grand outdoor fireplace and wall were constructed. This space also includes an outdoor TV and speaker system. A pergola, built from large steel I-beams and cedar, provides respite from the summer sun.
For continuity and aesthetic impact, the hydrangea hedge extends the entire length of the property, maximizing the use of the narrow 36" side.
The front of the property is equally striking. A heated concrete driveway, saw-cut into 5'x5' squares, provides a grand entrance. The front porch and walkway feature heated, randomly patterned bluestone, expertly set on a concrete sub-base. Two sets of garden walls enclose the front yard, with the closest to the front door boasting three water scuppers and a pondless waterfall system, creating a captivating ambiance for arriving guests.
The property's front and rear areas are adorned with various planting beds and containers, which are seasonally adapted to ensure a vibrant landscape year-round.
Formal, columnar trees, such as slender silhouette sweetgum, columnar tulip trees, sheared European hornbeams, and shaped tricolor beech, were chosen to harmonize with the property's architecture. Crushed blue granite gravel was used to cover all planting beds, maintaining a clean and low-maintenance appearance.
In conclusion, our project has not only met but exceeded our client's expectations by delivering a low-maintenance, high-impact, and space-efficient outdoor haven.