CASE STUDIES
Residential Exteriors for NEW HAMPSHIRE CLIENT
The client is a homeowner with a young family (two children under 8) living in a standard suburban house. The family values spending time outdoors, entertaining friends, and having a safe space for their children to play. Their current backyard is a neglected, single-level space with a patchy lawn, a small, cracked concrete slab patio, and minimal vegetation, offering little function or aesthetic appeal.
Project Goals
Based on initial consultations, client's primary objectives for the backyard redesign were clearly defined.
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Create a Multi-Functional Space: The backyard needed to serve three distinct purposes: an area for adult relaxation and dining, a dedicated and safe play zone for the children, and a functional space for grilling and light gardening.
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Implement Low-Maintenance Solutions: As a busy family, they did not want a design that required constant upkeep, mowing, and complex gardening. Durability and ease of care were paramount.
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Improve Flow and Usability: The design needed to create a logical flow between the house and the different zones of the yard, making it intuitive and enjoyable to use year-round.
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Work Within a Defined Budget: The project had a moderate budget, requiring smart choices in materials and phasing to achieve the desired look without overspending.
KEY CHALLANGES
Based on initial consultations, client's primary objectives for the backyard redesign were clearly defined.
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Lack of Defined Zones: The yard was a single, undefined rectangle of grass, making it feel small and purposeless. There was no separation between potential play areas and adult areas.
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Poor Drainage: The back corner of the yard became waterlogged after heavy rain, creating a muddy patch and making that area unusable.
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Full Sun Exposure: With no mature trees, the yard received harsh, direct sunlight for most of the day, making it uncomfortably hot in the summer and limiting plant choices.
The Design Solution
To address the challenges and achieve client's goals, a strategic, zoned design was developed and implemented.
The Design Solution
To address the challenges and achieve client's goals, a strategic, zoned design was developed and implemented.
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The Central Green: A small, manageable area of high-quality, drought-tolerant turf was installed in the center of the yard. This provided a soft, green space for casual relaxation and open play.
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Strategic Planting: A layered planting approach was used. Tall, columnar Hornbeam trees were planted along the back fence line. They grow vertically without taking up much horizontal space, creating an effective privacy screen within a few years. Below them, layers of ornamental grasses and flowering perennials were added to create visual interest and soften the fence line.
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Plant Selection: The planting beds were filled with a mix of native and drought-tolerant perennials (like Coneflower and Sedum) and ornamental grasses. These plants are adapted to the local climate, require minimal watering once established, and don't need constant pruning.
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Smart Irrigation: A simple drip irrigation system on a timer was installed in the main planting beds, ensuring efficient water delivery directly to the plant roots and eliminating the need for manual watering.
Outcome and Results
The backyard transformation was a complete success, directly meeting all of client's initial goals.
