West Vancouver Residence
A residential lot in an established neighbourhood in West Vancouver...
The Site
A 1930's cottage sits on the 3 m from off the Northeast.. A creek runs along the West side of the property. As the driveway and entrance to the property is via the far South of the property - the owners enjoyed a generous yard which acts as both front and back yard space.
The Challenge
To create a landscape which acts as both house entrance and a functional back yard. The owners wish list was to create:
- A landscape which acts as both house entrance while still maintaining the functionality and feeling of a private backyard
- A retreat or meditative feeling to the space
- Privacy from the street
- Controlled access and entry to the property
- A water fall and pond element which featured a meditation pavilion for relaxing, reading, eating.
- A fire pit and gathering circle
The Design
The landscape is a blend of: "Pacific Northwest meets Asian" influences. One enters the garden through a covered Japanese influenced gateway and onto a wood bridge. This is flanked by the pond and meditation pavilion to the South and a waterfall/creek to the North. The green jointed flagstone patio leads the visitor past the fire circle to the left and eventually terminates at the large decked entrance adjacent the house.
Sustainable Design
The landscape uses plants that are all highly drought tolerant, low maintenance and provided food and habitat for local wildlife. Plant Plants selected are highly disease and insect resistant and require no ongoing fertilizers. Turf grass has been eliminated from the landscape. Existing plants were dug up and reused in the new landscape where ever possible.
The pond boasts a variety of water plants including natives and has become an attractant for local wildlife. Green jointed local flagstones were used for walkways, pea gravel was used for the fire pit area, and green jointed concrete unit pavers for an adjacent allows for water permeation into the ground plane.
