Our clients had recently purchased a newly constructed minimalist modern home in northwest Portland. The home was gorgeous, but they weren’t happy with the landscaping. The builder had placed a very large bubbling basalt column fountain at the center of the back yard– great as a focal point, but unconnected to the rest of the landscape. Erosion was a concern as the backyard sloped toward the house, and overflow from the fountain was causing mud and debris to accumulate. The clients wanted to keep the fountain but integrate it into a new outdoor living area, and tackle the drainage issues at the same time.  With a low boulder wall, we created an upper terrace to contain the basalt column fountain and new patio. A drainline behind the wall collects runoff and directs it to a rain garden instead of the house. A short flight of steps leads up to the new patio that features a surrounding wall with an L-shaped floating bench. 

A top concern for the client was lack of privacy. They were quickly losing much of it as large trees were removed on adjacent properties for new home construction. The landscape contractor was instrumental in sourcing and installing a variety of very large, very beautiful evergreen trees along the perimeter of the property. They provided instant screening, a striking backdrop for the new patio, and a sense of proportion for the basalt column fountain. 

Construction by J.P. Stone Contractors. Images by Josh Partee Photography.