Limited Space, Sloped Backyard and Setbacks: Oh My!

These clients had just two items on their wish list: a swimming pool and low-maintenance everything. Despite the layout of the backyard, variation in grade, and overall challenges, the designer and the crew made sure to give these homeowners just what they were looking for.

Side view of home showing how upper patio connects to lower patio

Creating a Cohesive Outdoor Space

The curving walkway and steps guide you from the upper-level kitchen area to the lower-level patio. As you walk out of the interior kitchen, you're greeted by a large dining space, plus a sheltered outdoor kitchen equipped with amenities. As you make your way around the side of the house, you'll have to stop and enjoy the warmth of the fire on the mid-level patio. Take a few more steps down, and you'll discover two unique water additions that you won't find in many Minnesotans' backyards. These three spaces are woven together in a comfortable transition from top to bottom.

Upper-Level Patio: Outdoor Kitchen and Dining

The upper-level outdoor kitchen and dining area are just off the main floor kitchen. The dining area allows for a large gathering of family and friends. The outdoor kitchen is a great added bonus, as it has a sink, refrigerator, trash receptacle, and plenty of storage. The custom pergola is no-maintenance and provides the right amount of coverage. This means less going in and out, and more time enjoying being outside with your guests.

Mid-Level Patio: Fire Pit and Water Feature

The middle paver patio has a remote-controlled gas fire pit and serves as an outdoor living room. If you look closely, you'll see a pondless waterfall (also remote-controlled) through an opening in the retaining wall. This water feature is positioned just below the windows of the family/exercise room. When the windows are open, you'll hear a pleasant waterfall, which makes for a great addition for any workout.

Lower-Level Patio: Plunge Pool and Hot Tub

The lower-level patio has a unique hot tub and dip pool, side-by-side, for a warm/cool water plunge. The plunge pool is used in Minnesota's warm seasons. Additionally, right off the concrete patio, pavers surround the pool/spa with enough space for sunbathing or relaxing. Both pools have automativ covers, allowing for ease of use throughout the year. Although these homeowners may tuck the swimming pool away come fall, this hot tub is operational year-round.

Improve Your Life Outdoors

Meet with A Landscape Designer or Architect

Your perfect outdoor living space begins with a simple conversation. Let’s talk about your outdoor living space!


Schedule a Meeting

Explore More MN Landscape Design & Architecture

Related Landscape Projects


French Quarter Courtyard

Intimate backyard captures the spirit and charm of a New Orleans courtyard with classic brick patio, fireplace, and fleur-de-lis accents

Plymouth Landscape Upgrade

These homeowners love their unique home. Unfortunately, their existing outdoor spaces were inadequate for entertaining.

Tranquil Outdoor Refuge

These Edina homeowners wanted a place to greet neighbors in the front yard, places to entertain in the back, and a spa they could use year-round.

Modern Backyard Patio

A simple backyard for modern sensibilities. This small landscaping project created a space for spending time with friends and family in Cottage Grove.

Secret Garden

Step into the enchanting garden of this 1889 St. Paul home and discover a space designed to strike the perfect balance between elegance and comfort.

Modern Walkout Backyard in Bloomington

These homeowners love to be outside, but the hot afternoon sun made their backyard nearly unusable. This new design provides shade from the sun, as well as other much-needed amenities for entertaining.