RIVERSIDE RESIDENCE 3
RIVERSIDE RESIDENCE 3
LOCATION
London, Ontario
Several years after we designed the landscape for the residence’s front yard, the new owner was seeking an ambitious programme for entertaining in the backyard with a rigorous, modern design approach to complement the recently completed interior house renovations. The relatively blank space with a gentle slope descending towards the back and only a few mature trees offered countless possibilities to be considered. The result is a transformative composition that includes several integrated features.
A renovated deck with glass railings and a privacy screen houses a hot tub located for easy access as well as permits views to the backyard below that ensure constant use and enjoyment. Connected to the walk-out basement level, a generous staircase enables a smooth transition down from the deck to the main attractions below. Terracing was critical to navigating the slope between the pool and the entertainment hub including a dining area, bar, covered lounge, and a fire pit gathering space.
Prominent walls with varying materials span and balance the backdrop seamlessly linking the spaces together. An open-air steel pergola floats above the dining area while a canopy structure with a green roof, defines the lounge complete with a bar and large television. Discretely tucked between the staggered backdrop walls, a washroom and outdoor shower provide necessary conveniences. Porcelain tiles laid in a grid pattern were the paving material of choice for a very sleek and clean aesthetic that references the light-coloured stucco residence. Running along two terraced edges, long seatwalls provide built-in casual sitting opportunities.
The terraced landscape weaves between the terraced levels in formal arrangements that spatially enclose and define the sequence of spaces. A tight grouping of Paperbark Maples underplanted with Japanese Yews create an entry foil that opens to large blocks of sun-worshipping ornamental grasses and cool colour drifts of Hydrangea and Russian Sage that envelop the pool area. The geometric layout is continued with Katsura treelines that anchor the ends of the pool.
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