Inspiration #38

Oh my. After a month of crazy project schedules and traveling for board meetings, it’s time to get back to the inspiration in life! The winter has recently taken a turn for the worse after acting like we would have an early spring, the results being an architect wishing for beautiful backyards to bask in the warmth. As I mentioned in the last inspiration, I’m currently working through design for exterior renovations to be done this summer. While most of these designs below in their entirety are out of my price range, there are pieces of each design that I think will inform the backyard at #ThisOldHouse. These inspiration images mainly touch on the backyard steps, or stepped layout, that will need to occur due to my grade change.

This is the latest in a weekly post of residential architecture inspiration. If you want to see past weeks, you can go here. If you want to see them curated on my pinterest (sometimes before they even hit the blog), go here.

This backyard goes all out on the surface finishes, but also appears to be masking a more traditional privacy fence on the right. I like that the initial backyard steps down/up integrates the seating  at a fire pit. I can only imagine that a nice dining area is just out of view.

This backyard goes all out on the surface finishes, but also appears to be masking a more traditional privacy fence on the right. I like that the initial backyard steps down/up integrates the seating at a fire pit. I can only imagine that a nice dining area is just out of view.

Image via Christi Azevedo

 

This layout has A LOT more hardscape than I want, but the integrated backyard steps are the feature that caught my eye. The different levels separate functions but still provide for interaction, while the overall privacy fence creates cohesion.

This layout has A LOT more hardscape than I want, but the integrated backyard steps are the feature that caught my eye. The different levels separate functions but still provide for interaction, while the overall privacy fence creates cohesion.

 

Another interesting backyard with a variety of materials, these backyard steps are more minimal and accessible from a budgetary standpoint. The architect in me is trying to solve what the stepped deck is actually used for, but it’s pretty just the same.

Another interesting backyard with a variety of materials, these backyard steps are more minimal and accessible from a budgetary standpoint. The architect in me is trying to solve what the stepped deck is actually used for, but it's pretty just the same.

 

Completely over budget and much more grade change than I need, but these backyard steps once again integrate the main grade change into an adjacent use. At the upper level it becomes a waterfall and at the lower level a step becomes a bench and the higher grade becomes the seatback. Brava.

Completely over budget and much more grade change than I need, but these backyard steps once again integrate the main grade change into an adjacent use. At the upper level it becomes a waterfall and at the lower level a step becomes a bench and the higher grade becomes the seatback. Brava.

Image via Fossey Arora

 

Outside of the steel pergola and rail structure, this layout of backyard steps is relatively on par with what will likely happen at the L² Design Lab. The eating and cooking space is relegated to the upper deck, likely closer to the back door, and the lounging space becomes further removed. Love it.

Outside of the steel pergola and rail structure, this layout of backyard steps is relatively on par with what will likely happen at the L² Design Lab. The eating and cooking space is relegated to the upper deck, likely closer to the back door, and the lounging space becomes further removed. Love it.

 

Oh my, this backyard is pretty. I’m a sucker for a modern addition and this one takes the cake this week. The hatch door on the right even opens up to become an outdoor bar-height sitting area and cooking space, safe from the elements. While I won’t be able to create that detail, the eating level of the deck with backyard steps down to the built-in sitting area is definitely in the plans. Perhaps even the concrete fire pit (one can dream).

Oh my this backyard is pretty. I'm a sucker for a modern addition and this one takes the cake this week. The hatch door on the right even opens up to become an outdoor bar-height sitting area and cooking space, safe from the elements. While I won't be able to create that detail, the eating level of the deck with backyard steps down to the built-in sitting area is definitely in the plans. Perhaps even the concrete fire pit (one can dream).

Image via Nathalie Thibodeau Architecte

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