Setting the Stage
This landscape transformation project, located in Sylva, NC, in the heart of the Western North Carolina mountains, showcases the beauty and functionality that can be achieved through thoughtful hardscape and softscape design. The homeowners wanted to enhance curb appeal, create a cleaner entrance, and improve parking around their 30+ year-old log home, while keeping the mountainous terrain and local materials in mind. This case study outlines how we successfully merged natural elements with practical solutions to meet the client’s goals.
Client’s Vision and Goals
The client wanted to:
- Replace the existing gravel driveway with pavers to minimize dirt and grit being tracked into their home.
- Address long-standing drainage issues in certain areas of the driveway that caused ruts and made it difficult to maintain.
- Expand their outdoor gathering space, particularly enhancing a side deck with a firepit that was built during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Incorporate a low-maintenance perennial garden for beauty and ease of care, while considering the steep slopes and natural aesthetic of the Western North Carolina landscape.
Challenges Faced
Our team encountered several unique challenges due to the site’s mountainous terrain:
- Soil and drainage issues: Certain areas of the gravel driveway had poor drainage, requiring an innovative approach to resolve constant ruts.
- Steep slopes: Working with the natural topography of the land required careful planning to ensure stability and functionality.
- Budget-conscious design: The client wanted a beautiful result that was still affordable, so we incorporated creative solutions, such as using gravel aprons to complement the pavers and keep costs manageable.
Design and Planning Process
The collaboration between the homeowners, our landscape architect, and the designer was key to the success of this project. The design process involved:
- Custom landscape design: We provided sketches and 3D renderings to help the client visualize the transformation. The design included a mix of pavers and gravel to resolve the driveway’s drainage issues and create a more sustainable entrance.
- Low-maintenance perennial garden: We created a pollinator-friendly perennial garden, designed with aging homeowners in mind, offering beauty without the hassle of high upkeep.
- Client accessibility: Our Residential Construction Manager, Joe Oviedo, ensured the process was seamless, accommodating the client’s travel schedule and keeping them informed every step of the way.
Implementation: Bringing the Design to Life
We used locally sourced materials, including natural stone and native plants, to blend the landscape into the surrounding environment. The project included:
- Pavers and stone steps: These elements improved the aesthetic and functionality of the entrance while enhancing safety.
- Flower beds and a center island: These added color and texture, creating a space that attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds.
- Retaining walls and gravel aprons: These features addressed the drainage and slope challenges, stabilizing the landscape and preventing future issues.
Overcoming Obstacles
During the installation, unexpected weather conditions caused delays. However, our team quickly adapted by rescheduling certain phases and ensuring that the timeline remained on track. The drainage issue proved to be more extensive than originally anticipated, but we were able to overcome this by adding additional gravel beds and adjusting the grade of the driveway.
- Elegant and Durable Pavers for Enhanced Safety: The newly installed pavers and stone steps added a timeless, clean look to the entrance, significantly enhancing both the home’s safety and accessibility. Original decaying wood stairs were replaced with durable stone, creating a welcoming and long-lasting solution. The homeowners were so impressed with the transformation at the main entrance that they decided to upgrade the wooden stairs on their side porch as well, achieving a cohesive, polished look throughout the property.
- Vibrant, low-maintenance garden: The perennial garden turned into a vibrant, wildlife-friendly space that the homeowners can enjoy year-round.
- Increased property value: The entire project not only improved the aesthetics of the home but also boosted the property’s value and curb appeal.
Client Feedback:
“The project turned out much better than we anticipated. We have increased our property value; we love the new front of our home, and it is a pleasure to enjoy our front garden every day. I now have accessible cut flowers year-round.”
This project is an excellent example of how combining natural materials with thoughtful design can create a sustainable and visually appealing landscape in Western North Carolina. Our team addressed site-specific challenges, worked within the client’s budget, and delivered a result that both enhanced the home’s functionality and its beauty.
Inspired by this project?
Contact us today for a consultation to see how we can transform your landscape. Visit our portfolio to explore more landscape projects like this one, or schedule a meeting to discuss your vision.
