Sophisticated Modern Entryway in Ridgewood Heights
The Sophisticated Modern Entryway in Ridgewood Heights was born from a need to transform a hazardous, dated approach into an architecturally significant gateway. The original entrance struggled with a steep slope and irregular staircase risers that created a dangerous path for residents and guests, while the existing materials lacked any cohesion with the home’s contemporary facade. The clients’ vision, brought to life by designer Brendan Butler and the technical expertise of Atlanta Fine Gardens, was to create a safe, well-lit transition that mirrored the modern spirit of their home through specialized finishes and sophisticated construction techniques.
Bringing this vision to life required overcoming extreme logistical and technical constraints on a highly restricted footprint. Located on a busy main street, the site allowed for only one truck at a time, forcing the crew to perform nearly all excavation, backfilling, and material transport by hand. To manage the steep hill and limited access, the team utilized a non-traditional "topographical" construction strategy, building from the lowest point upward. This synchronized workflow allowed for the precise integration of complex masonry, steelwork, and multi-phase concrete pours within a very narrow work area.
The final result is a masterclass in modern landscape language, featuring an intentional dialogue between cast-in-place concrete, weathered Cor-Ten steel, and refined architectural flatwork. Technical highlights include cantilevered stair treads with integrated low-profile LED lighting and custom-fabricated railings that achieve exacting tolerances along the slope. For a final touch of organic contrast, a Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar serves as a striking centerpiece in a triangular steel planter, its pendulous form softening the sharp, geometric lines of the entryway's bold new structure.
Judges' comments about this project
- Seamlessly integrated the hardscape, love the pebbles on outside wall of patio.
- Love the corten and concrete integration, love the wood grain finish on the walls.
About Atlanta Fine Gardens
Atlanta Fine Gardens is a turnkey landscape design and construction firm. We are the stabilizing force behind full scale transformations – coordinating vendors, sourcing materials, and providing outdoor solutions you can count on.
