Contemporary Garden

Far too often, rainwater cascaded into this narrow back yard from the property above and caused moisture problems outside and inside the house.

The first order of business was to construct concrete retaining walls and an extensive drainage system to divert water around the perimeter.

But rather than defaulting to something purely functional, this created an opportunity to explore a contemporary design with interesting levels and angles, and different planting and outdoor living spaces.

Crisp, clean lines emerge from the concrete walls, which were poured in place. The labor-intensive technique captured the knots, cracks, seams and overall character of the rough 2″x6″ lumber used as forms.

The warm wood fences mimic that horizontal movement, while the above-ground redwood hot tub provides vertical contrast.

The spectacular firepit was sculpted from an enormous boulder harvested in the California desert and sits on a permeable gravel patio. Kiwi vines are poised to clamber the custom steel and wood pergola. There’s a patch of turf for the baby and a barbeque spot for the pescatarian parents. Succulents, Australian and other water-conserving plants complete the design.