The Urban Retreat

Small Space, Big Impact in a Smart City Backyard

Project Type: Existing Landscape Renovation
Client Goal: Transform a compact, underused yard into a fully functional and stylish outdoor living space with year-round usability and sustainable drainage

The Vision

In a compact urban setting, the client dreamed of turning their underutilized backyard into a welcoming, low-maintenance retreat. The challenge? Minimal access, no room for material storage, and a tight footprint that demanded both creativity and precision. The goal was to create an adaptable space for relaxing, entertaining, and everyday functionality — all while managing water flow away from the home.

Our Approach

Working within tight site constraints, we carefully planned every phase of this build to deliver a seamless, integrated outdoor living space that feels much larger than it is. Here's what we created:

Key elements include:

Permeable hardscaping throughout - Walkways and patio areas were built with permeable materials to reduce runoff, meet sustainability goals, and ensure efficient stormwater drainage.
Retaining walls, integrated steps & rolling access - We leveled the yard with low-profile retaining walls and added custom steps while maintaining smooth, accessible transitions - a crucial element for the homeowner.
Multi-use patio & seating areas - Clever zoning allowed for dining, lounging, and circulation without crowding the space - balancing form and function in a small footprint.
Built-in storage solutions - We incorporated slimline sheds and utility storage into the design to maximize functionality without disrupting the visual flow.
Landscape lighting - Discreet, energy-efficient lighting makes the space usable after dark and highlights key features and plantings with a soft, modern glow.
Softscaping & planting - Carefully selected greenery softens the edges of the hardscape, adds seasonal texture, and brings a sense of nature to this private urban hideaway.

Project Challenges

This project was a masterclass in tight-access planning. With no staging area for materials and narrow working conditions, every delivery and task had to be carefully sequenced. Our team worked with efficiency and accuracy to ensure that nothing was out of place and no time was wasted - even bringing in materials by the truckload to accommodate limited access.

The Result

The result is a smart, highly functional outdoor space that feels open and inviting - without sacrificing style or sustainability. The homeowner now enjoys a private, easy-to-maintain retreat that fits seamlessly into their urban lifestyle and offers lasting value for years to come.

Client Testimonial

“We’re beyond impressed with the transformation of our small backyard. The space now feels so much bigger and more functional. Our biggest worry was keeping the water away from the house and they not only did that but gave us a beautiful backyard on top of it. We truly appreciate the effort and craftsmanship that went into every detail.”
- Homeowner, The Urban Retreat

Design Plan

Completed Project Gallery

Turn Your Small Space Into Something Special

Whether your yard is big, small, or somewhere in between — we’ll help you make the most of it. Let’s talk about what’s possible.