When the homeowners first looked at their backyard—a narrow, 20-foot deep, 50-foot wide space dominated by retaining walls—it didn’t feel like an extension of their home. In many ways, it just felt like an afterthought.

But they envisioned something more: a place where friends and family could gather around a fire, where their kids could play freely, and where they could unwind in a hot tub after a long day.

The challenge was clear: how do you fit an outdoor entertaining area, a hot tub deck, a fireplace, a play zone, and lush plantings into a tight space without it feeling crowded? The answer wasn’t just in what we built, but how we built it.

Bringing this vision to life required strategic thinking and the ability to adapt as needed. Since every element had to work together to create a sense of openness and harmony, the design evolved through multiple iterations and various details were refined along the way. To make this space the ultimate backyard retreat, our design included:

• A nine-foot concrete-clad fireplace as the heart of the entertainment space.
• A secondary gas fireplace offering an additional cozy nook for relaxation.
• Custom-built bench seating and stairway to function as a sleek transition.
• A re-engineered retaining wall to add space and softness from plantings.
• A dedicated, low-maintenance play area for the kids to run free.

Each design decision was made with purpose. We didn’t want to just maximize space, we wanted to make the space feel the best it possibly could.

Bringing this vision to life required a combination of precision and flexibility. Steep slopes and tight access meant traditional construction methods weren’t an option. To make room for machinery, we had to completely demolish and rebuild the old wooden stairs, replacing them with a ramp for easier access.

Structural integrity was also crucial, so we worked closely with a geotechnical engineer to ensure every adjustment to the retaining wall was safe and sound. Through all the complexity, one thing remained constant—our commitment to making this backyard an exceptional space to spend time in.

Every custom-crafted detail, from the woodwork to the fireplaces, came together to transform this once-restricted yard into a space that feels open, inviting, and perfectly in tune with the homeowners’ vision. Because even the smallest spaces can hold massive possibilities.