As you can see in the before photo, the property was originally mainly comprised of sloped grass areas, a large sand box (that would often flood in the winter), and a small 15×20 patio which was virtually useless for any larger gatherings. The objectives were to create a dramatic series of garden spaces for outdoor living and parties with an overall very sexy ambience, as well as functional outdoor living and interactive elements for the kids to enjoy, both young and old. The design phase was lengthy as too was the design objective’s list. The client hired three different landscape designers to submit proposed landscape concepts and ultimately Pacifica Landscape Works won the mini design competition. Once the detailed design phase was completed, construction began. Access to the property was very tight on either side of the residence which became a major problem due to the scale of the project, and the amount of incoming and outgoing materials. Additionally, the steep slope that we had to work on in the backyard was also a major challenge with equipment movement, and stock piling of materials.
Solution
Eventually we sculpted the property with significant terracing to create multiple garden levels for entertaining, meditation, and just pure relaxation. The upper Zen Terrace being the meditative garden, the next patio down being the party space, with an naturalized Ozone hot-tub, waterfall, outdoor kitchen and bar area, and the lower fire-side patio for just relaxation. The property also has a three hole putting green with white sand trap, and a fully camouflaged dynamic sound system with buried sub woofers, and tree mounted speakers to create a full surround sound scape!
The design was completed late 2007 with construction beginning in 2008 and completion in summer 2010. While not a large plot of land to work with, we accomplished a lot. The client had had a very keen eye for detail, which we appreciated and enjoyed working with. Some of the finer detailing included: custom rotating umbrella mounted into patio, flush mount LED lights throughout patios, integrated Ozone hot-tub and waterfall system with infinity edge, 3-hole putting green with white sand trap, outdoor sound system throughout landscape with hidden surround sound speakers and sub woofers, outdoor chandelier hanging from custom red cedar arbour, curved outdoor kitchen with built in stainless grill, curved bar constructed out of natural stone, gas fire-pit with natural boulder surround, extensive landscape lighting throughout project, as well as automation for all lighting, sound, and hot-tub.
This project is the recipient of the 2010 BCLNA Landscape Award of Excellence!
