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A few years ago, a family came to us with a unique challenge: they loved their home that is nestled against a lush ravine, but their backyard was defined by a failing timber retaining wall and no privacy from their neighbours. It was not only limiting their usable space, it had become a safety concern. They envisioned something modern, functional, and beautiful. We saw an opportunity to create a private retreat that would feel like it highlighted the ravine backdrop while meeting the modern design the clients wanted.
The first challenge we had to find a solution for on this property was elevation. With a basement walkout into the backyard, we wanted to make sure the property still had a cohesive flow, and used the space to full effect. The existing retaining wall had to go, as it was an aging timber lined wall. In its place, we needed something strong, striking, and enduring, something that would frame the new patio while creating a seamless transition between house and landscape. We chose to make the retaining wall a feature, not try to work around it. By working with our designers and an engineering firm, we were able to create a stunning corten steel retaining wall, which gave us a material and colour pallete to use throughout the property.
"My favourite aspect of this project is that it is a elvolving space - The corten steel is still weathering, and the space feels different at different points of the day and year"
- Devon, Landscape Architect
Corten steel became the heart of the design. Its weathered patina and structural integrity made it the ideal choice. The new five-foot retaining wall now anchors the lower patio, extending the indoor living space outward with a cohesive, modern edge. It’s more than a solution, it’s a feature in its own right.
With the patio in place, we turned to privacy. Matching corten steel screens were introduced, not just as barriers, but as sculptural elements. Their curved silhouettes play beautifully against the angular forms of the space. To add warmth, we integrated pressure-treated wood louvers that soften the view and offer visual rhythm.
To welcome guests and guide them into the space, we created a new pathway lined with custom corten planters. Each planter cradles a stately beech tree, their reddish foliage echoing the steel’s warm tones and the home’s modern grey palette. What was once a simple side yard is now a composed and intentional approach, setting the tone for the backyard beyond.
The Quarry Project blends thoughtful design with technical precision. What began as a backyard hazard is now a private, modern haven, durable, refined, and intimately connected to the natural surroundings. It’s a space built not just for today, but for years of connection and quiet enjoyment.
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