A Tiered Backyard Accommodates All Levels of Lounging
Green-thumbed architect Paul Raff cultivates a spacious urban garden in Glen Park
The Brief: Craving a closer relationship between home and garden, the owners of this property enlisted the expertise of Paul Raff Studio Architects to bring their vision to life. Central to the project was a new rear addition, conceived as a long box with a stunning wall of glass that folds away come warm summer days, inviting the outdoors in. While this open connection beautifully sets up a smooth flow between indoors and out, it was up to the patio to carry that idea forward and enhance the overall experience of the space. Specifically, Raff was asked to thoughtfully define outdoor spaces that cater to spirited entertaining and provide areas for secluded relaxation – all while ensuring the new kitchen’s picturesque view of the back flower beds remained uninterrupted.
Family and friends enjoy the inviting backyard patio, where cascading levels enhance outdoor entertaining and relaxation.
The Solution: Cascading levels clad in distinct materials deliver different amounts of patio privacy. The upper deck, with its six-seater table and open-air kitchen, is dedicated to private dining, making it an ideal spot for intimate gatherings. Sheltered by a motorized canopy and screened from the neighbours by a bench partition of the same charcoal-stained Douglas fir as the rear addition, it acts as a seamless extension of the house. Below, the cascading levels of the patio transition gracefully to a few steps down, where an open Eramosa limestone terrace – accented with strips of grass that reach out to the garden beyond – is complete with a bonfire pit for midnight s’mores, providing a perfect setting for both spirited entertaining and secluded relaxation.
Sources: Folding doors and awning from Door Studio; dining table and lounge chairs from Avenue Road; Paloform fire pit, fireside seats from Augustus Jones.
