Clean, modern, private
After three decades in a Manhattan apartment, these clients arrived in Atlanta to a backyard in need of a fresh start—outdated hardscape, overgrown plantings, and a dilapidated shed. Their primary goal was an outdoor space with a clean, modern design that emphasized privacy from neighboring apartment buildings, minimal maintenance, and a dog-friendly layout. They envisioned a contemporary-style fence, along with purposeful seating areas and thoughtfully chosen plantings to reflect a cohesive and uncluttered style. The end result would blend simplicity and functionality, offering a calm retreat befitting their new Southern home.
BEFORE: View of the backyard from the entrance. Overgrown plantings dominated the space and caused it to feel crowded. The various terraced levels divided the space up and made it less accessible.
AFTER: It feels spacious despite its compact size, because of the openness of the design, with most of the area elevated to one level. The fence ensures a good degree of privacy and a peaceful, secluded atmosphere. The stucco seat wall around the edge catches excess stormwater and allows it to percolate to prevent water pooling in the center of the space. Stormwater cleanout is concealed beneath the turf.
BEFORE: View of backyard and house.
AFTER: Lower terraced area of the garden with seating area in the lower corner. Designed as a destination spot for reading and solitude, with dog-friendly flowering shrubs and perennials for color and interest, while also enjoying an easy view of the whole outdoor room.
View of the back garden from inside the home. The home was renovated to feature a full-size wall window, which maximizes the viewpoint towards the backyard. The design takes advantage of this by positioning the granite columns to be centered in the window.
View of the house and back garden from the bluestone patio seating area. The distinct areas on the same level ensure easy access and movement for human and canine residents of the home. Plants selections were made with the client's two main priorities in mind: low-maintenance and dog-friendly.
Henry, the energetic and adorable family dog, enjoys running in endless circles around the garden and playing with his ball.
Judges' comments about this project
- Great design, very inviting
- Nice use of space!
- Plantings are just enough and not too heavy
- Excellent job on hardscape
- Like how a wall was used to level space and create a secondary room
- Focal point in the back is very nice
- Very clean without being boring
- Viewing the water feature from inside the home creates a living television set
About City Garden Company
At City Garden Company, our goal is not just to design and build your modern outdoor living space. We want to it to be your favorite room in the house.
