The client’s primary goals were to develop a patio overlook space for outdoor dining and provide a better pedestrian transition down the steep slope. The existing site conditions were both unattractive and quite unsafe. Existing lannon stone retaining walls were failing and the main entry was adjacent to extreme drop-offs protected by make shift metal railings. The client new it was time to make improvements.

A landscape plan was prepared that proposed a new patio and incorporated retaining wall terraces to break up the slope into two manageable terraces making the grade change less intimidating. A custom railing with horizontal rails was installed along the top of the retaining wall to prevent fall hazards while reinforcing the graceful “S” curve of the wall.

The installation of the terraces was no small task. The main challenge came in the form of a buried septic tank that was exposed during excavation. Unfortunately the septic tank was in the middle of the proposed retaining wall location and required demolition, filling and compaction to form a solid retaining wall base. After this minor setback, the retaining wall construction could begin.

In order for a patio to be installed, the entire area required engineered fill to bring the area up to grade. It was a tedious process but essential to ensure that the patio would not settle over time. The patio paving material was originally planned to be a concrete paver but after extensive discussions with the client it was decided that since the retaining walls were being constructed of natural stone, it only made sense that the paving material also be natural stone to ensure project consistency. It was important for the client to be able to easily slide chairs across the pavement without catching on uneven joints, therefore the final paving selection was New York Bluestone laid in a tight joint rectangular ashlar pattern. Originally the client requested a concrete sidewalk to approach the patio but it clearly looked out of place with the Bluestone patio. We were convinced that Bluestone would be the right material to link the garage to the house unfortunately installing the Bluestone in the ashlar pattern would have been cost prohibitive. We offered an idea to install large Bluestone slabs with tight joints in lieu of an ashlar pattern. The larger slabs greatly reduced our labor costs and brought us into budget without sacrificing aesthetics.

The final challenge involved the Chilton stone steps. It took a tremendous amount of pre-planning to ensure that the top step match the grade of the Bluestone sidewalk and top of the retaining wall. All the diligent work paid off with a staircase that blends seamlessly into the retaining wall terraces and sidewalk.

Overall the project was a tremendous success by creating an inviting Bluestone patio that overlooks the lake vista, integrating Chilton wall stone terraces to overcome the extreme grade change, adding a decorative custom railing to improve safety and improving lake access with Chilton stone steps.

Welcome Home – The “S” curve formed by the Chilton wallstone retaining walls and the elegant custom metal railing visually leads your eye to the front door.

Lakefront Overlook – The focal point of this elegant landscape is the lake in the background. The client had a desire to celebrate this dynamic vista with a patio overlook.

Before – The access to the front door felt intimidating and unsafe. Make shift metal railings were close to the stoop creating a confining and unpleasant entry transition.

Before – The access to the front door felt intimidating and unsafe. Make shift metal railings were close to the stoop creating a confining and unpleasant entry transition.

Before – The access to the front door felt intimidating and unsafe. Make shift metal railings were close to the stoop creating a confining and unpleasant entry transition.

Before – The access to the front door felt intimidating and unsafe. Make shift metal railings were close to the stoop creating a confining and unpleasant entry transition.

Before – The existing stoop was supported by an unattractive exposed concrete block wall and the slope was retained by an unorganized array of failing lannon stone retaining walls.

Before – The existing stoop was supported by an unattractive exposed concrete block wall and the slope was retained by an unorganized array of failing lannon stone retaining walls.

Garden - The existing wall was intimidating but that could be overcome by terracing the retaining walls and adding vibrant plants within the planting beds created by the terraces.

Garden – The existing wall was intimidating but that could be overcome by terracing the retaining walls and adding vibrant plants within the planting beds created by the terraces.

Under the Wall? – A buried abandoned septic tank lid was discovered which required tremendous effort to expose and fill creating an acceptable base for these Chilton retaining walls.

Under the Wall? – A buried abandoned septic tank lid was discovered which required tremendous effort to expose and fill creating an acceptable base for these Chilton retaining walls.

Wall Stone – The rust color accents of the Chilton wallstone complemented the home’s yellow siding while the horizontal lines created by the stone harmonize with the railing lines.

Wall Stone – The rust color accents of the Chilton wallstone complemented the home’s yellow siding while the horizontal lines created by the stone harmonize with the railing lines.

Lake Access – The Chilton stone steps with handrail are seamlessly integrated into the retaining walls creating a safe and pleasant transition from the upper patio down to the waterfront.

Lake Access – The Chilton stone steps with handrail are seamlessly integrated into the retaining walls creating a safe and pleasant transition from the upper patio down to the waterfront.

Patio/Wall Transition – One of the greatest challenges was creating a flush transition from the Bluestone patio to the Chilton wall top while providing positive pitch away from the home.

Patio/Wall Transition – One of the greatest challenges was creating a flush transition from the Bluestone patio to the Chilton wall top while providing positive pitch away from the home.

Bluestone Slab Sidewalk – The ashlar pattern of the Bluestone patio was juxtaposed against the Bluestone slab sidewalk defining the patio from the walkway while utilizing a consistent material.

Bluestone Slab Sidewalk – The ashlar pattern of the Bluestone patio was juxtaposed against the Bluestone slab sidewalk defining the patio from the walkway while utilizing a consistent material.

The Details – The tightly fitted joints of the elegant dry laid Bluestone patio create a highly functional smooth surface for chair legs to easily slide under the stylish table.

The Details – The tightly fitted joints of the elegant dry laid Bluestone patio create a highly functional smooth surface for chair legs to easily slide under the stylish table.

The Composition – The entire space flows gracefully from one area to another through careful articulation of pedestrian movement, seamless vertical grade transitions and deliberate orientation to the lake vista.

The Composition – The entire space flows gracefully from one area to another through careful articulation of pedestrian movement, seamless vertical grade transitions and deliberate orientation to the lake vista.