Plateau Residence
Issaquah
Precise. Traditional. Functional.

The challenge: A swimming pool was scheduled for installation at this new-construction home, which featured little else in the way of landscaping. The client wanted to add privacy as well as safety to the swimming pool area and a functional and pretty landscape. Given that the pool was about to be installed, we needed to develop a complete design for the property in record time. Adding to the challenge: a lot with a steep slope to the rear of back yard (about 60’ by 35’), which abutted a Native Growth Protection easement. In addition, a backup generator (for the high tech wired home) was a visible box next to the pool.

The Johnson Associates solution: For this family with five, we designed a functional landscape that would endure the activities of three small children. We created a separate play area for the children that covered one side of the back and side yards. Next to the pool we built a patio for the adults that included an arbor cut and shaped to match the patio’s curve. The arbor provides a shaded sitting area where the pool can be viewed and small swimmers can be supervised. We then added fencing around the pool as well as lighting for night-time enjoyment, irrigation, and privacy screening.

An extensive system of perforated drains in the lawn area was installed followed by the addition of virgin soil. The garden beds encompassing the back yard were planted with traditional Northwest plant materials and low-maintenance grasses. A green carpet of sod lawn offered a soft mat for little feet.

We planted the hillside with erosion control plant material and then added a gravel back-fill staircase to allow for access to the gate that leads to the Native Growth Protection area.

These Outdoor Rooms now provide a place for swimming, dining, entertaining, and safe play for children.