Structured boxwood hedges feature barberry, spirea, daffodils and allium layered in front in the spring. Spaded-in lindens further soften and define the front motor court. Photo: Hannah Goering
The rendered site plan. Photo: Hannah Goering
A street view of the property before construction, with the front wall blocking the view of the house and a utility pole where the central drive was planned. Photo: Hannah Goering
A new street view, showcasing the architecturally significant Tudor home. The utility pole was relocated, wall opened, 16-ft.-wide drive centered, and limestone planters placed to accent the home and front entry. Photo: Hannah Goering
In the front motor court, the quatrefoil center detail is repeated from the architecture in old street paver banding. The Indiana limestone stoop features planters to provide seasonal color. Photo: Hannah Goering
The summer view of the south side yard, transitioning from the front motor court to the less-formal back yard. Tall spruces screen views of the neighbor. Layered shrubs complement astilbe plantings. Photo: Hannah Goering
The cut-flower garden feature a red barberry hedge shaped as an elongated quatrefoil. The focal point is a repurposed garden ornament, original to the house. Photo: Hannah Goering
Limestone planters add color to the back pool deck, as transplanted boxwoods define an outdoor room. Photo: Hannah Goering
Seat walls take advantage of the grade change. The Jerusalem limestone pool deck pitches away from the pool, with spacing between the stones and micro-trench drains along the front of the walls. Photo: Hannah Goering
Stairs flanked with limestone planters lead up to the dining terrace. This old street paver area is dual-purpose: It also acts as part of the required driveway to the garage/poolhouse. Photo: Hannah Goering
An in-construction view of the porous-pavement driveway. Photo: Hannah Goering
The north side fire pit and grill, nestled off the family room between the house and drive. While the porous pavement functions as a drive, it is viewed merely as lawn. Photo: Hannah Goering
The back lawn panel covers the underground detention vault. Elm trees between the vault and garden wall offer privacy, while still allowing light for a layered perennial border. Photo: Hannah Goering
A pre-construction view of the back yard. The boxwood hedge was replanted to define the kitchen terrace. The lawn’s bare area was from the storm sewer backing up prior to building the detention vault. Photo: Hannah Goering
The new back pool deck, seating and stairs provide seamless flow. Note the 6-in. step up to the pool deck, preventing the possibility of storm water backup from entering the pool. Photo: Hannah Goering
THE DETAILS: The owner of this 1923 Seyfarth Tudor home had a lengthy list of to-dos at the get-go of his renovation. In the back he requested a swimming pool, pool deck, built-in grill, fire pit, screening of neighbors, focal points and vignettes from inside, cut flower garden, colorful perennial plantings and an open lawn. The village complicated the design some by requiring a less-than-ideal pool placement, limited options for a fire pit and grill (to keep them at least 10 ft. from the house) and the requirement of a functional drive to the garage/pool house. In the front, the owner requested a central drive with parking for three to five cars.
The driveway design was achieved by relocating a utility pole in the parkway, opening a 5.5-ft. wall along the front of the property and reorienting the driveway on center of the front door.
