Up North in North Oaks

With no cabin or other vacation property, this suburban family of four decided to look for a little bit of heaven right in their own backyard. The biggest challenge for the designer: two septic tanks and a drain field which just about covered the backyard. The design had to maximize limited, usable space for entertaining, follow the building code, and create a cabin-y feel in the backyard.

This project won an Honorable Mention award for this project in the Residential Exterior category at the 2013 National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), MN Chapter Contractor of the Year Awards.

Before: BEFORE – A Deck, A Lawn - and That's All Folks!

After: AFTER – An Inviting and Comfortable Outdoor Room

Award-winning Landscape Deck with Bluestone Patio/Walk, Pergola and Hot Tub

Uninterrupted Flow from Inside to the Outside - and Back

The pergola design matches the home in color, texture, and style. The challenge here – it couldn’t be connected to the home. The home’s soffits are too low and snow drop off the roof posed a weight problem. The rafter tails were designed so the pergola structure sits out from the home but still looks connected.

Your Landscape Design and Construction Partner Learn how our landscape design process works

Our Design-Build Process

Bluestone Walkway

Widened Bluestone Walkway Just Enough for a Bistro Set and Morning Coffee

Dry-set the bluestone sidewalk so a few of the stones can be easily removed every few years for septic system maintenance.

Deck with Firetable and Hot Tub in an Award-Winning Landscape

Stone (gas) Firetable on the Low-Maintenance Deck

Combine placement of fire & water features closer to the home for convenience. Guests are able to converse between the two spaces. Note: the deck and hot tub are just off the family room and kitchen.

Deck with Pergola and Firetable in Award-Winning Landscape

Nightlighting and a Pergola Create an Inviting, Intimate Space

Upped the coziness factor with LED lighting on the deck posts/steps, pergola rafters, and along the sidewalk. Beautiful gardens surround the new outdoor spaces.

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


Award-Winning Small Yard

Minneapolis backyard landscaping includes a dining area, water feature, sunning patio, night lighting, and edible garden without feeling cramped.

Edina Classic

Side yard landscape design for classic Edina home with New York Bluestone patio, Chilton stone walls, and custom-designed white arbor.