Landscaping Ideas – A Sunken Courtyard In A Sun Soaked Backyard

October 7, 2019
A sunken courtyard with custom hardwood screens, retaining walls, wood benches, and handmade cushions.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photography by Miranda Estes | Architect: Wittman Estes Architecture+Landscape | Design Team: Matt Wittman  and Jody Estes | Structural Engineer: Josh Welch Builder: Matt Eads, Terrain Build
Landscaping Ideas - This modern garden features steel and wood steps, that are surrounded by billowing grasses.   #LandscapingIdeas #GardenIdeas #OutdoorSteps #OutdoorStairs
Landscaping Ideas - This sunken courtyard features custom hardwood screens, plate steel retaining walls, ipe wood benches, and handmade cushions by La Fabrique. #LandscapingIdeas #GardenIdeas #OutdoorSpace #Courtyard #OutdoorSeating #GardenIdeas
Landscaping Ideas - This sunken courtyard features custom hardwood screens, plate steel retaining walls, ipe wood benches, and handmade cushions by La Fabrique. #LandscapingIdeas #GardenIdeas #OutdoorSpace #Courtyard #OutdoorSeating #GardenIdeas