Philadelphia Main Line

Working with a new-construction home among more traditional houses in this Main Line neighborhood, my team and I were called in to address complex landscape needs after the structure and driveway had been completed.  Located on a small plot given the homeowners’ desired amenities, this project required that we extract as much utility and perceived spaciousness out of every square foot of exterior space.  

To maximize these two, we removed the newly installed circular driveway in favor of a design that reduced impervious surface, allowed for a swimming pool, and created the illusion of depth in the shallow front yard.  Radiating off the garage, a pergola-covered patio was created to center around a stone outdoor fireplace.  This comfortable outdoor seating area transitions naturally to an elevated spa and waterfall bench and then onto a traditionally-shaped pool.  Consistent use of fieldstone and carved wood serve to unify the various levels of walls, patios, and pools.  These materials also create continuity with the surrounding old-construction homes.

The patios we installed addressed the homeowners’ desire for spaces to dine, entertain, lounge, and garden.  Bordering these areas, we planted a range of perennial gardens that could handle dry, moist, shade or sunny conditions.  We made a point of preserving mature trees to underscore a sense of permanence and history.  Designing spaces that served desired functions and blended in with the finely-appointed details of the neighborhood was an exciting opportunity.  Add in the reality that we were engaged well into the project, ratcheted up the challenge factor. Ultimately, we successfully maximized the available exterior space for this family’s recreation and relaxation.