As outdoor living spaces become more sophisticated, homeowners desire more creative remodels. There were many challenges facing this Bainbridge Island property, both in terms of function and livability. Ground water was seeping into the basement. With no clear sense of entry in the yard, guests often had trouble finding the front door.

The owners needed a yard design that retained the steep slope (left) leading up to the front door while collecting ground water and providing visitors with easy access to the home. As with all good remodels, the design had to utilize as much of the sound, pre-existing landscape and structures as possible. In the case of the Bainbridge property, these included a staircase and pond!

The original yard included a foot path made of broken concrete and stone (right). A low rock wall ran along the perimeter of the garden (below). The remodel would have to solve the previous issues and still provide the definition of walkways and other garden borders.

Naturally, the owners also wanted a beautiful remodel that pleased the senses. What to do?

The old and the new can peacefully coexist in a remodel. For the Bainbridge remodel, Master Builder member Williamson Landscape Architects decided to keep the structurally sound original staircase leading up to the garden. In a fresh complement to the staircase, they added several new yard components, each being both useful and inviting.

The first issue was how to prevent soil from covering the stairs with each rain shower. To hold back the soil, WLA created a cheek wall on one side of the staircase (above left).

On the other side, they renovated the existing ponds and created a soothing waterfall for sound and interest (right)! This picture was taken one year after the remodel and shows how the landscaping has developed around the waterfall in the foreground.

Next, they removed the existing broken concrete stepping stones and installed a new granite walk and sitting area (left), complete with a fetching fountain scheme.

The waterfall and water pot fountain reticulate the water within an enclosed system artfully hidden by a stone wall (right). Water features' popularity can be attributed to its easy incorporation into outdoor remodels, its aesthetic range and - most importantly - the therapeutic sight and sound of water.

To create a transition from the entry court to the more private areas of the garden, WLA constructed an arbor out of a cluster of copper water pipes (left).

On the other side of the court, they provided screens to artfully separate yard waste recycling and outdoor storage from the actual entry (below right).

The remodel successfully resolved the water and entry issues and provided the owners with a new space for entertaining.

Thanks to Williamson Landscape Architecture for contributing their ideas and information on behalf of the Master Builders Association. For more information on the MBA, go to www.masterbuildersinfo.com.   

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