A landscape design for a Portland, Oregon, residence, extending the house's main interior axis into outdoor rooms at the front and back entries.

The design elements evolved with changes in the architect's schematics for the house, but basic concepts remained the same.

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On the moderately sloped, south-facing hillside, the front yard featured an overlook entry shaded by flowering crabapple trees. The backyard was carved into the slope to create a patio and edible-garden area.

The back porch connected paths around the house to a barbecue area, grape arbor, and several dwarf fruit trees. It included a concave, cedar-capped concrete seating area and a curved retaining wall topped with 4-foot cedar fencing.

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The front entry stairs connected parking with the front door.
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The final proposal fit a light gray/green porcelain covered masonry block wall along the curve of the house
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The front entry wall supported custom sconce lights, a timber Cedar staircase, timber Cedar bench seating and a Cedar deck landing.
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The front porch landing arranged narrow Cedar decking into an emblematic pattern to enhance the arrival/departure experience.

Responsibilities

The work included landscape design, presentation materials, and contract documents.

Role: Landscape Architect

Setting: Freelance

Location: Portland, Oregon

Year: 1987

Media: India ink on Mylar drafting film, Pantone marker on white tracing paper