Summer House Calgary, Alberta, Canada

This house is a brand new build in a new development located next to a nature preserve. The only current landscaping is the front driveway. To provide curb appeal, I proposed some hardy shrubs, grasses, and flowers. A focal point columnar Swedish aspen will mark the front entrance and provide some scale, anchoring the home to the currently barren landscape. Some boulders, including one with address numbers, integrate the landscape into the surrounding natural scape. On either side of the home there are a series of steps to get pedestrians down the relatively steep grade. In the backyard I proposed a fire pit area, a prefab swimming pool spa and deck, a large concrete patio, and two artificial turf areas to provide multiple “fun” zones places to enjoy during the long days offered by Canadian summers. A conglomerate of hardy plants, privacy hedges, and accent trees provide a private and natural oasis and will also sustain the harsh and long Canadian winters. Gray materials like wall block and exposed aggregate concrete were proposed to match the monochromatic home. Brown components like the spa shell, fire pit pavers, and golden toned river rock ground cover bring in a warm accent to contrast the other materials. Due to the property being located on a nature preserve, a black chain link fence encompassing the backyard was proposed to both satisfy the requirement, while being discreet and tasteful as possible.