![A sunken courtyard with custom hardwood screens, retaining walls, wood benches, and handmade cushions.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/modern-landscaping-garden-patio-design-firepit-021019-1236-01-800x533.jpg)
Photography by Miranda Estes
Wittman Estes Architecture+Landscape has designed a backyard that weaves together a series of new gardens and outdoor living spaces for a young couple’s home.
![A layout for a modern landscaping design that has various seating areas.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/modern-landscaping-garden-patio-design-firepit-021019-1236-02-800x545.jpg)
At the front of the house, a new custom mailbox and house number identifies the entrance.
![Modern curb appeal with concrete retaining walls and a steel mailbox.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/modern-landscaping-stairs-letterbox-021019-1237-03-800x1076.jpg)
Photography by Miranda Estes
Wide landings, paved with custom pre-cast pavers, are linked by steel and concrete steps, and bracketed by 3 foot tall steel planters with billowing grasses.
![A concrete path with weathered steel planters filled with overflowing plants.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/modern-landscaping-weathered-steel-planters-021019-1238-04-800x1200.jpg)
Photography by Miranda Estes
In the backyard, an ipe hardwood deck opens out from the kitchen and dining room, and steps down to the sunken courtyard.
![A Ipe hardwood deck with a pair of lounge chairs.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/modern-landscaping-garden-patio-design-firepit-021019-1236-08-800x533.jpg)
Photography by Miranda Estes
Featuring custom hardwood screens, plate steel retaining walls, ipe wood benches, and handmade cushions by La Fabrique, the courtyard is both intimate and expansive.
![A sunken courtyard with built-in lounges and steel screens.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/modern-landscaping-garden-patio-design-firepit-021019-1236-05-800x1076.jpg)
Photography by Miranda Estes
With a fireplace in the center, the space offers a cozy refuge for small groups of friends to gather.
![A sunken courtyard with a firepit and built-in benches.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/modern-landscaping-garden-patio-design-firepit-021019-1236-06-800x1076.jpg)
Photography by Miranda Estes
Ascending once more from the patio, wood steps rise to an elevated garden with wide views from a relaxing hammock.
![A sunken courtyard is adjacent to a raised garden with steps.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/modern-landscaping-garden-patio-design-firepit-021019-1236-07-800x533.jpg)