Bluestone
CREDIT
ARCHITECTURE
BUILDING
LANDSCAPING
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMPLETED
TYPE
Place Architecture:Design
Greenleaf Construction
Andreas Groethe at New World Gardens
Tom Holdsworth Photography
2019
Single-Family Residence
This outdoor oasis is the perfect place to relax and decompress. Positioned between the driveway and main house, the space acts as a quiet threshold, softening the transition from arrival to interior life. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding topography, the layout follows the natural contours of the site, allowing the landscape to guide both movement and experience.
Concrete walls partially enclose the bluestone terrace, providing a sense of shelter while maintaining openness to light and air. Horizontal cedar slats define zones within the space, carving out areas for an outdoor shower and layered privacy screens while still allowing filtered views and ventilation. The material palette balances the cool permanence of concrete with the warmth, tactility of wood.
Sustainability was a central priority throughout the design and construction process. Natural, durable materials were selected for longevity and minimal maintenance and a careful grading strategy minimized site disruption by balancing cut and fill. Permeable surfaces and subtle drainage solutions were incorporated to manage runoff responsibly, while native plantings reinforce the connection to the surrounding environment and support local ecology.
The result is a calm, immersive environment that feels both grounded and refined. It’s an extension of the home that invites daily rituals of rest, reflection and connection to the outdoors.