Lewis Center Estate | Lewis Center Estate |
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Lewis Center Estate | Lewis Center Estate |
Lewis Center Estate | Lewis Center Estate |
Lewis Center Estate | Lewis Center Estate |
Lewis Center- During Construction | Lewis Center- During Construction |
Lewis Center- Before Photo |
Slope, slope and slope. We were called in for this project after the homeowner failed to hear back from other contractors. We will never know if it was their lack of respect for the client or the fear of this dramatically sloped backyard, but I was thrilled to work with such challenging terrain. Our primary focus was tying the main patio to the deck with an emphasis on natural stone, while including a dramatic water element.
Patio Body: Unilock Avante Ashlar 'sierra'
Patio Border & Banding: Custom ordered clay pavers 'chocolate brown'
Wall Blocks: Unilock Brussels 'sierra'
Lighting: Led lighting in wall, staircase and water feature
Natural Stone: Bluestone stair treads, Fieldstone outcroppings and flagging.
Electrical: Multiple GFCI protected outlets for h2o, seat wall and lighting. Single transformer for all led lighting.
Total Build Time: Approx. 3 weeks Additional time for planting trees and seeding.
The Planning
The Design
The easy design for this project would have been big walls and a big patio. The correct design for this project required very precise placement of the patio, walls and staircase to ensure that the project fit with the natural terrain without feeling forced. The end result of hours of design work and a few revisions is a patio that blends in with the home, creates very usabale space and allows for safe, comfrtable travel between the outdoor spaces.
The biggest change in the design phase was the water feature. As the most subjective element of the design it required the trust of the client that we would create a water feature with the movement and sound that they desired.
The Construction
The construction of this project came during two of our wettest weeks of the year. We were lucky to have a few dry days to excavate the 20 tons of soil needed to be moved before we could begin building. Overall we moved 120 tons of material to complete construction in around 3 weeks.
My personal project was the water feature. I wanted our client to have a unique feature that allowed the staircase to go through the water, while staying on budget. The result was 1,200 lb bluestone bridge that allows the water the water to travel around and under it. The 3000 gph pump provides ample sound from anywhere outside and even inside the home.
Overall I am very pleased to have clients that were so receptive to the design process and I am sure that the end result exceeded everyones expectations.