Modern
Old North
Project Vision
Embracing their love for the Old North area, the family decided to make this property their own renovating the existing building with modern architecture. In the front yard, the existing porch and concrete slab walkway had already been designed and installed. The homeowners requested the preservation of the Bloodgood Japanese Maple. In the modest backyard, nestled between the house, spa, and detached garage, the family envisioned creating a vacation-like outdoor haven, complete with a pool, sun loungers, a conversational area, and an inviting dining space.
DESIGN
A metal wall structure with a backlit address number and sculptural hedges draw modern architecture into the landscape in the front yard. Traditional greenery repeats plants typical of the historical neighbourhood blending the home's presence in the streetscape with blocks of perennials and ornamental grasses arranged in blocks.
Drawing inspiration from the architecture and their travels to exotic destinations, a chic rectangular pool was aligned with the expansive doors leading into the backyard. The pool features natural stone coping while full-width steps and a broom-finish concrete pool deck repeat the existing porch material. Safety was paramount with an automatic pool cover.
A contemporary freestanding pergola sporting an angled roof (designed by others) delineates the shaded space into two distinct "rooms" beside the pool — one for lounging and the other hosting an outdoor living room complete with a sectional and a fire table. Elevating the entertainment factor, the family strategically mounted an outdoor TV under the pergola.
A visual “wall” of black and green was crafted with custom metal planters filled with evergreen hedging softening the pool-to-driveway transition. The family assumed the role of general contractor of the pool and concrete work with a family friend executing the metalwork.
Credits
Kimmick Landscaping Inc.