TRANQUIL ESCAPE
This Hershey, Pennsylvania backyard proves that even the most challenging spaces can become extraordinary outdoor retreats.
A complete backyard transformation
BUILT FOR GATHERING
KEY FEATURES:
Pool & Spa | Stainless Steel Fire Pit | Outdoor Kitchen & Bar | Recessed Dining Area | Paver Patio | Retaining Walls | Underground Drainage System | Outdoor Lighting | Privacy Landscaping
CHALLENGES
A small triangular lot, strict stormwater regulations, and grades sloping toward the foundation created a complex starting point. The clients envisioned it all: pool, spa, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, and dining area, while gaining privacy from neighbors on three sides. Every square foot needed to earn its place.
THE PLAN
The vision was clear: a modern outdoor space that felt like a natural extension of the home's recently renovated interior. Angular patio lines would maximize usable space within tight setbacks. A recessed dining area would turn the slope into an advantage. And every material, from pavers to countertops, would be selected to echo the industrial finishes found inside.
THE RESULTS
An outdated deck and overgrown brush gave way to a backyard designed for connection.
Drainage came first. By setting the dining area at the home's first-floor level and raising the pool on a step and retaining wall, water now flows away from the structure. Underground pipes capture patio runoff and direct it to a basin, keeping the project compliant with local stormwater codes.
Precision defined the hardscape. Long, clean bond lines and angular corners demanded meticulous attention to keep every edge perfectly true.
The spa's block walls were custom cut to embrace the pre-manufactured shape, finished with a stainless steel spillway that replaced standard plastic for a refined look.
Craftsmanship carries through every detail. A smokeless stainless steel firepit insert ensures lasting enjoyment without rust. Hand-selected soapstone counters on the outdoor kitchen and bar echo the interior finishes. Stainless steel appliances extend the home's industrial character outside.
As evening falls, landscape lighting reveals the texture of every surface. Privacy plantings enclose the space in quiet seclusion. What was once a yard that didn’t meet the family’s needs is now where they spend their best moments.
