This project started with removal of a sparse foundation planting and is actually phase of a complete master plan. The homeowners were looking to add lots of outdoor entertaining space. In addition to the stonework and plantings, there is a large deck with a pergola that replaced an earlier version.

The focal point of this area is a sunken fire pit (lannon wall stone) surrounded by a slab stone patio (silver fon du lac and lannon). An existing concrete patio is tied into the fire pit area with a “natural lay” slab path (silver and buff fon du lac) which continues to sawn stone stairs (Waukesha) climbing to an existing concrete driveway through seat and retaining walls created from silver fon du lac wall stone and lannon cubes, which are also used to create seating and as speciems around the focal area.

Softscaping for this project created beds around and existing and somewhat disused basketball court and extended the foundational beds to fill the hillside. Trees were used throughout as well as in the yard to create privacy.

The stone work for this project required a variety of install methods. The fire pit is saw cut to create tight joints in the walls. The surrounding patio is also saw cut for a tight and consistent surface. Stone selection was key here with large slabs with little surface variation chosen to limit joints and suit to desire to use chairs for seating. The pathway is laid with natural edges and the resulting joints filled with polymeric sand. The stairs and cubes are simply set on free draining base. The retaining walls and “natural lay” as well, with shaping and sizing complete with chisels and stone hammers.

Despite the volume of stone and the area covered, this project still has flowing lines and a softness to the overall design to tie into the “naturalized” creek bed further down grade. It also ties into the existing stone edged rock beds on the other three sides of the house, which are more formal.

Construction of this project required coordination of several subcontractors and a closly monitored progression of work to ensure machine access and material storage. During intial excavation several issues had to be addressed including drainage and footings for the deck that were critical to the timing of other work. Access and storage areas were somewhat limited and the grade of the hill required attention due to the weight of the cubes and other material when using equipment. Stone selection and availability was also important for effiency and the overall outcome of this project.

Ultimately the project is what the homeowners really wanted and they utilize it as often as time and weather permit.