Lynn Valley Garden Transformation
From Restrictive to Remarkable
Services
Fireplaces and Outdoor Heating,Pools & Spas,Outdoor Structures,Decks & Patios,Walkways & Pavers,Gardens
Buying a home mid-construction often means inheriting decisions you wouldn’t have made yourself. And for these Lynn Valley homeowners, that meant a massive, industrial-style retaining wall that dominated their backyard. Standing at 9 feet tall, just 10 feet from their patio doors, the concrete structure made the outdoor space feel cold, damp, and unwelcoming.
Beyond the wall, the upper yard was nearly unusable due to tangled tree roots, buried boulders, and persistent drainage issues. But instead of living with limitations, these homeowners envisioned a vibrant, luxurious retreat and turned to us to bring that vision to life.
Turning Challenges into Features
To reclaim the backyard, we first tackled the retaining wall’s stark appearance. Cladding it in warm, hardwood slats softened its industrial character, while strategically placed plantings spilling gracefully over its edges made it feel more intentional and inviting.
The most striking transformation came with the addition of a custom-designed water feature we created by cutting out a section of the concrete and surrounding it with a combination of porcelain tile and natural stone. The result? An elegant, soothing focal point that feels like it was meant to be there from the start.
Complexity Requires Creativity
When creating a design, we know durability matters just as much as aesthetics. The upper yard posed unique challenges, with mature trees, intricate root systems, and drainage concerns complicating the build. Careful excavation preserved essential natural elements while reclaiming usable space. And thanks to a cooperative neighbour allowing temporary site access, we navigated these tight constraints to transform the upper yard into a functional extension of the property.
Initially, the home’s outdoor covered structure was planned for the upper yard, but thoughtful revisions relocated the entertainment area to the lower patio, creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow. We developed a fully integrated outdoor living space, perfectly tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle, including comfortable lounge seating, an inviting hot tub, a stylish outdoor fireplace, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen.
Award-Winning Results
Exceptional design begins with clear communication, and this homeowner’s active participation made our design-build process incredibly rewarding. Her clear vision allowed us to tailor each detail precisely, blending functionality with high-end aesthetics to create an outdoor space that perfectly complemented her lifestyle.
As a result of this collaboration and intentional design, this project earned multiple industry awards, not only for the stunning final product but also for the technical expertise and creative problem-solving involved. Today, it stands as one of our proudest accomplishments and proof that thoughtful, purposeful design can overcome even the most challenging landscapes and transform them into extraordinary places to live, entertain, and unwind.
"The team at Hyland did a fantastic job clearing all the snow from the driveways and sidewalks of the rental complex where I live. They came on a Sunday night, which was really impressive, and when they were finished, it was as though it hadn't snowed on the sidewalks at all! Thanks guys!"
- Essa Shaer
