Hillside lots are a common challenge in the West. Flat outdoor areas for sitting, entertaining, and relaxing become precious commodities.
To take advantage of the vista and allow for more usable outdoor living space, I devised a three-part plan: build a seat along the original retaining wall, construct a safer floating staircase up the hill, and add a generous deck at the top as a final destination.
The dramatic transformation gives the garden an appealing sense of discovery and maximizes its potential
A low retaining wall along its back edge holds the uphill section in place and is tall enough to double as another bench seat. Unseen support posts, the retaining wall, and joists are all made of pressure-treated wood designed for earth contact. The decking and front and side benches are 18-inch-high, 17-inch-wide benches are supported by posts set on footings that tie to the deck’s joists and perimeter beams.
