Modern Landscape Redesign Lets the View Sing

Article by Michelle Heslop. Photos by Jody Beck.

According to this retired couple, it’s never too late to purchase a fixer-upper with great bones — especially when it sits pretty on the crest of a hill overlooking spectacular Gonzales Bay. With Zebra Group at the design helm, a major renovation ushered the dwelling into the twenty-first century. To complement their recently revived interior, the design-savvy owners envisioned a streamlined modern landscape using natural materials and plantings that would keep sight lines to the panoramic views unobstructed. For a complete redesign and build, the homeowners turned to Bianca Bodley of Biophilia Design to breathe new life into their coastal landscape.

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To complete the reno’s dream team, ARYZE Development spearheaded the home’s rebirth that centred on aging in place with a west coast aesthetic that would not only embrace the views but become a contemporary backdrop for their vibrant art collection. “The house has a stunning view of Gonzales Bay looking across to the Olympic mountain range so the home’s natural setting was considered in the design at all times,” says Bodley. In addition to a full plant plan, Bodley’s design included hardscaping in the form of custom aluminum and cedar fencing, aluminum house number signage, driveway, concrete planters, concrete stairs with built-in planters, stone pathways and a lower patio.

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Bodley adds that “the clients accorded us a lot of trust in the direction of the landscape design which is always the most empowering way to start the design process and really allows for freedom to be creative. The clients are art collectors that appreciate bold design moves so I knew which direction I would go with the overall look and feel right away.”

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Architectural concrete, clean lines and textural plants served as the consistent theme in this landscape. For a modern vibe with an organic feel, Bodley blends natural stone, concrete and dashes of vibrant plantings for a welcoming entry. Natural materials work together to link spaces and create points of interest as you travel through the landscape from the front to the back.
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Custom cedar fencing with aluminum posts designed by Biophilia are as low profile as possible to maintain the views without compromising on security and privacy. “I wanted the landscape to be unique and reflect the bold modern aesthetic of the clients. Offset angles in the concrete and hardscaping introduce a somewhat playful element to provide opportunities to pause while the variation in plant material offers character to the entry,” adds Bodley.
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Tiered concrete planters, inset lighting and sleek house numbers soften the steep driveway entry while carefully curated plants pair with natural stone to create texture and appeal in an otherwise utilitarian area. Most of the plants are evergreen, with approximately 30% flowering interest and deciduous to consider seasonal change and sun orientation.
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Host to a significant grade change, the transition from the front of the house to the back was originally home to a daunting set of stairs. Bodley’s goal was to embrace this steep journey and create an organic transition with natural materials and textured plantings. To elevate the stairs from purely practical to productive, tiered concrete planters in the sunniest aspect of the garden became the best location for edibles. Inspired by a Mediterranean plant palette, the garden was designed to attract bees and offer year round interest.
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The private lower patio is accessed by cut flagstone in a rectilinear modern shape and install pattern. The plants in this area were hand selected to be evergreen, low maintenance and low profile to keep the view unobstructed. For maximal impact, massings of hardy Hebe shrubs and New Zealand Flax accompany plants in various shades of green, subtle blues and pops of colour to create a cohesive colour palette to blend with the existing mature landscape.