My clients were very clear to me at the outset; ‘Arianne, we want to take this up to another level’. This ocean front property home was already stunning both in architecture and doubly in location, overlooking the northern Straight of Georgia. The initial landscaping was simple and functional, but lacked the outdoor livability and west coast aesthetic to match the house.
We worked together to create a design that allows more space for entertaining, while being aware of the dynamic marine beach setting. A terraced paver patio with gas fire pit and decorative fire element creates a warm bubble to enjoy, while keeping it out of the reach of the high king tides and winter storm surge. Terraced blue stone boulders replaced a rocky slope, providing structure and planting depth for wind and salt tolerant plant species. An improved access to the hot tub allows easy transitions to and from the home.
At the front entry we’ve designed another outdoor patio, tucked out of the seasonal winds and making the most of the evening sunlight. Curling behind a small patio and fire pit is a sinuous retaining wall to manage the slope. And nestled between them flows a bubbling water feature stream, emerging from a drilled basalt boulder and cascading under a stone bridge to recirculate through a river rock reservoir beside the patio.
More images to come as these coastal plant species settle in and mature…
Design
Installation – 2022, Ground Force Landscapes, Kris Karlsen
