A Modern Home Gets a Garden to Match

The Brief: The owners of this bold modern home (designed by Paul Raff Studio) desired a yard that would pick up on the strong lines and sharp angles of the rear elevation. Joel Loblaw, known for his orderly compositions of wild elements, proved to be just the man for the job. The homeowners tasked the landscape designer with delivering a wide expanse of lawn, while also defining areas to eat and to relax. Another key consideration: aside from a grade change down to a basement window, the lot was completely flat – meaning it provided a less-than-ideal amount of shade and privacy.

The Solution: Loblaw deployed a choice mix of materials in a structured arrangement to create several separate zones. Down the centre, an ipe boardwalk leads from a matching dining deck to a secluded back patio of Unilock pavers. The trail passes between two elevated lawns – one sloped – that are boxed in by Corten retaining walls. More Corten is featured closer to the house in the tiered tufted-hair grass gardens that allow light down to the basement. Beech hedging borders the perimeter to provide privacy, while honey locust trees shade the cozy back nook.

Sources: Unilock pavers from Beaver Valley Stone Ltd.; Corten steel fabricated by Zac Ridgeley Studio Works.