After completing extensive interior renovations, the clients turned their attention to the aging and dysfunctional deck and patio of their Providence home. With space at a premium, the project demanded careful coordination of crews, materials, and equipment. The goal was to create a fresh outdoor living environment that respected the historical charm of the home, provided privacy from nearby neighbors, and addressed long-standing water issues.
A massive beech tree, the property’s sentinel, became a central design consideration. Protecting its extensive root system was paramount, so minimally invasive measures were used for nearby patio construction. Equally critical was water management. With the home’s original brick foundation vulnerable to basement flooding, we waterproofed along the foundation and installed an extensive drywell drainage system running the length of the home. All downspouts and sump pump outputs were tied into this underground system, allowing rainwater to recharge the groundwater table rather than run into storm drains. Permeable patio levels further ensured infiltration through joints into the system, eliminating surface runoff and protecting the home.
The design balances functionality with historical authenticity. A streamlined outdoor kitchen was created without the expense of a full custom build. Featuring a dedicated grill cubby, counter space for the clients’ prized pizza oven, and integrated stainless steel drawers for propane, trash, and recycling, the kitchen delivers utility and style. Ingeniously, it also serves as the retaining wall for the raised primary patio level. This elevation provided the opportunity to introduce upright deciduous and evergreen screening, featuring Arnold’s Upright Tulip Trees.
The raised patio, accessed directly from the home’s primary door, now hosts a dining set adjacent to the kitchen. A cozy corner with a gas-powered fire pit and loveseats adds warmth and intimacy. Stepping down in one direction leads to a curvilinear lower patio with a bistro set, reading nook, and trellis for climbing roses beneath the beech canopy. In the other direction, a meandering paver walkway connects to the garage and driveway gate, flanked by curated plantings that balance the home’s façade with the privacy screen.
Material selection pays homage to old-world charm while introducing crisp modern definition. Textured pavers with sleek black borders create clean lines, while herringbone patterns in accent areas provide subtle intricacy at entrances to the home and garage. Plantings along the home soften the hardscape, blending architecture with landscape.
The result is a layered, functional, and historically sensitive outdoor space. It seamlessly integrates water management, privacy, and design elegance while protecting the property’s natural assets. The clients are thrilled with their new backyard, which now offers connectivity, comfort, and charm — a space that complements their renovated home and elevates their daily living.