Creating Space in the Great Outdoors
Especially in a place as beautiful as Minnesota, you don’t have to go far to get outdoors and away from it all. So when this Woodbury family decided to create an outdoor oasis where they could spend time with their three kids after a hectic day of work and school, they called Ispiri to renovate their existing yard into a getaway.
To start, a pool was added to the backyard, which created the inspiration for how the rest of the space would be laid out. Many of the sight lines from around the yard focus on the pool, including a covered veranda and separate firepit. The veranda features a lounge area with armchairs, a sofa and coffee table for intimate gatherings or as a shady spot to hide from the sun during summertime dips in the pool. The firepit, located on a raised patio just off a rustic stone staircase creates a serene environment for the family to relax and roast s’mores.
A covered kitchenette and grill were added to the patio with plenty of space to relax. This area is able to do double duty, comfortably fitting a large party of people during gatherings, but intimate enough for a cozy night with the family. While the sight lines throughout the yard focus on the pool, this more enclosed space allows for focused conversations, even while the host is busy preparing meals and using the grill.
Of course, with any project comes challenges. For this Woodbury home, we needed to think outside the box to incorporate Homeowners Association rules and approval from neighbors. The original idea was tweaked to overcome issues with where pool equipment needed to be located. In the end, the solution was to create a custom-made fence panel and screen to house pool equipment out of sight while blending in with the design.
Ispiri was not only able to make their dream backyard a reality, but we also helped provide them with an environment that would allow them to entertain and host family and friends without having to travel. Taking into consideration all of the seasons Minnesota enjoys throughout the year, the family is now able to use their backyard as an extension of their home, providing space to enjoy each other’s company.
Backyard Features
- Stain-finished ceiling in the pool pavilion is surrounded by lights
- Stain-finished cedar under the stairs covers otherwise unsightly views
- Kitchen island included with grill and countertop for entertaining
- Elevated firepit provides ample views
- A stone retaining wall pushed back the grade, providing more space
