The Houston homeowner desired a larger backyard patio. Extending the patio into the lawn was accomplished by terracing the 8-foot grade change that slopes 120 feet to the lakefront. The walls and steps have a rough-hewn texture and natural hues ("Celtik' by Belgard). The terraced lawns are emerald zoysia grass, the "finest leaf blade of the commercially-produced varieties," according to Super-Sod. The boulder outcroppings are seven tons of sandstone (D&D Stone, Dallas). Pink blossoming crape myrtles and "Lily of the Nile' are among the plantings supplied by Four Seasons.

Mirror Lake Designs of Spring, Texas, serves The Woodlands and greater Houston area. Its scope of work encompasses building site analysis; swimming pool design; planting design; patios and courtyards; outdoor kitchens; driveways and entryways; landscape lighting; gazebos and arbors; fountains; ponds; waterfalls; retaining walls and grading and drainage.

When Mirror Lake was first called onto this project, the Houston homeowner was looking for a patio extension. She had recently moved in, and although she liked the view to the lake, when she sat outside on the patio to enjoy her morning coffee and the lake view, she felt cramped by the confines of the 260 square foot patio. The patio was next to a large lawn space, so there was plenty of room to extend the patio, but she didn't know how to take advantage of the design potential.

"The real genius of any design is not simply listening to the client, but understanding the root cause of their dissatisfaction, whether or not they know it themselves," says Michael Shawn Kelly, ASLA, of Mirror Lake Designs. "Most homeowners can't articulate all of the circumstances that impact how their outdoor space is perceived and used, and how this affects the way they live."

After the first consultation, Kelly knew the best way to meet the client's goal would not be merely to enlarge the patio, but to transform the back yard into a series of spaces that would draw the owner into the garden and keep her from being tethered to the backdoor.

While it may seem counterintuitive, the vast expanse of sloping lawn between the large house and the small dock on the lake was quite a design challenge. The sidewalk that led to the lake seemed more of a lonely trail than any sort of connection to the lake. The homeowner's perception of these spaces kept her "trapped" on her patio.

The patio and walks are a mix of travertine pavers and pavers (Belgard "Urbana' in "Brittany beige" hues). Mirror Lake Designs installed the hardscapes. Travertine, one of the oldest building materials, is one of the most used natural stones in modern architecture. It is a limestone of thin layers of calcite and aragonite, which form calcium carbonate. According to Quarries Direct International, the source of the travertine, this stone is thinner than concrete pavers, but three times stronger (up to 17,000 psi compression strength), is 20-30% cooler than cement or concrete pavers, comes in a wide range of sizes and colors, and is easy to clean and maintain. The cast bronze fountain, imported by Woodlands Bronze, has a hidden basin for ease of maintenance. Mexican beach pebbles (1"-2") surround the fountain.

In developing the plan, Kelly set five main goals the landscape architectural design would accomplish.

I. To develop a more personal, intimate scale, while keeping the grandeur of the space.

This was accomplished by producing a series of terraces. When viewed as a whole, the grand scale of the property was preserved, with each area allowing a more personal intimacy to be enjoyed alone or shared with friends.

II. To place the visual focus on the garden, rather than allowing wandering sightlines.

Each area of the garden has interesting plant combinations that, combined with steps, walls, and boulder outcroppings, create textural contrasts that attract humming birds and butterflies with their seasonal blooms.

III. To unify the backyard with the home's interior.

By integrating a classic bronze fountain near the home the formality of the interior design is married with the geometry of the backyard. Thus, the home flows effortlessly from the living room, out the backdoor, and down to the water's edge.

IV. To draw the homeowner and guests out into the garden.

To create a space that lures people in accommodations must be made for relaxing and lounging. In this design steps are built to be available for sitting; flat lawn areas double as "grass patios" for the occasional party; even the boulders are positioned to allow for alternative seating.

V. To provide a beautiful view of the home.

"The view back from whence you came is an element of good design that is often neglected," said Michael Shawn Kelly, ASLA. "This potential design flaw is a common shortcoming of many landscape designs, and is emphasized even more in waterfront lots. In this project every component of the terraced development provides context for the transition to the waterfront. When viewed from the water, the integrity of the design is upheld and complements the home's architecture."

While the client may have been satisfied with a simple enlargement of her patio, it was the designer's deeper understanding of her wishes and desires that allowed for a complete landscape design – one that is as much a part of her home as her living room, and allows her to live outdoors.

Grade Change
The existing lot had an 8-foot grade change sloping 120 feet to the lakefront. The slope was cut and filled to develop terracing. Belgard "Celtik' walls used for the walls and steps.

There are travertine pavers mixed with Belgard pavers for the patios and walks. Among the positive qualities of this natural stone is that it stays cool underfoot in hot conditions, and there is no efflorescence (discoloration).

The central site amenity is a cast bronze fountain with a hidden basin for ease of maintenance.The terraced lawns are emerald zoysia grass. The turf handles full sun (tolerates extreme heat) or partial shade, is drought tolerant and slow growing.