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White Birch Project
Location: Cedar Lake. Traverse City, MI.
Phew. This beauty is one for the books...
We were intially reached out for inquiry on a designed putting green and landscaping right on Cedar Lake, in Traverse City, Michigan. With it being only their second year of owning the home they were catching up on interior renovations and were starting to think more about their outside space. The husband envisioned himself taking his breaks outside of his office and stepping into his own sanctuary for some peace throughout his day. The putting green would be right outside of his home office and he'd have a nice little space to enjoy some fresh air and practice before heading out to the golf course! The wife was looking for a bit of landscaping on the steps since they definitely needed some love. She envisioned some natural landscaping design with wild flowers and grasses.
We scheduled the onsite consultation and realized the opportunities with a blank canvas like this one. What started as a putting green and landscaping design quickly turned into a full exterior home renovation!
Before
We first started off with a full 3D design to physically show our clients our vision and the potential the outside of their home had. We ended up going from a putting green to a full exterior home renovation! We first began by solving problems the homeowners had.Every project comes with a plan and the first step was beginning back to front to ensure a beautiful masterpiece with only a one entry-way backyard.
Full 3D Design of property..
Step one was beautifying their lake entry way and extending it out further/getting it cleaned out. What started as a lake entry way for them to simply hop in and out of their boat, quickly transformed into their own beautiful private beach oasis. We added two step entry ways on either side, natural boulder retaining walls to help with the longevity of the beach area, and filled the space in with beach sand.
The next task to overcome was the water issues that caused puddling that prevented grass from growing in their backyard. Ofcourse, the tons of (gorgeous) birch trees shading their backyard didn't help but keeping as much original natural elements to the space was crucial. Regardless, we were determined to make it happen. We first started by installing french drainage, properly connecting gutters and leading the water to an appropriate area and properly leveled the entire backyard and used TONS (literally) of drainage stone to allow for proper drainage. We created a wonderful environment for their gorgeous grass to finally absolutely flourish!
Before
Some Love..
There was also constant soil erosion on their only access way to their backyard, which was approximately a 50 ft drop. During the rainy season this hill would quickly become a mound of mud and dragged all of that down hill to their backyard. They wanted an ATV driveway that could easily get them down but wouldn't have to be remaintained (like a gravel driveway) each year and looked appealing to the eye... We designed a unique driveway with tons of draining stone, boulder retaining walls, and Techobloc's aqaustorm paver that was created for spaces much like this. Spaces that require anti-flooding and would suit the natural aesthetic they have going on. We added grass detailing inbetween to bring a pop of color to the space.
Before
Some Love...
We replaced fallen down boulder retaining walls around the property, and readjusted eroding large natural stone steps.
We moved and redesigned a practical fire pit space, inbetween a circle of trees in their backyard, and designed the putting green with an extended turf space for his wife to workout outside while the husband is practicing, to create a beautiful space for them to bond. They're both very active and fit individuals and their home gym was conveniently right across from his office. An outside workout/yoga area was the perfect addition!
Before
Some Nuñez Magic Dust...
The wife is very much a gardener and loves wild flowers so we created a beautiful space for her to garden. Our team designed and built gorgeous matte black wooden raised beds with installed irrigation for watering convenience. A lighted custom metal arch with climbing hydrangeas draws the eye to these gorgeous garden beds.
Originally, the steps leading to the backyard were bare and erroding, but with a little bit of love the steps transformed into the flourishing flower walkway of her dreams. She now has a space for her to plant and have freshly cut wild flowers for her home whenever she likes!
Before
Landscaping, Retaining, Lighting
Every inch of the home was landscape designed with boxwoods, hydrangeas, wild flowers, decorative grasses, weeping cherries, japanese maples and an array of gorgeous plants. From the front of the home to the backyard.. Every inch was beautified.
All of this work was brought to life at night with some outdoor lighting design, for the cherry ontop! Now this space will not only be enjoyed during a full gorgeous summer day, but now also once the sun sets they can keep the party going!
What began as a putting green and landscaping... fully flourished into a fully designed space for their family to enjoy and make memories together for years to come. That's all we could ever wish for our clients!!
This project is truly an artists dream come true.
The Transformation
When you're ready to begin your custom outdoor living design... Nuñez will be here to guide you every step of the way.
Curious on our process?
Click below