Wittman Estes has transformed a steep hillside landscape into a lush social garden. Located in Seattle, United States, the Laurelhurst Hillside Garden overlooking Lake Washington is built on a lot with over 40 feet (12 meters) of the grade change.
The main entrance to the house sits over 20 above the street and was cut off from view,creating a challenge for guests as well as the owners. The backyard, with existing mature Japanese maple trees and occasional views to Lake Washingon, rose steeply from the back deck and was not readily accessible from the home. The Roddens asked that their landscape be designed in a way that would allow a more gracious connection between the house and outdoor spaces so they could be outside and enjoy the full extent of their property.
The couple and their two daughters wanted a way to be outdoors and socialize, cook, and relax with friends and family. Wittman Estes imagined a series of interconnected spaces for both the front and back yards, and envisioned a terraced landscape with a variety of open spaces woven into lush plantings. In the front, a new custom mailbox and house number demarcates the entrance and starts at the street to create a more gracious entry for guests to climb the hillside and enjoy the lush plantings and views along the path to the front door. Wide landings paved with custom pre-cast pavers are linked by steel and concrete steps, and bracketed by 3’ tall carbon steel planters with billowing grasses.
— Wittman Estes
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Photographs by Miranda Estes
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