A Backyard Built for Quiet Evenings
Design by
Michael Blazing
At Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals, every outdoor space starts with understanding how homeowners want to use it.
For this project, the goal wasn’t to create a large entertaining area or an oversized backyard patio. The homeowners wanted something more relaxed and personal, a private outdoor retreat where they could unwind and enjoy quiet evenings at home.
Designed Around the Property’s Challenges
Although the finished patio feels seamless, the installation came with a few challenges.
The backyard had steep slopes and limited access, making it difficult to move equipment and materials into the space. The natural grade of the yard also sloped away from the deck, so a retaining wall was needed to create a level patio area.
Instead of making the retaining wall purely functional, our team turned it into one of the project’s standout features.
A Retaining Wall That Defines the Space
To make the patio feel more enclosed and private, the retaining wall was extended into a freestanding architectural feature that incorporates a raised firepit. This design choice helped frame the outdoor living area while adding warmth and structure to the space.
The result is a patio that feels intentionally tucked away while still remaining open enough to enjoy the surrounding landscape.
At the center of the feature is a smokeless Lume firepit insert.
Contemporary Materials with Character
Material selection was critical to achieving the sleek, modern aesthetic the homeowners envisioned. The project features premium products from Techo-Bloc, including Blu 60 pavers along with Raffinato walls and caps.
The color palette was selected to complement the home’s exterior and extend its contemporary architectural style into the landscape design. Clean lines, smooth textures, and large-format materials help create a cohesive transition from indoors to outdoors.
One of the most distinctive elements of the project is the patio paving pattern. Large slab-style pavers were installed in an oversized herringbone layout rotated at a 45-degree angle. While the large-format pavers established a modern feel, the herringbone pattern introduces movement and personality, giving the patio a unique visual without overwhelming the simplicity of the design.
A Space Built Around Lifestyle
What makes this project successful is how well it reflects the homeowners’ lifestyle. Every design decision, from the cozy enclosure of the firepit wall to the contemporary paving pattern, was made to support everyday use rather than large-scale entertaining.
It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful design can transform even challenging space into a highly functional area, creating life’s best moments!
If you’re ready to create a custom outdoor living space tailored to your lifestyle, our team can bring your vision to life!
Designed