Front, Side & Backyard Landscape Design–Build in King

16th Sideroad King

Project Overview

The 16th Sideroad project was a landscape design–build that focused on improving the approach to the home while upgrading front, side, and backyard outdoor spaces. While the property included work on multiple sides of the house, the most visible transformation occurred at the front entry.

The project balanced new construction with selective reuse of existing elements, creating a refined and durable landscape that better reflected the scale and character of the home.

Horvath Landscaping aerial view of a modern backyard with large-format slab patio seating, clean lawn edges, and fresh foundation planting beds around the home.

Site Conditions and Constraints

The property is a large, estate-scale site with mature trees and notable grade changes, particularly at the front approach. Existing side steps and interlocking wall systems were approximately 30 years old and had begun to fail, creating both functional and visual issues.

Key constraints included:

A sloped front approach toward the house
Aging interlocking wall steps that were no longer stable
Mature trees requiring careful excavation
Drainage paths that needed to be redirected away from patios and walkways
Cold-season construction late in the year

Before Pictures

Design Approach

One of the primary goals was to make the front entry feel intentional and inviting. The front door was positioned around the corner from the garage and lacked a clear focal point. To address this, a raised front patio with a fire feature was introduced.

The fire feature created a visual anchor that naturally drew people toward the entry. As guests approached the fire feature, the front door became clearly visible and approachable, improving both wayfinding and presence.

Material choices were guided by the architecture of the home. While the house had a more traditional character, the design introduced clean, straight lines using large-format materials to provide a modern, functional layout without clashing with the existing structure.

Large-format stone was selected to reduce long-term weed growth, simplify maintenance, and create usable, efficient outdoor spaces.

Landscape Design-Build

Construction and Execution

Construction began with preparatory work, including utility locates, gas line installation for the fire feature, irrigation corrections, and installation of sleeves for lighting and future services. This ensured the project could progress smoothly through each stage.

The failing side steps were removed and replaced with large-format, single-piece dove-gray Indian sandstone steps. These provided greater stability and longevity compared to the original interlocking wall system.

A large excavator was required to safely install steps and manage grade changes due to the steep slope at the front of the property. Drainage was carefully directed around the raised patio and front walkway to prevent water from flowing toward the house.

Existing retaining walls and pillars that were still structurally sound were repaired and enhanced rather than replaced. New coping was added to the pillars to improve proportions and visual presence while retaining elements that were functioning properly.

Stonework was completed following base preparation, with planting installed afterward to protect root zones and minimize disturbance.

Final Outcome

Functionally, the landscape now provides a clear, welcoming approach to the home. The front entry reads as intentional and easy to navigate, while side and backyard areas function more reliably with improved drainage and stable steps.

Visually, the new fire feature and raised front patio create a focal point that gives the home a sense of arrival. Straight lines, large-format materials, and restrained planting tie the landscape together while respecting the character of the house.

The result is a cohesive, low-maintenance outdoor environment that supports everyday use and larger gatherings alike.