Constructed in the Bauhaus-influenced design created by the husband’s architect father in the early 1960s, the owners renovated the structure in 2013 to become energy efficient and compatible with twenty-first-century family living. Nearly a decade later, the landscape has also been renovated — in particular the large, rear yard — to compliment the architecture, fulfill the owners’ desire to entertain outdoors, and draw their kids home now and then. 

In the rear yard, the former concrete terrace was repaved with liner, running bond flagstone with unique, irregular flagstone banding. The existing firepit was replaced with a Corten stainless steel wood-burning one set in bluestone gravel to prevent leaching. The central spa is stainless steel sheathed in high-grade cedar to provide a warm, natural material to the overall palette. Taking an environmentally conscious sensibility a step further, the kitchen runs on propane instead of gas and is also clad in matching cedar. An existing stone wall was dismantled, regraded, and rebuilt to enclose the kitchen and dining area. Lawn steppers with planted joints of creeping ground cover make the transition from hardscape to grassy expanse. 

New plantings of liriope, anemone, and white astilbe Japonica fill new beds and guide the eye to existing Purple Beech, Dogwood, Cypress, Holly, and Magnolia trees further back in the yard. A second fire pit was added for the kids deep in the lot and an effective lighting plan makes the entire setting glow at night. Lastly, the side entry to the patio and the back garden is defined now by a cedar fence and gate inspired by the mid-century style of the house. 

Landscape Architect: Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture; Architect: Chrisine Chan; Landscape Contractor: Chick Landscaping; Photographer: Jennifer Hughes