In the Shade

Tucked into a quiet residential street, this East Vancouver property was reimagined as a layered outdoor retreat that blurs the line between architecture and landscape. The homeowners wanted an inviting, low-maintenance space that extended their interior living area outdoors while maintaining privacy and structure.

We designed a modern garden that balances clean geometry with lush planting. A custom steel-and-timber pergola anchors the space, filtering light and framing the view toward the home. Sliding glass doors open directly onto a paved terrace furnished for year-round use. Raised corten and concrete planters introduce subtle height variation and create pockets for Mediterranean herbs, ornamental grasses, and small trees that soften the architectural edges. Strategic lighting highlights the structural framework, while understated plantings evolve beautifully through the seasons.

Every material was chosen for its ability to age gracefully and require minimal intervention. The result is an urban oasis that feels both contemporary and enduring: a refined space for gathering, contemplation, and connection to the outdoors.