Temescal Back Yard

Temescal Back Yard

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Project Summary

This project is the first of four projects Martin and Sara hired us to do for their Craftsman house in the Temescal District of Oakland.  This project was a complete redo of their entire back yard.  We started by removing an 8" thick concrete pad that covered their entire back yard, a eucalyptus tree and a chain link fence.

We then brought in gas, water and electricity from the house for a new 198 sq. ft. Craftsman studio to match the house and for the new hot tub and outdoor shower.  The outdoor shower drains to a bioswale and has a flagstone pedestal floor, with a tile wall and an on-demand hot water heater.

Two decks were constructed, connected with a dock, both of which have composite decking, redwood railings and beautiful low-voltage LED lighting for the dock, steps and an uplight on their mature maple tree.

To create access and a place to have a large table, we installed a flagstone patio under an existing pergola and added pathways to the studio, hot tub and side of house.

Finally, we amended the soil and planted drought tolerant, mostly native, plants, along with a full water-smart irrigation system.  Low-voltage LED path, patio and pergola downlights are installed throughout on a remote, light-smart system.