This Cambridge, Ontario resident’s backyard consisted of a rotting deck overlooking a damp, brush filled backyard that merged with a dense cedar woodlot. The owners envisioned having an outdoor living space that accommodated complex modern elements such as a water feature, plunge pool, multi-level deck, and outdoor kitchen, while transitioning harmoniously into naturalized environment. A three-tiered deck of reinforced cellular PVC bordered by raised beds of rough sawn cedar timbers and natural dry stack stone walls alternate between following both the house’s and the property’s axes in order to maximize the function of the space as well as draw the viewer’s eye towards new focal views. An upper deck provides a lounging/sun bathing area while the main-level deck provides for 3-season barbecuing and casual dining in a waterproof outdoor kitchen area. A custom shaped plunge pool provides one of the focal views by merging the axes used in the deck and patio through an asymmetrical geometric shape. It is also blended seamlessly with a two tiered water feature. The natural appearance of rough sawn cedar, dry stack stone, and masonry veneer is congruent with the character of the woodlot and softens the modern look of the deck. The final project won a Landscape Ontario Award of Excellence in the residential construction category.
