Backyard Design–Build Project in Newmarket

Stonehaven

Project Overview

The Stonehaven Newmarket project was a full backyard redesign completed on an established residential property. The scope focused on transforming an older outdoor space into a highly distinctive and functional environment centred around gathering, music, water, and outdoor living.

The client gave the design team a high degree of creative freedom, with the goal of creating something visually unique—different from typical backyard projects—while remaining comfortable, usable, and well organized.

Site Conditions and Constraints

Several constraints shaped both the design and construction approach:

Limited machine access to the backyard
Very large and heavy stone elements specified for the project
An existing vinyl swimming pool set at an awkward angle
Wet weather conditions during construction
The need to protect base materials and drainage performance

To allow large materials to be brought in safely, coordination was required with a neighbouring property. The fence was temporarily removed, side access was used, and all affected areas were restored to a better condition than before work began.

Before Pictures

Design Approach

The design balanced contemporary and cottage-inspired elements to accommodate both the client’s preferences and the geometry of the existing pool. Because the pool could not be repositioned, the surrounding layout incorporated subtle curves and organic transitions rather than forcing rigid alignment.

Key design elements included:

Dark-toned feature walls for the outdoor kitchen and water features
A three-part aluminum pergola with motorized louvers and integrated screens
Large-format natural stone used as a primary visual and structural element
Distinct zones for dining, lounging, cooking, and gathering around fire and water

The pergola was designed not only for weather control, but also to safely contain the client’s cat while maintaining openness and flexibility.

Landscape Design-Build

Materials and Detailing

Material selection was central to this project. Extremely large-format natural stone—approximately three inches thick and up to eleven or twelve feet long before cutting—was used throughout the space. These pieces were custom cut, finished, and installed to create a one-of-a-kind result.

Materials used included:

Owen Sound flagstone for large-format surfaces and steps
Onyx stone for feature walls
Large-format porcelain pavers (approximately 40" × 16") in select areas
Custom stone steps and coping designed for long-term durability

All stairs, coping, and transitions were built with precision cutting and finishing to ensure safety, performance, and visual consistency.

Construction and Execution

Construction took approximately a month and a half and required a high level of organization. While much of the work relied on machinery, a significant portion involved hand finishing, precision grinding, and detailed stone cutting.

Wet weather conditions required careful management of excavation and base preparation. Drainage was planned and executed to prevent contamination of base materials, ensuring long-term stability despite challenging site conditions.

The existing pool was retained, and the liner was updated separately. The surrounding landscape was designed to work with the pool’s orientation rather than against it, resulting in a layout that feels intentional and balanced.

Planting and Lighting

Planting was used sparingly and deliberately. The focus of the project was on hardscape, stonework, and outdoor living elements rather than extensive softscape.

Planting included:

A cedar hedge for privacy
A small number of boxwoods and hydrangeas
Preservation of two existing mature cedars

Landscape lighting was installed at both the front and rear of the property to support circulation, highlight key features, and extend usability into the evening.

Final Outcome

Functionally, the backyard now supports multiple distinct uses—dining, lounging, cooking, gathering, and relaxing by water—within a single, cohesive layout. Movement through the space is clear and comfortable, with large, safe steps leading directly from the house.

Visually, the project delivers a highly distinctive outdoor environment defined by scale, material quality, and thoughtful detailing. The result is a backyard that feels personal, intentional, and unlike typical residential landscapes.