A Modern Sanctuary in Brookwood Hills
The Brookwood Hills Modern Residence project began with a clear mission: to expand the home’s functional outdoor living space while creating a secluded, nature-filled retreat within a limited urban footprint. What started as a plan for a front yard patio quickly evolved into a comprehensive, multi-phase transformation that included a backyard flex space with over 2,500 square feet of low-maintenance synthetic turf. Throughout the process, the team at Atlanta Fine Gardens had to navigate evolving family needs and site constraints, shifting away from original architectural plans that lacked the level of privacy the homeowners desired.
To overcome these challenges, the design team implemented creative elevation changes, sinking the front patio below street level to create an intimate "outdoor room" without the need for high, imposing walls. They utilized slim-profile Corten steel for retaining walls and stairs, which saved valuable square footage compared to traditional masonry and allowed for more generous planting beds. This modern material choice was complemented by built-in Brazilian hardwood seating, which optimized the usable area and eliminated the need for bulky, movable furniture.
The final result is a sophisticated landscape that uses high-contrast textures to soften the home's bold, black architecture. A lush "living screen" featuring a 'Screenplay' Holly hedge and a 10-foot architectural Chamaecyparis pom-pom provides year-round structure and seclusion. From the delicate climbing figs scaling the stucco facade to the technical precision of the flagstone's grout joints, every detail was crafted to deliver a resilient, private sanctuary that balances contemporary spirit with organic softness.
10-foot Chamaecyparis pom-pom is the featured specimen plant. Its architectural silhouette provides year-round structure and serves as a living piece of art.
sunken patio
Judges' comments about this project
- Really beautiful, it just feels good!
- Love the renovation. The combination of plant material is exceptional.
- We like the eclectic, diverse plant selection, it is not overdone.
- One accent plant, one focal point. When it comes to design, they really do "get it."
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.
