This existing site had a variety of issues to be rectified. The old dilapidated garage had occupied 50% of the backyard and the deck did not function properly for entertaining. The lawn and gardens were also very overgrown, as they had not been maintained in some time.
The project also required substantial planning time related to building permits and green space requirements. A right of way turn around at the end of the shared driveway also heavily influenced the location of usable spaces and key elements in the design.
The new backyard landscape started with the removal of the existing garage to create a more functional and useable space. A new deck was installed using Western Red Cedar and black aluminum rails with glass inserts for the legal guard. A hot tub was also integrated into the deck design. The same cedar lumber was used to install the new horizontal fence and privacy screen. Frosted glass panels were also incorporated into the screen design to add additional privacy as well as aesthetic accents. A lower level, interlock patio was installed for dining and entertaining and large Barracuda raised planters help buffer the neighbouring views. A new Summerwood shed was also assembled to provide additional storage.
During construction an old septic tank was discovered that required structural and design changes to the deck. Furthermore, carpenter ants had been detected and compromised the entire support of the back wall of the house where we were to anchor the deck ledger. Significant restructuring and design time was required before construction of the deck could begin and the remainder of the landscape completed.
New low maintenance, multi seasonal gardens were added to surround the hardscape and help soften it, as well as landscape lighting to enhance the space.
