This 2021 project in Ann Arbor carved a charming European garden out of a beautifully wooded enclave near the Huron River valley. Throughout, carefully chosen textures enhance the feeling of rustic elegance. An image provided by the client directly inspired the tree-lined driveway that leads to a sandblasted concrete motor court. The court is bordered by reclaimed natural granite cobblestones imported from Belgium, and low garden walls, paths of neat bluestone, and layered plantings highlighted by colorful perennials enhance its formal elegance.
Category
Private
Location
Ann Arbor, MI
Year
2021
Photographer
John Carlson
Behind the house, a modern garden with nods to classic European style sits against the backdrop of the picturesque woods. Textures and aromas of both new and existing plants delight the senses while large specimen boxwoods and mossy boulders anchor the space. Young vibrant trees frame walking paths while echoing the nearby forest’s edge. The multi-function terrace uses a variety of materials and finishing techniques to create an immersive outdoor living space. The largest patio hosts a dining table and lounge area, and its natural concrete with sandblasted finish is surrounded with irregular bluestone steppers to create an earthy feel with clean functionality.
The intimate fireplace conversation area features a reclaimed stone plinth fire table as its rustic focal point. Crushed stone fills overflow seating areas and adds sensory interest with every footstep, and a bush-hammered reclaimed stone bubbler fountain floods the space with soft sound. A path of solid slab bluestone leads to the lawn and offers an unobstructed view from house to forest. Connecting these outdoor rooms is a path of steppers with planted Scottish moss joints. The hand-selected bluestone was cut and rock-edged on site, adding authentic old-world craftsman detail to this unique space. A retaining wall and raised lawn both visually distinguish the living space from the forest and enhance the sense of peaceful seclusion. For this landscape design, thoughtful details add depth to elegant forms and create a truly immersive and versatile outdoor oasis.
