Set the levels
Plan drainage, steps, and the sunken lounge together before any finished paving.
02 / Entertain + unwind
Terraced Afterglow
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This is the most architectural direction. Small, deliberate level changes create a sequence of outdoor rooms without making the yard feel chopped up—and turn the back fence into a genuine destination.
From possibility to a plan
Build it in chapters.
Resolve the levels first. The rest of the design can follow the architecture in sensible stages.
Build the social spine
Add the dining terrace and a practical cooking counter, preserving space for both grills.
Layer in the atmosphere
Finish the pergola, planting pockets, and warm lighting along each change in level.
Worth protecting
Comfortable transitions and an unobstructed route between cooking, dining, and the fire.
Where to simplify
Start with a straightforward grill station; leave custom cabinetry and roof upgrades for later.
The details that make this direction
Sunken fire lounge
A two-step descent creates intimacy and built-in seat-wall opportunities.
Kitchen spine
A long counter keeps prep, serving, and bar seating in one efficient zone.
Slatted pergola
Warm timber overhead adds shade, scale, and a place for integrated light.
Garden pockets
Dense planting tucks into every transition so the hardscape never feels stark.
The material palette.
Cedar
Sandstone
Juniper
Ember