South Hills Patio and Landscape
The client had an old concrete patio and wanted an outdoor space that was better integrated into the landscape, offered more privacy, easier circulation around the house, more protection from the elements, provided better bird habitat, and had a nice place to put a hammock.
We developed the plan around the mature trees on the site and used concrete, brick and natural stone to create and define paths, patio spaces and planters. We used dry stacked stone walls for soil retention, installed a horizontal cedar screen to provide privacy, built a porch cover over the main door from the kitchen to offer a little protection from the weather when moving in and out of the house and added several basalt bird baths.
In a single sentence this backyard went from a failing, square concrete patio, to a dynamic outdoor living area, and was a true collaboration between client, designer and craftspeople. Experiencing this space with the mature Japanese Maples, the elegant cedar screening, and the birds bathing, makes it almost a shame to fall asleep in the hammock… almost.
“Our patio project was our second major project with Rainbow Valley. After our first large project, a kitchen renovation, there was no question whom we would choose. From the beginning, the designer and the project manager offered helpful suggestions and designs, listened to our ideas, and beautifully incorporated existing trees and other features into a space that is comfortable, practical and beautiful. Once the work began, the Rainbow Valley folks and subcontractors were dependable, knowledgeable, skilled, and a pleasure to be around. In most projects, surprises happen and minor adjustments are required. The folks at Rainbow Valley don’t quit until they get it right.”
-Anne S.
