A hillside landscape plan for a Southwest Portland residence, designed to create usable, well-drained outdoor spaces and protected pathways along a busy neighborhood street.
Street View - existing, concept sketch and model.
A site analysis identified needs for drainage improvements, off-street parking, privacy, protection from street hazards, and a more identifiable front entrance.
Site Analysis and Design Concepts
The design addressed these needs with two curving, waist-high stone walls topped by a cedar screening trellis. Together, they shaped the front-yard spaces and contours.
The front wall design responded to practical needs for diverting street drainage away from the garage and creating parking spaces in front of the house. It was viewed as a standalone sculpture shaped by the activities it contained and by how it received and shed street views.
The plan improved the kitchen view to a small garden, front-door access from the street and garage, and access to an outdoor patio with valley views. It also blocked nighttime headlights from the house windows and protected the house from cars sliding down the icy, snow-covered street.
Front Yard - concept sketch and model.
The walls battered slightly on both sides and brought warm colors to cold fall and winter days through a blend of Sunset Gold and Green Mint quartzite flagstones. The cedar trellis softened their barrier-like appearance and joined the two walls as an entry arbor.
A single-level, select-cedar plank deck extended the house and garage into the backyard at floor level.
A smooth concrete border merged the deck into the yard, serving as a mow strip at the high end. Along the sloping side, a bench seat and low plantings eliminated the need for a railing. Details included a hatch door for concealing hoses and other yard-maintenance accessories.
Back Deck - concept sketch and construction.
Construction began with the back deck. The format and language of construction drawings and specifications made it possible for the do-it-yourself homeowners to build on their own as time and budget allowed.
Responsibilities
The work included landscape design, modeling, presentation materials, and contract documents.