The top of this hillside backyard area needed to be slightly modified and leveled off to make space for a full sized swimming pool. Taking the available space into consideration, a creative retaining wall and an “invisible” deck edge allowed the yard to keep an uncluttered and open feel. This project is a wonderful example of what is possible when dealing with smaller spaces and of creating a livable set of separate outdoor spaces near multiple structures.

By using a series of small cascading retaining walls, expensive engineering and building permits were avoided altogether. The terraced space between the retaining walls made perfect planting beds for edible plants – allowing easy access for planting and harvesting. The client says that his only regret is that he can never wake up early enough to beat his children to pick the ripe strawberries.