Modern Forest Garden
Set beneath mature conifers, this shady garden had a worn deck with railings that cut it off from the garden. The homeowners saw its potential as their family’s gathering place and wanted a design that would invite use while honoring the surrounding forest.
We designed a floating multi-level deck to add usable outdoor space and created a dedicated fire pit area where their teen boys could hang out on their own. An architectural stairway of offset mild steel risers, gravel, and flagstone echos custom planters embedded into the deck, creating transitions that feel intentional and tactile. A modern, Japanese-inspired planting plant complements the forest edge, giving the garden a clean, contemporary character. The result is a layered, modern garden that feels rooted in its wooded setting while making the entire property more accessible and enjoyable.
Access to the back garden was steep and muddy in the wet months.
The deck too small to function well, nor did it celebrate the surrounding natural space.
Not only do the new steps create a safe easy way to access the back garden, they are now a focal point.
The new floating deck flows with the landscape and creates new spaces to dine and relax.
