Kid Spaces

Our customers for this project were a young, active family new to Austin with a keen eye for design and a love of the outdoors. The main goal of this project was to implement an outdoor living space while also providing an area for their dogs and kids to be active. 

Starting in the front yard, we added a walkway to connect with the street to create a welcoming entrance for guests.  Next we focused on extending their indoor living space into the backyard by implementing elements that they would draw them outside. The new patio and fire pit, built-in seating opportunities, an outdoor shower, and an adjustable louvered pergola help keep the space comfortable for everyday use. A rain water catchment and a raised garden and herb wall create opportunities to interact with their landscape. The inclusion of the custom built play area gives the kids a separate place to play while mom and dad entertain. 

The home was a new construction, with unique yard layout that left us with a series of corners. These customers were conscious of choosing environmentally friendly options to work with nature in their space rather than combat it. We were able to create movement within the yard and soften the structures with native plantings that added energy to the space.  

This fun and young family moved to this South Austin neighborhood to be closer to friends and family. However, their new home's outdoor entertaining space and lack of landscape felt underwhelming and unwelcoming. The only redeeming feature was their yard backing up to the greenbelt. Our mission was to design a landscape that was not only perfect for their area, but fit their young, fun and busy professional lifestyle.

For the front yard, we complimented the entryway with a mix of modern cut natural stone complemented with water wise plantings. Metal planters, beds of succulents and decomposed granite, as well as other xeriscape features reduced the amount of turf, leaving just enough for their neighborhood movie nights!

In the backyard, we expanded their entertaining space by defining several new spaces; a stone patio for cooking and lounging, a children's play area with climbing wall and custom dragon made out of recycled tires, and a washer pit where they can host local tournaments. As custom gas fire pit act as a focal point for the various areas, and provides light and heat as the days get shorter.  All of this transitions smoothly into the greenbelt. Giving their yard an endless feel.

With a passion for entertaining both children and adults, this family needed a flexible and usable space. Additionally, recent construction had changed the family's greenbelt view, into an industrial eye sore.  Taking cues from the modern interior decorating of the house, we revitalized this tired and tiny back yard into an open and flowing oasis of fun and functionality.

A low maintenance, drought tolerant plant palette was a must for this busy family, and is reflected in our plant choices of ornamental grasses and agaves. A custom constructed swing complements and anchors the play area, without visually invading the overall esthetic of the yard. The swings construction will easily accommodate a hammock as the children get older.  The implantation of bamboo screening hides the new industrial area by blending the space into the surrounding greenbelt. Custom cedar benches provide additional seating and are complimented by large custom metal planters to anchor the space. Removing large areas of struggling grass and replacing it with limestone and black gravel, creates a perfect area for larger groups to mingle.   With distinct areas for children play, adult seating and  "free range socializing" this small space is ready for big parties.