This design-build project, completed in 2021, transformed the backyard of a new home in Downtown Dundas, Ontario. The homeowners wanted a functional and beautiful outdoor space where their young family could enjoy time together. The centerpiece of the project is a luxurious outdoor kitchen, designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
Midway through construction, an issue arose when the city had not signed off on the grading plans, requiring the installation of an exfiltration system approved by an engineer. This led to the construction of a large 6’x10’ catch basin system, with a hole dug 8 feet deep through difficult rocky terrain. The hardscape had to be carefully sloped to meet strict engineering standards, without disrupting the overall backyard design. Despite the challenges, we were able to integrate the catch basin lid into the stonework near the outdoor kitchen, keeping it visually cohesive.
The project maximized the small backyard space, providing ample room for the family’s three children to play. The existing concrete steps were replaced with new, modern stone steps, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. The result is a sophisticated, family-friendly outdoor retreat tailored to the homeowners’ needs.
Key Features:
- Outdoor Kitchen: The outdoor kitchen was designed to be the centerpiece of the backyard, providing a stylish and functional space for cooking and dining. It blends seamlessly with the surrounding hardscape.
- Stone Steps: The existing concrete steps were replaced with sleek stone steps, enhancing the look and accessibility of the backyard.
- Maximized Play Area: Despite the relatively small backyard size, we maximized the available space to ensure the family’s three young children had ample room to play.
- Exfiltration System: The hidden catch basin and slope adjustments were crucial for meeting drainage and engineering standards, ensuring the backyard would remain functional and safe in all weather conditions.
This project exemplifies our commitment to overcoming challenges with creative, practical solutions that do not compromise the integrity or aesthetics of the design. By seamlessly integrating functional elements like drainage systems into a visually appealing landscape, we delivered a backyard that meets both the homeowner’s practical needs and design preferences.